Retrofit

Am I required to replace my outdated BMS due to the new regulations?

Not automatically — however, in practice, the new regulations are a common catalyst for modernization.

When an upgrade becomes necessary

If your building falls under the BACS obligation and the existing system cannot handle the required functions (monitoring, analysis, benchmarking), an upgrade or retrofit is necessary.

Retrofitting as a solution

A phased retrofit ensures the building complies with the obligations while retaining usable parts of the installation. Please have the specific obligations for your building verified by your engineering firm.

Can a retrofit be carried out in phases?

Yes. An existing installation does not always have to be completely replaced at once. Fixsus can divide a retrofit into logical phases, tailored to the technical condition, the available budget, and the operation of the building.

Starting with the highest priorities

The first phase can, for example, focus on:

• installations with the most frequent malfunctions;
• technologies with the highest energy consumption;
• zones with comfort issues;
• outdated controls that are no longer supported;
• components that pose a risk to operational reliability.

Retaining existing components

Sensors, valves, motors, meters, cabling, and other usable components can be retained and integrated wherever possible. Only what is technically insufficient, defective, or cannot be linked needs to be replaced.

One future-oriented final concept

Although the implementation takes place in phases, an overarching architecture is determined in advance. This ensures that later expansions connect to the same central control, communication principles, and visualization.

Temporary collaboration between old and new

During the transition, existing subsystems can temporarily continue to function alongside TIBA3. Available data and main commands can already be brought together centrally where possible.

Spreading investment and disruption

A phased approach makes it possible to spread investments over several budget years and to coordinate work with renovations, vacancy, or planned maintenance moments.

Can a retrofit be carried out while the building remains in use?

Yes. Many retrofit projects are carried out in buildings that must remain operational. The approach is therefore tailored to the building’s operations and critical technical functions.

Phased implementation

The work is divided in advance into manageable phases, for example per floor, zone, technical installation, or building wing.

Limited interruption

Switchovers are planned for times when disruption is minimized. Where necessary, the existing and new systems continue to function side-by-side temporarily.

Coordination with involved parties

Fixsus coordinates the phasing with the client, operator, installers, and other technical partners. This ensures it is clear in advance when certain installations will be temporarily unavailable and what measures are required to maintain business operations.

Project-specific feasibility

The precise approach depends on the existing installation, the criticality of the technologies involved, and the use of the building. Critical applications generally require more rigorous preparation and potentially additional temporary facilities.

Can a retrofit involve only a single technology?

Yes. You can, for example, start with the boiler room or the air handling units and expand later.

Start small, grow organically

Room control, lighting, or energy metering can be added later. Because everything is integrated into the same platform, the system grows organically along with your planning and budget.

One platform as the ultimate goal

Each step brings you closer to a single integrated system for the entire building — without ever being required to tackle everything at once.

Can a TIBA3 installation be expanded later?

Yes. TIBA3 is modularly structured and can grow along with the building.

New zones and technologies

New floors, rooms, installations, or technologies can be added to the system later without having to replace the entire existing solution.

Changing use

Changes in the use of a building can also be accommodated. When rooms are given a different function or installations are renewed, the control and visualization can be adjusted accordingly.

Phased expansion

Expansions can be carried out step-by-step. This allows a building to start with a limited scope and be further expanded later with additional technologies, measuring points, or zones.

Future-oriented design

During the design process, Fixsus therefore considers not only the current situation but also possible future expansions and changes in the building.

Can an older Fixsus installation also be secured according to these principles?

The full TIBA Secure functionality, including automatic and NIS2 updates, applies to TIBA3 installations from January 1, 2025.

Assessed on a case-by-case basis

For older installations, Fixsus evaluates which security measures and upgrades are possible on a case-by-case basis.

Often a catalyst for retrofitting

In practice, stricter security requirements often provide a good reason for a retrofit—phased if desired—to the current platform, making the full security layer available.

Can Beckhoff communicate with systems from other manufacturers?

Yes. Beckhoff forms the central automation layer within TIBA3, but the connected field devices do not have to be from Beckhoff.

Open communication protocols

Through protocols such as Modbus, BACnet, KNX, DALI-2, M-Bus, OPC UA, and other common standards, the central controller can communicate with devices and installations from various manufacturers.

Freedom in component selection

This allows the most suitable device to be chosen for each application based on functionality, quality, availability, and price. The customer is therefore not obliged to purchase all components within a single brand or product family.

Integration of existing installations

Existing systems can also often be retained if they communicate via a standard protocol, API, or suitable interface.

Technical assessment per connection

Not every connection automatically offers the same functionality. Fixsus therefore assesses per device or system which data can be read, which commands can be written, and which conditions apply for reliable integration.

