Case Study: Custom BACnet Control Solutions: A Success Story with Avedon Engineering 

Introduction: 

Avedon is a cutting-edge engineering company, specializing in custom plastic and structural foam molds. They are skillful at delivering tailored solutions, taking products from conceptual sketches to tangible realities. They serve a diverse clientele and are highly regarded for their ability to get products out the door quickly. 

Avedon faced a unique challenge when tasked with creating a BACnet-capable fan control system. While they possessed strong electrical knowledge, they required specific expertise in the realm of BACnet MSTP integration. This is where Functional Devices, Inc. (FDI) entered the scene with our stand-alone BACnet control products. Avedon’s engineers immediately recognized the potential of our offerings, both in terms of form factor suitability and BACnet interoperability, and reached out to us through our support page on the website. 

The Challenge: 

Avedon needed to integrate fan controls into a BAS system, and this presented a difficult challenge. While their team was well-versed in electrical aspects, they required specialized BACnet knowledge to ensure a seamless integration. 

Why Avedon Chose FDI: 

The partnership with FDI was a natural choice for Avedon. Our stand-alone BACnet control products perfectly aligned with their requirements, both in terms of form and function. They recognized our expertise in BACnet interoperability, and this made us the ideal partner for this project. 

The Solution: 

After meeting with our sales team, Avedon promptly engaged with our product development experts. They outlined their precise specifications and needs, leveraging our BACnet expertise while contributing their deep electrical knowledge. This collaboration gave birth to a custom product designed to meet their unique requirements. 

The Process: 

The journey from an initial call to a fully realized product was a collaborative and well-structured process. Avedon sent product samples so interoperability between electrical products could be fully specified and tested. Then, the FDI development team tightened the specification, meeting the targets for their desired operation and accuracy while meeting timeline and budget constraints. 

After Avedon reviewed the proposal, both teams agreed on targets for prototype development, final approval, and the product rollout schedule according to their forecast FDI maintained transparent communication throughout the process, providing scheduled updates and promptly addressing any queries that arose during these interactions. 

Preliminary samples were provided four months after the initial call and final approval to move to production was just six weeks after that. 

The Results: 

The end product not only met the stringent requirements of BACnet interoperability but also uniquely provided BACnet objects that seamlessly interfaced with the IO of the fan. Installation was a breeze, with technicians well-versed in RIB BACnet controls finding no issues during the setup process. 

Moreover, this product exceeded the high-quality standards set by both FDI and Avedon Engineering. Remarkably, it achieved this excellence within a relatively short development cycle, which included manufacturing readiness. This achievement was especially significant, considering it took place amid the challenges posed by the global supply chain disruptions of late 2021 and 2022. 

Conclusion: 

This case study serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, where two innovative entities joined forces to overcome unique challenges. Avedon’s industry expertise combined seamlessly with FDI’s BACnet proficiency, resulting in a tailored solution that exceeded expectations. 

If you’re seeking a trusted partner to enhance your engineering solutions, Functional Devices is here to assist. Reach out to us, and together, we can explore opportunities to optimize your product development and bring your ideas to life.