General

What does ‘freely programmable’ mean?

Freely programmable means that the control strategy is not limited to a number of pre-defined functions from a single manufacturer.

Tailored to the building

The programming can be adapted to the technical installations, the architecture, the usage, and the specific requirements of the building.

For example, Fixsus can determine how heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and sun protection should work together under various conditions.

Adaptable in the long term

When the needs of the building change, the programming can be adjusted without necessarily having to replace all the hardware.

This is relevant, for instance, in the event of a modified room layout, new operating hours, additional technologies, or different comfort and energy objectives.

Operation without programming

Daily settings, such as schedules, setpoints, and certain control parameters, can be made accessible via the visualization. The user does not need to modify any PLC code for this.

Management by qualified parties

Freely programmable does not mean that every user must be able to program the entire installation themselves. The underlying control technology is managed in a controlled manner by parties with the necessary knowledge of PLC programming, building technologies, and the communication protocols used.

What does a typical project with Fixsus look like?

A project begins with an analysis of the building, the existing or planned technologies, and the client’s expectations.

Concept support

In the early project phase, Fixsus collaborates with the building owner, operator, and the engineering firm. During this stage, it is determined which technologies will be integrated, which control strategies are required, and how the system will be structured.

Scope of work

Prior to execution, it is clearly established who supplies and implements which components. The scope of work describes the responsibilities of Fixsus, the installer, and other involved parties.

Engineering and execution

This is followed by the design of schematics, cabinet construction, cabling, programming, and the integration of the various technologies. Fixsus coordinates these activities with the relevant installers and technical partners.

Commissioning

During startup, the inputs and outputs are tested point by point, the control loops are tuned, and the safety functions are verified.

Handover and follow-up

After handover, users are trained and the operational phase begins. Fixsus can then continue to monitor, maintain, optimize, and expand the installation.

What does Fixsus mean by an ‘open concept’?

By an open concept, Fixsus means that an installation is not made dependent on a single closed brand, product family, or communication environment.

Open at different levels

The openness is not only found in the communication protocols. The hardware, programming, visualization, and data are also structured in such a way that the client is not unnecessarily tied to a single supplier.

TIBA3 utilizes open and widely used protocols, such as Modbus, BACnet, KNX, DALI-2, and M-Bus. This allows devices and technical installations from different manufacturers to be integrated within a single system.

Freedom in product choice

The client can choose the most suitable product for each application and is not obliged to purchase all components within a single brand or product family.

This also ensures that future replacements and expansions remain more manageable.

Access to the installation

The installation is not intentionally locked down technically. Hardware, project information, and interfaces are managed so that a technically qualified party can maintain or expand the installation at a later date.

Technical conditions

Openness does not mean that every device can automatically communicate with every other system. A connection must be technically possible and sufficiently documented.

What is a building management system (BMS)?

A building management system, abbreviated as BMS, is a digital system used to centrally control, monitor, and manage a building’s technical installations.

Central monitoring

A BMS can integrate heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, sun blinds, energy metering, and access control, among other things. This provides the manager with a single central overview of the building’s operation and allows them to consult settings, schedules, alarms, and measurement data.

Interoperability between technologies

A high-quality building management system does more than just display technical information. It allows different installations to exchange information and interact with one another. As a result, the building operates more comfortably, energy-efficiently, and effectively than when each technology is controlled individually.

What is the ‘scope of work’ and why is it important?

The scope of work is the document in which it is determined in advance which party is responsible for each part of the project.

Clear division of tasks

For each component, it is determined what will be delivered or executed by Fixsus, what falls under the responsibility of the installer, and which tasks lie with other involved parties.

This may include:

• delivery and assembly of components;
• cabinet construction;
• cabling;
• connection of field devices;
• programming;
• commissioning;
• testing and delivery.

Prepared together before execution

Fixsus prepares the scope of work together with the involved parties before the work commences. This allows technical interfaces to be discussed and coordinated in a timely manner.

Fewer discussions and missing scope

A clear scope of work prevents components from being provided twice or from no one taking responsibility for them. It limits discussions during execution and clarifies who should handle questions, changes, or problems.

Basis for planning and quotation

The agreements also form an important basis for planning, price structure, and the follow-up of contract variations.

What is the difference between a classic BMS and TIBA3?

In many classic building management systems, intelligence is distributed across multiple regulators, controllers, and subsystems. Each component contains its own project-specific logic and is often managed using brand-specific software and tools.

Central project-specific logic

With TIBA3, project-specific intelligence is organized centrally as much as possible on a single industrial Beckhoff PLC. Consequently, the I/O islands and field devices in the building do not contain separate project-specific programming.