Can existing cabling be reused during a retrofit?

In many cases, yes. During the preparation phase, Fixsus examines which existing power, bus, and signal cables are technically suitable for reuse.

What can potentially be retained?

Depending on the existing installation, cables to sensors, valves, motors, pumps, meters, and other field components, among others, can be retained.

Existing bus cabling and power supplies can also sometimes be reused if they meet the technical requirements of the new installation.

Technical inspection

Reuse is not automatic. Fixsus assesses, among other things:

• the condition and age of the cabling;
• the cable type and wire cross-section;
• the length and topology;
• the electrical load;
• the suitability for the communication protocol used;
• the available diagrams and documentation.

Where necessary, measurements, checks, or tests are carried out.

Benefits of reuse

By retaining existing cabling where possible, demolition work, material usage, execution time, and investment costs can be limited.

Can I escape the upgrade carousel with a retrofit?

Yes, that is one of the primary reasons to make the switch.

The carousel of traditional systems

Traditional systems typically require a paid upgrade every ±8 years. Those who do not upgrade lose support and the availability of spare parts.

25 years without a mandatory upgrade

The Fixsus platform is designed to last 25 years without a mandatory upgrade and is infinitely expandable. You are therefore investing in an installation that lasts, rather than a subscription to replacements.

Can TIBA3 also integrate a closed or outdated system?

In many cases, yes. Fixsus first investigates which installations, signals, and communication channels are available and then determines how the existing system can collaborate with TIBA3.

Direct coupling via a protocol

When the existing system supports a usable communication protocol, TIBA3 can read data and, where permitted, also send back commands.

This can be done, for example, via BACnet, Modbus, KNX, OPC UA, a REST API, or another available interface.

Coupling via hardware signals

When digital communication is not possible, certain functions can sometimes still be linked via classic input and output signals, such as:

• potential-free contacts;
• digital notifications;
• analog measurement and control signals;
• pulse outputs from meters.

The available information is then more limited than with a full protocol coupling.

Retention of the existing subsystem

A closed installation does not always have to be replaced entirely immediately. It can temporarily continue to function as an independent subsystem, while TIBA3 centrally consolidates the available statuses, alarms, or main commands.

Phased migration

When an old system is technically difficult to integrate, Fixsus can develop a migration path. In this process, components are replaced step-by-step as soon as it is technically, operationally, or financially most appropriate.

Preliminary technical analysis

Feasibility depends on the available documentation, protocols, access rights, interfaces, and support from the original supplier. Therefore, every coupling is technically investigated in advance.

Can TIBA3 be applied in existing buildings?

Yes. TIBA3 can be applied in both new construction projects and existing buildings.

Preservation of usable installations

During a retrofit, Fixsus examines which installations, field components, control cabinets, and cabling are still usable. Technologies that function well technically and are suitable for integration or control do not necessarily need to be replaced.

Phased renewal

The existing building management system can be completely renewed, but a phased approach is also possible. This allows specific floors, zones, or technologies to be transitioned to TIBA3 step-by-step, while the rest of the building remains operational.

Less demolition work and lower investment

By retaining as much usable infrastructure as possible, demolition work, material usage, execution time, and investment costs can be limited.

Future-proof expansion

A retrofit with TIBA3 also provides an open foundation for future expansions. New technologies or additional zones can be added when they are due for replacement or when the building’s needs change.

Do all existing installations need to be replaced during a retrofit?

No. During a retrofit, Fixsus first examines which existing components, cabling, control cabinets, and technical installations are still usable.

Retention of usable parts

Installations that function well technically and possess suitable communication or control options can often be retained.

This may apply to, among others:

• sensors;
• valves;
• motors;
• pumps;
• frequency drives;
• energy meters;
• cabling;
• parts of existing control cabinets.

Assessment per component

Which parts can be retained is determined based on their:

• technical condition;
• age;
• available documentation;
• communication or control options;
• operational reliability;
• expected remaining lifespan.

Targeted replacement

Only components that are technically obsolete, unreliable, or cannot be integrated are replaced. This allows the central control system to be renewed without automatically rebuilding the entire installation.

Lower investment and less disruption

By retaining usable infrastructure, material usage, demolition work, execution time, and investment costs can be limited.

How does a retrofit process work in practice?

A retrofit follows the same process as any Fixsus project, with extra attention given to the existing installation and phasing.

From analysis to transition

First, concept support and an analysis of the existing installation are conducted. Subsequently, the scope of work and phasing are established, followed by cabinet construction, additional cabling where necessary, and the transition per phase.

Commissioning, delivery, and follow-up

The process does not end after commissioning and delivery: follow-up and further optimization of the installation ensure that the building continues to perform as intended.

How does Fixsus minimize disruption and downtime during a renovation project?

