TIBA3

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 Fixsus hardware also be used without TIBA3?

Yes. Fixsus hardware has been developed to work optimally with TIBA3, but it is not exclusively tied to TIBA3.

Open communication

Fixsus field devices communicate via standard Modbus RTU. As a result, they can also be used in other building management systems or automation platforms that work with Modbus.

Central intelligence

The devices do not contain closed, project-specific logic. That intelligence is organized centrally within the system in which the hardware is integrated.

Integration by third parties

An external integrator can include the devices in their own central control system and is then responsible for the programming, addressing, and functional integration.

Fixsus can provide the necessary technical documentation, communication data, and product support for this purpose.

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.

Can TIBA3 be integrated with external software or platforms?

Yes. TIBA3 can exchange data with external software, dashboards, energy platforms, and other management systems.

Fixsus Open Gate

The integration can be facilitated through Fixsus Open Gate, a REST API that makes TIBA3 data available to other applications.

Read and write

External software can not only read measured values, alarms, statuses, and energy data, but can also write values, setpoints, or commands to TIBA3 within the defined permissions.

Possible applications

This enables the integration of facility management software, reservation systems, energy platforms, BI tools, dashboards, and data warehouses, among others.

Technical assessment

Each integration is subject to a technical assessment. This evaluation considers the available interface, the required data exchange, read and write permissions, cybersecurity, and the responsibilities of the respective systems.

Can TIBA3 function locally without an internet connection?

Yes. The essential control and operation of the building systems continue to function locally if the internet connection is lost.

What continues to work locally

The central logic runs on the unit within the building itself. As a result, heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, sun blinds, and other linked systems remain active.

Local visualization and operation also remain available within the building, as does local alarming.

What is temporarily unavailable

Functions that by definition require an external connection may be temporarily unavailable. This includes, among others:

• remote access and support;
• email and SMS notifications;
• weather forecast data;
• external reporting or integrations;
• certain server-dependent historical functions.

Autonomous building control

The basic control of the building is therefore not dependent on an external cloud connection. As soon as the connection is restored, the external services become available again.

Does TIBA3 comply with NIS2?

TIBA3 includes various technical security measures that align with the principles of NIS2.

Technical security measures

These include, among others:

• access management;
• multi-factor authentication;
• encrypted communication;
• certificate verification;
• secure remote access;
• backups;
• controlled change management;
• security testing and periodic evaluations.

NIS2 goes beyond technology

Full NIS2 compliance does not only relate to a single software platform or security layer. The directive also sets requirements for the entire organization, including:

• risk management;
• incident response;
• business continuity;
• supplier and supply chain security;
• management responsibilities;
• training and awareness;
• documentation and evidence.

The role of Fixsus

Fixsus proactively invests in security and further aligns TIBA3 and its own operations with the principles and requirements of NIS2.

Project- and organization-specific assessment

Whether an organization or project fully complies with NIS2 must always be assessed based on the complete technical and organizational context.

TIBA3 can be an important technical component in this regard, but it does not in itself guarantee full NIS2 compliance for the client organization.

Does TIBA3 use multi-factor authentication?

Yes. Multi-factor authentication is used for access to TIBA3, ensuring that a password alone is not sufficient to gain entry.

Extra layer of security

In addition to the standard login, the user must verify themselves with a second factor. This ensures that access remains better protected if a password is intercepted or misused.

For individual user accounts

Multi-factor authentication is linked to personal user accounts. This allows access to be managed and revoked per user when responsibilities change.

Part of TIBA Secure

Multi-factor authentication is part of a broader security approach including:

• individual accounts;
• roles and permissions;
• certificate verification;
• encrypted communication;
• controlled remote access.

Dependent on the installation

For older installations or different access architectures, it must be verified which security options are available and whether an upgrade is required.

How are TIBA3 backups and recovery managed?

Backups of critical TIBA3 settings and configuration data are performed periodically, ensuring the installation can be quickly restored following a technical issue or hardware failure.

Monthly backup

Within Fixsus service plans, a monthly backup is made of the installation’s settings and autotuning data.

Recovery after a failure

When a central component or other hardware needs to be replaced, the available backup data can be used to restart the installation in the correct configuration.

Additional project data

In addition to settings and autotuning data, programming, visualization, schematics, and other technical project documentation are also managed. The specific components included in the automatic backup depend on the project architecture and the service agreements in place.

Tested recovery procedures

A backup is only valuable when the data can be effectively restored. Therefore, recovery procedures must be verified and, where necessary, tested.

Business continuity

For critical applications, the backup strategy can be supplemented with redundant infrastructure, a spare pool, and project-specific agreements regarding recovery times.

How does the TIBA3 visualization work?

The TIBA3 visualization is entirely web-based and provides users with a clear overview of the building’s technical operations.

