Why You Should Consider Upgrading That Old Control Panel

The Risks of Using Outdated Control Panels

I've been in this industry long enough to see control panels come and go. Many manufacturers promise great new features and an easy transition. However, sticking with an outdated system comes with real risks that facility managers often overlook. Let's discuss why upgrading from that old control panel makes sense.

First and foremost, cybersecurity is a major concern with aging control panels. Most legacy systems were designed before the risk of hacking was well understood. They lack modern encryption and other protections. This leaves buildings and equipment vulnerable to cyber attacks. With control panels increasingly networked, the threat is greater than ever.

Upgrading to a newer panel with enhanced cybersecurity is crucial. This protects your investment and reduces liability should a breach occur. Simply put, an upgrade greatly reduces the attack surface for hackers.

Outdated panels also have compatibility challenges. If you need to expand or alter your building's systems, an old panel may not work with modern devices. Trying to integrate new technology on legacy hardware can be a nightmare. An upgrade sidesteps these concerns and allows seamless integration as needs change.

There are also reliability issues to consider. Parts and support for obsolete control panels dry up. Finding replacements for failed components gets difficult. Technical help can be hard to come by. This leads to increased downtime and costs when problems arise. A new panel keeps everything running smoothly.

Key Benefits of Upgrading Control Panels

Now that we've covered the risks of outdated panels, let's discuss some of the biggest benefits of upgrading:

• Enhanced cybersecurity - Modern panels offer robust encryption, two-factor authentication, and other protections. This reduces the risk of devastating hacks or ransomware attacks.

• Improved building automation - New panels make integrating lighting, HVAC, access control, and other systems seamless. This allows greater efficiency and customization.

• Higher reliability - With ongoing firmware updates and readily available parts/support, new panels experience less downtime. Their lifespan is longer as well.

• Intuitive interfaces - Modern panels utilize touchscreen LCDs, rich graphics, and intuitive menu systems. This makes them easier to monitor and control.

• Remote access and control - New panels integrate well with mobile apps and web dashboards. This allows facility managers to monitor or alter settings from anywhere.

• Energy savings - Some new panels offer advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities. These can optimize equipment usage and identify waste.

• Scalability - Upgraded panels make expanding control capabilities as needs change straightforward. Add points or integrate new systems easily.

Assessing Your Current Control Panel

If you aren't sure whether your building's current control panel needs an upgrade, here are key considerations:

• Age - If it's over 10 years old, replacement is likely worthwhile due to technology improvements. Newer panels are bigger bang for your buck.

• Cybersecurity - Lack of modern protocols like TLS, encryption, or multifactor authentication increases risk. Upgrade to reduce attack surface.

• Reliability - Frequent downtime, failing parts, and lack of manufacturer support indicate an outdated panel.

• Compatibility - Inability to add points or integrate new systems may signal it's time for an upgrade.

• User experience - Clunky interfaces, limited dashboards/reports, and minimal remote access hamper usability.

• Energy management - Inability to effectively track consumption data and optimize equipment points to an outdated panel.

Carefully weighing these factors will reveal whether your current control panel is creating unnecessary risks or headaches. If so, the time for an upgrade is now.

Developing an Upgrade Plan

Once you've decided to upgrade, develop a plan to make the transition seamless:

• Involve stakeholders - Get input from facility managers, technicians, and building occupants impacted by an upgrade. Address their needs and concerns.

• Assess capabilities required - Consider points needed, desired automation/analytics features, cybersecurity priorities, and future expansion goals.

• Select manufacturer partner - Do thorough research to choose a manufacturer with proven products, robust support/training, and long warranty periods.

• Create a phased schedule - Upgrade sections of the building over time to minimize disruption. Allow testing and adjustments between phases.

• Train personnel - Provide technicians and users ample time to get familiar with the new panel's capabilities and interfaces.

• Maintain legacy system access - Initially run the old and new panels in parallel for easy reference as users acclimate to the upgrade.

• Document thoroughly - Update all system diagrams, manuals, and support documentation to reflect the upgrade changes.

With proper planning and training, the upgrade process can go very smoothly. The long-term benefits will quickly outweigh the short-term growing pains.

Conclusion

Upgrading aging facility control systems is one of the wisest investments a building owner can make. The improvements in reliability, efficiency, scalability and security are substantial. While excuses abound for maintaining the status quo, the risks and limitations only increase with time. Rather than waiting for disaster to strike, be proactive. Follow the guidance provided here for a successful panel upgrade that saves money while better positioning your building for the future. The benefits will speak for themselves.