A single environment for management and diagnostics

Because the logic is centralized, there is one single location where the installation is programmed, managed, tested, and analyzed. This makes the operation clearer and simplifies diagnostics, maintenance, and future adjustments.

Easier to replace components

Field components and I/O modules are less dependent on local configurations or brand-specific software. As a result, defective parts can often be replaced more easily, while the control strategy remains preserved centrally.

Collaboration between technologies

Because all technologies work together within the same central logic, TIBA3 can make decisions based on information from multiple installations simultaneously. For example, occupancy, temperature, air quality, energy consumption, and operating hours can be used collectively to control heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and sun protection.

The difference, therefore, lies not only in the visualization but primarily in the architecture: TIBA3 centralizes project-specific intelligence and allows building technologies to work together as a single cohesive unit.

What is the difference between BMS, BACS, and GACS?

BMS (GBS) is the general Dutch term for a building management system. It usually refers to a system used to centrally visualize, control, and manage technical building installations.

BACS

BACS stands for Building Automation and Control System. This English term is used in European regulations and international technical contexts.

GACS

In the Netherlands, the abbreviation GACS is commonly used. GACS stands for building automation and control system and is substantively the Dutch name for a BACS.

The substantive difference

With a BACS or GACS, the emphasis is not only on visualization and operation, but also on automatic control, energy monitoring, analysis, optimization, and communication between different building technologies.

In practice, BMS, BACS, and GACS can refer to a similar installation. However, not every system described as a BMS automatically possesses all the functions expected of a BACS or GACS according to the applicable regulations.

What is TIBA3?

TIBA3 stands for Total Integrated Building Automation and is the building management platform from Fixsus. It brings together central control, visualization, and control algorithms for comfort and energy into one integrated environment.

One building, one system

Within TIBA3, heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, sun blinds, access control, energy measurement, and other technologies can exchange information and be coordinated with each other. This approach is summarized in the principle “One building, One system”.

Central intelligence

The project-specific logic is organized centrally based on industrial Beckhoff PLC technology. As a result, intelligence does not need to be distributed across separate controllers and field components.

Web-based visualization

The visualization is built in HTML5 and works via a modern web browser on a PC, tablet, or smartphone. This allows users to monitor and operate the installation without a separate application.

What makes Fixsus different from traditional BMS providers?

Fixsus distinguishes itself through a combination of a unique customer approach, open technology, direct service, and a lower total cost over the installation’s entire lifespan.

The operator is central

In traditional projects, the building management system is often primarily evaluated during design and implementation. Fixsus starts from the perspective of the party that must manage and operate the building for years to come.

Therefore, the focus is not only on the initial investment, but also on ease of use, maintainability, energy performance, scalability, and long-term service.

Open and industrial technology

TIBA3 is built around open, industrial PLC technology. Hardware, communication, data, and programming are intentionally organized so that the customer does not become dependent on a single closed brand or exclusive supplier.

Direct service and in-house expertise

Design, programming, commissioning, and service are all handled within Fixsus. As a result, technical knowledge remains concentrated within a single organization, and the customer can rely directly on the specialists who know the system.

Lower total cost over the lifespan

The open architecture, long lifespan, replaceable components, and absence of mandatory periodic platform upgrades help to limit the total cost of ownership.

The difference, therefore, lies not only in the technology used, but in the entire approach: from concept and implementation to operation, support, and further expansion.

Which types of buildings is TIBA3 suitable for?

TIBA3 has been developed for professional buildings where multiple technical installations must be centrally controlled and monitored.

Broadly applicable

Fixsus works for cities and municipalities, government buildings, service companies, financial institutions, healthcare facilities, hotels, schools, industrial buildings, and real estate projects, among others.

From a single building to multiple sites

TIBA3 can be applied in a single building, but also across an entire building portfolio. Multiple sites can be monitored centrally, while each building retains its own techniques, settings, and visualization.

Scalable according to needs

The solution is always tailored to the scale of the project, the existing installations, the use of the building, and the needs of the manager and users.

Who is Fixsus?

Fixsus is a Belgian company that has specialized in building automation based on open, industrial PLC technology since 2009.

Experience and scale

With a team of 32 employees, Fixsus currently manages more than 500 buildings across various sectors.

Comprehensive in-house approach

Fixsus is responsible for design, programming, commissioning, and service. As a result, knowledge, responsibility, and follow-up remain consolidated within a single organization.

Focus on open building management

With TIBA3, Fixsus deliberately chooses central intelligence, open technology, and a long installation lifespan. The goal is to make buildings easier to manage, more energy-efficient, and to make clients less dependent on closed systems and suppliers.