Dashboards and overviews

Users can work with dashboards for heating, cooling, electricity consumption, water consumption, alarms, and general building performance, among others.

From building to component

Floor plans and technical diagrams allow users to zoom in from an entire building or floor down to a single room, installation, valve, or measurement point.

Live values and historical data

The interface displays current measured values, statuses, and alarms. Where available, historical graphs and trend data can also be consulted to analyze the performance of installations.

Access via a web browser

The visualization is built in HTML5 and works in any modern web browser on PC, tablet, or smartphone. No separate software or mobile application is required.

Tailored to the user

The interface can be configured per project and user role. A daily user is provided with simple controls and clear overviews, while a technical manager can access more in-depth settings, synoptics, and control parameters.

How does TIBA3 integrate different building technologies?

TIBA3 integrates HVAC, lighting, sun protection, access control, energy monitoring, and other building technologies into a single central platform. This allows them to share data and be managed as a unified whole.

A single integrated control strategy

Instead of having each technology react individually, TIBA3 uses the same information for multiple functions. Measurements of occupancy, temperature, air quality, light intensity, and energy consumption can thus be utilized by various systems simultaneously.

Occupancy controls multiple technologies

When a room is not in use, the system can, for example:

• switch off the lighting;
• reduce ventilation;
• switch temperature control to a more energy-efficient mode;
• adjust sun protection according to the building strategy.

Sun protection and climate control work together

Sun protection can be closed preventively when high solar heat gain is expected. As a result, the room heats up more slowly, and the cooling system requires less power.

No conflicting controls

Because heating and cooling use the same room data and central logic, TIBA3 can prevent both systems from working against each other simultaneously.

Alignment with actual needs

The synergy between these technologies ensures that the building does not only react to fixed schedules, but also to the current status and usage of every room.

How does TIBA3 prevent systems from heating and cooling simultaneously?

By integrating heating, cooling, ventilation, sun protection, and room measurements within a single central system, TIBA3 can coordinate the operation of these technologies.

Central control strategy

The same central logic determines when a room requires heating or cooling. This prevents different systems in the same zone from executing conflicting commands simultaneously.

Use of room data

TIBA3 takes several factors into account, including:

• room temperature;
• setpoints;
• occupancy;
• operating hours;
• window contacts;
• outdoor conditions;
• the current heating or cooling demand.

Demand-driven operation

When a room has no active requirement, heating and cooling are scaled back. The production systems are then controlled based on the collective demand from the rooms.

The precise operation depends on the installed systems and the chosen control strategy, but the principle remains that heating and cooling do not work against each other unnecessarily.

How fast is TIBA3?

TIBA3 is designed to process large numbers of signals and control processes quickly, ensuring that building systems respond almost instantaneously.

Fast central processing

The industrial PLC continuously processes data from sensors, controls, meters, installations, and linked systems. This allows changes to be detected quickly and converted into a control action.

Immediate response within the building

In practice, this means, for example, that lighting responds immediately to the press of a button and that changes in sensor measurements are quickly incorporated into the control of heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Speed and stability

It is not only the raw processing speed that is important. TIBA3 is programmed so that various control processes continue to function simultaneously and stably, without any noticeable delay in operation or visualization.

Depending on the application

The final response time is also influenced by the communication protocol used, the field components, the network architecture, and the nature of the linked technology.

How is access to TIBA3 secured?

Access to TIBA3 is restricted to authorized users and takes place via the secure TIBA Secure environment.

Individual user accounts

Each user works with a personal account. This allows access to be granted, modified, or revoked individually.

Roles and permissions

Users only receive access to the functions that match their role. For example, a receptionist can operate certain rooms, while a technical administrator can also modify settings and control parameters.

Two-factor authentication

In addition to a password, a second verification factor can be used. As a result, an intercepted or stolen password is not sufficient to gain access.

Certificate verification

Devices and connections are verified using digital certificates. Only trusted systems can connect to the secure environment.

Secure remote access

Access by Fixsus or another authorized technical party also takes place via the same controlled channel. Remote interventions can be recorded in the intervention log.

Traceability

Through individual accounts and permission profiles, it remains visible who has access and which actions are performed within the system.

How is TIBA3 secured?

TIBA3 is secured through a combination of technical and organizational measures.

Technical security

These include, among others, encrypted communication, access management, strong authentication, security updates, monitoring, and backups.

Organizational security

Controlled change management, risk management, training, and clear responsibilities are also part of a secure operation.

Project-specific approach

Security measures are tailored to the project’s architecture and the way users, administrators, and external parties access the system.

In which language and environment is TIBA3 programmed?

TIBA3 is programmed in TwinCAT 3, Beckhoff’s engineering and programming environment.

IEC 61131-3 programming languages

The PLC programming is developed according to the international IEC 61131-3 standard. Common PLC languages can be used, such as Structured Text, Function Block Diagram, and Ladder Diagram.