Fixsus plans retrofit projects so that the building can remain in use as much as possible and technical installations only need to be taken out of service for a limited time.

Preparation prior to execution

Before work begins, the existing installation, cabling, signals, control loops, and dependencies are mapped out. This allows a large part of the new programming and technical preparation to be completed in advance.

Working by zone or installation

Execution can be split by floor, wing, room, or technical installation. This ensures that the majority of the building remains operational while a limited zone is being converted.

Short switchover periods

New control cabinets, I/O modules, and programming are pre-assembled and tested wherever possible. Consequently, the actual switchover on-site can take place within a controlled and pre-agreed time window.

Retention of usable components

Existing cabling, field devices, and installations are reused where technically justified. This limits demolition work, new cable routes, and the impact on users.

Coordination with building management

Work is planned around occupancy, critical processes, and operating hours. In healthcare facilities, offices, or public buildings, for example, work can be carried out outside peak times, per department, or during scheduled closures.

Temporary solutions where necessary

When an installation cannot be out of service for long periods, temporary controls, manual operating modes, or a phased transition between old and new can be provided.

Testing before final commissioning

Each phase is verified before the next one begins. This ensures that malfunctions are identified quickly and the impact of any problems remains limited to a specific section.

How is it determined what can be retained?

During the study phase, Fixsus conducts an audit of the existing installation.

Audit of the existing condition

Cabling, field devices, cabinets, and interfaces are evaluated for usability. Components that operate with standard signals or open protocols can generally be retained.

A concrete proposal

The result is a concrete proposal outlining what remains, what will be replaced, and in which phases. This ensures you know exactly what to expect beforehand.

Is retrofitting not more expensive than simply installing everything new?

Usually, it is quite the opposite: by reusing cabling, field devices, and cabinets, the investment is significantly lower than with a full replacement.

Reuse reduces investment costs

Everything that is usable remains: signal cables, sensors, valves, and cabinets. Only what is outdated or proprietary is replaced. This makes a significant difference in both costs and disruption.

No recurring upgrade costs

Furthermore, with the open platform, you avoid the recurring upgrade costs associated with traditional systems. The savings are therefore found not only in the initial investment but also in the years to follow.

My building has little to no documentation of the existing installation — is that a problem?

It is more common than you might think and it is not a limiting factor.

Mapping the existing situation

The existing situation is mapped on-site during the study phase. Missing documentation may slightly delay this work, but it does not prevent it.

After the retrofit: up-to-date documentation

After the retrofit, you will have up-to-date diagrams and documentation — as well as a system with open and readable logic. The documentation problem therefore resolves itself.

What about systems that only need replacement later?

These can often already be linked via their existing interface, so that they are visible and operable on the platform.

Link first

Via BACnet, Modbus, M-Bus, or another existing interface, the systems are included in the visualization and monitoring, even if they are still running on their own controllers.

Fully integrate later

When the system is due for replacement, it is fully integrated into the platform. This ensures the transition occurs gradually and at the pace of your installation.

What does retrofit mean for a building management system?

Retrofitting is the replacement of a building’s outdated control system with a modern platform, while retaining the components of the installation that are still usable.

Renewing the brains

You renew the ‘brains’ of the building without having to break open the entire structure. The control system is replaced; cabling, field devices, and cabinets are preserved wherever possible.

Modern possibilities on an existing foundation

After the retrofit, you will have a modern, open platform with full measurement, data logging, and security — all built on the foundation of your existing installation.

What happens to the existing control cabinets?

This depends on their condition and is decided per cabinet during the design phase.

Reuse where possible

Existing cabinets are often reused, with only the control section being replaced by Beckhoff I/O. This limits both costs and the disruption caused by the works.

Renew where necessary

In other cases, a new cabinet per zone is the cleanest solution. The assessment is made per cabinet, based on the audit conducted during the study phase.

When is my BMS due for replacement?

There are several typical signs that a building management system is approaching the end of its lifespan.

Typical signs

• the system is no longer supported or parts are no longer available;
• every adjustment must be made through the original supplier;
• there is little to no data available;
• a mandatory upgrade costs almost as much as a new system.

New requirements as a catalyst

New requirements are also often the catalyst: energy monitoring, NIS2, or the BACS obligation. Those who must comply with these often encounter the limitations of an outdated system.

Will I lose my historical data during the transition?

The history from the old system is rarely directly transferable, but from the moment of the switch, the new platform builds up a much richer history.

A much richer history

The new platform logs approximately 1,600 measurement points at 5-second intervals and retains that data for 10 years. Conventional systems often log only a fraction of that.

Preserving existing export data

Where export data from the old system exists, it can be stored separately. This ensures that the old history remains accessible whenever it is useful.