Relationship with CODESYS

CODESYS is another widely used programming environment that also operates according to IEC 61131-3. TwinCAT and CODESYS are therefore not the same software package, but they do use the same international programming standard and similar PLC concepts.

Transferable expertise

Programmers familiar with IEC 61131-3 and industrial PLC programming will therefore recognize the languages and principles used. In addition, modifications to a TIBA3 installation require specific knowledge of TwinCAT, Beckhoff, the Fixsus architecture, and building technologies.

Open and readable programming

The programming is structured and not intentionally locked technically. This allows an authorized party with the appropriate expertise to analyze, maintain, and further develop the system’s operation.

Is data encrypted in TIBA3?

Yes. TIBA3 uses encryption to protect data during communication and, where applicable, during storage.

Encrypted communication

Communication via TIBA Secure takes place over secure HTTPS and TLS connections. As a result, intercepted data is unreadable without the correct keys.

Secure remote access

Remote access to the installation also takes place via an encrypted VPN with certificate verification. This ensures that data is not sent unsecured over the internet.

Data storage and backups

Stored data, configurations, and backups are protected within the chosen infrastructure and service environment. The specific security depends on the technical architecture of the project and the location where the data is stored.

External links

For links via APIs or other communication protocols, the available and necessary security measures are assessed per interface. Not every external link automatically uses the same security method.

Is TIBA3 a cloud system?

No — and that is a deliberate choice for operational reliability.

Intelligence runs locally

The intelligence runs locally on the PLC within the building. Consequently, the building’s core operations are never dependent on an internet connection or an external cloud.

The server as a supplement

The server environment provides supplementary services — notifications, backup, history, weather data — but is not required for core operations. If the connection is lost, the building continues to be managed as usual.

What data does TIBA3 collect?

TIBA3 collects and stores technical data from various building installations to monitor and analyze operation, comfort, and energy consumption.

Measurement values from the building

Depending on the project, the following data may be recorded, among others:

• temperatures;
• relative humidity;
• CO₂ and VOC values;
• occupancy detection;
• light intensity;
• energy, gas, and water consumption;
• valve and motor positions;
• operating hours;
• setpoints and control values;
• faults, notifications, and alarms.

Historical trend data

A typical TIBA3 installation can record a large number of measurement points at short intervals and store this data for a long period. This creates a detailed historical overview of the building’s operation.

Performance analysis

The collected data makes it possible to:

• compare consumption profiles;
• detect anomalies and energy waste;
• investigate comfort issues;
• fine-tune installations;
• monitor the impact of optimizations;
• analyze faults retrospectively.

Project-specific configuration

Not every building records exactly the same information. During the project, it is determined which measurement points are relevant, at what frequency they are stored, and how long the history must remain available.

Management and security

Access to technical data is managed via user rights. External exchange only takes place through controlled and secure connections.

What does ‘all intelligence in one place’ mean?

With TIBA3, project-specific control intelligence is centrally housed on a single industrial PLC. The field devices and I/O islands execute their commands but do not contain any distributed project-specific logic themselves.

One central control environment

All control strategies for HVAC, lighting, sun protection, and energy management, among others, are managed from the same central environment. This makes it immediately clear where the building’s operation is determined.

Simpler diagnostics

Technicians do not have to search through different controllers, software packages, and configuration tools. Signals, settings, and controls can be checked and tested from one central structure.

Easily replaceable components

Because the project-specific intelligence is not located locally in each field device, many components can be replaced without the need to reprogram the entire control strategy.

Better collaboration between technologies

The central intelligence uses data from different installations simultaneously. For example, occupancy can control both lighting and ventilation, while room measurements determine heat and cooling production.

This architecture makes the installation clearer, easier to maintain, and simpler to expand.

What does TIBA3 run on?

TIBA3 runs locally on an industrial Beckhoff PLC within the building itself.

Local central unit

The project-specific control logic is executed on the building’s central unit. As a result, basic operation is not dependent on an external cloud environment or a permanent internet connection.

Central functions

This central environment manages, among other things:

• control strategies;
• communication with building systems;
• local visualization;
• technical alarms;
• settings and operating parameters.

Autonomous operation

In the event of an internet connection failure, local control, operation, and vital building functions continue to function. Only services requiring an external connection, such as remote access, external notifications, or certain online data sources, may be temporarily unavailable.

Industrial technology

The Beckhoff PLC is developed for continuous automation applications and forms the technological foundation upon which Fixsus builds the TIBA3 programming, visualization, and integrations.

What is EN ISO 52120 Class A and how does TIBA3 support this standard?

EN ISO 52120 is a European standard that describes how building management systems and automatic controls contribute to the energy performance of buildings.

Four efficiency classes

The standard distinguishes four classes:

• Class A: highly energy-efficient building automation and technical management;
• Class B: advanced automation;
• Class C: standard automation;
• Class D: little or no energy-efficient automation.

Class A therefore represents the highest level of automation within this classification.

Demand-driven control

TIBA3 supports a Class A approach by controlling installations based on the actual demand in the rooms. Heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and solar shading are not controlled separately, but are centrally coordinated with one another.

Measurements per room

By incorporating data such as temperature, occupancy, air quality, and light intensity, the system can more accurately determine where and when energy is needed.

Central optimization

Central production, such as boilers, heat pumps, chillers, and air handling units, is also adjusted to the sum of the actual demand from the building.

No automatic guarantee

Whether a building effectively achieves Class A does not only depend on the building management system. The design, the available technologies, the control strategy, the execution, and the commissioning also play a role.

TIBA3 does, however, provide the technical architecture and control capabilities to build an installation according to the principles of Class A.

What is free cooling and can TIBA3 take weather forecasts into account?

Free cooling uses favorable outdoor temperatures to cool a building without or with reduced use of mechanical cooling.

Cooling with outdoor air

When the outdoor air is sufficiently cool, TIBA3 can, for example, utilize air handling units, ventilation, or other available technologies to dissipate heat from the building.

This primarily occurs at night or during cooler periods, when the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature.

Reduced use of the chiller

By pre-cooling the building in a natural or energy-efficient manner, the cooling installation needs to deliver less power during the day. This reduces energy consumption and can limit peak loads.

Taking weather forecasts into account

TIBA3 can use weather data to look ahead. When a hot day is forecast, the system can, for example, provide extra cooling at night so that the building begins the day with a lower indoor temperature.

Dependent on the building

The feasibility and effect depend on, among other things:

• the type of ventilation and cooling installation;
• the thermal mass of the building;
• the outdoor temperature and humidity;
• the hours of use;
• the comfort and safety conditions.

No fixed standard strategy

The control logic is developed on a project-specific basis. TIBA3 continuously assesses whether free cooling is technically possible and energetically advantageous.

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 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 TIBA3 energy-efficient?

TIBA3 makes it possible to control various building technologies as a single entity. As a result, systems respond not only to their own measurements but also to information from other parts of the building.

Top-down control from the rooms

The actual heating and cooling demand is determined based on measurements in the rooms. This demand then controls the production systems, such as boilers, heat pumps, and chillers.

Consequently, the building does not produce energy solely based on fixed schedules or the outdoor temperature, but based on what the rooms actually require.

Alignment with usage

Heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and sun protection can be aligned with occupancy, operating hours, indoor and outdoor temperatures, air quality, and daylight.

Systems do not work against each other

TIBA3 can prevent systems from continuing to operate unnecessarily or working against each other. For example, the system can prevent a room from being heated and cooled simultaneously, limit ventilation when a room is not in use, and dim lighting when there is sufficient daylight.

Measuring and optimizing

TIBA3 makes consumption, deviations, and trends visible. This allows the operation of the system to be further evaluated and optimized after completion.

The final energy savings depend on the building, the technologies present, the control strategy, and the way the system is used.

Which building technologies can be integrated with TIBA3?

TIBA3 can bring a wide range of building technologies together into one central management system.

Climate and comfort

This includes heating, cooling, ventilation, air handling, sun protection, screens, climate ceilings, and server room climate control.

Lighting and room functions

Lighting, occupancy detection, lux measurement, room controls, assistance calls, and other local functions can also be integrated.

Energy and infrastructure

TIBA3 can incorporate energy and water metering, geothermal energy, heating networks, charging station control, load balancing, leak detection, and cold storage monitoring into the central control system.

Access and building usage

Access control, badge readers, parking detection, people counting, and other systems that provide information on building usage can also be linked.

Integrated operation

Because these technologies exchange information with each other, they can not only be monitored centrally but also controlled as a single cohesive unit.

Which specific technologies are integrated depends on the building, the existing installations, and the objectives of the project.

Which communication protocols does TIBA3 support?

TIBA3 supports a wide range of open and common communication protocols for building technology and industrial automation.

Commonly used protocols

These include Modbus RTU and TCP, BACnet, KNX, DALI and DALI-2, M-Bus, OPC UA, MQTT, MP-Bus, EnOcean, PROFINET, CANopen, and EtherNet/IP.

Selection per application

The appropriate protocol is determined for each installation based on the available equipment, the desired functionality, and the technical structure of the project.

Integrations with existing systems

When a device or installation cannot communicate directly via a standard protocol, Fixsus investigates whether an integration is possible via a gateway, API, or other technical interface.

Technical support

Not every protocol is automatically usable in every situation. Feasibility, read and write capabilities, response times, and access rights are therefore technically assessed for each integration.

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.