SmartStruxure solution

specification busters

DISCLAIMER:
This document is based on information believed to be true at the time of publication. It is for
information purposes only and the author, publisher, distributor and company provide no warranty
about the content or accuracy of content enclosed.
This document is company confidential and should not be shared or distributed outside of Schneider
Electric and Schneider Electric partner organizations.
This document was created to be used by Schneider Electric employees and partners as an
educational tool. It assumes that the reader has a basic understanding and familiarity with
SmartStruxure solution.

[ Specification Busters ] SmartStruxure solution

What is a specification buster?

A specification (often abbreviated as spec) refers to an explicit set of requirements to be satisfied by a
material, design, product, or service. Should a material, design, product, or service fail to meet one or
more of the applicable specifications, it may be referred to as being out of specification and no
longer valid to be offered in a bid for a project. Specifications can be written by many different people,
including an engineer, mechanical contractor, or by a systems integrator. Engineers use
specifications from experts in Building Management Systems (BMS) to give to general contractors to
use in bids for projects. BMS product manufacturers write portions of requirements that highlight their
products/systems unique capabilities. These are typically referred to as spec busters.
Schneider Electrics Guide Specification, written specifically for SmartStruxure solution, is available on
The Exchange Download Center: SmartStruxure Guide Specification

SmartStruxure solution spec busters

The following are some of the areas that SmartStruxure solution has unique capabilities:

Hardware/Software
o Native multiple protocols

o Web Services/EcoStruxure Web Services

o Auto-detection
o Complete/Stand-alone network controller
o Web Access
o Wireless
o Modular, two-piece, hot-swappable design
o Clean installation
o Small footprint

Graphics
o Vector Graphics

Workspaces
o Customizable Workstations

Localization
o Engineering Units
o Language
o Time Zones

Scheduling
o Analog Control from a Schedule

Alarms
o Advanced Alarm Functions

Trending
o Implicit Trends

Programming
o Multiple Programming Environments
o Smart Widgets

LonWorks
o Integrated LonWorks Network Management Tool
Power Manager
o Embedded Power and Energy Management Software within the BMS

Specification Busters SmartStruxure solution

Page 2 of 12

February 2015

This document is based on information believed to be true at the time of publication. It is for information purposes only and the author, publisher, distributor and company
provide no warranty about the content or accuracy of content enclosed.
This document is company confidential and should not be shared or distributed outside of Schneider Electric and Schneider Electric partner organizations.

[ Specification Busters ] SmartStruxure solution

Specification Busters In Depth

Hardware/Software
Native multiple protocols
Spec Buster The system shall be designed with a top-level 10/100bT Ethernet network,

using the BACnet /IP, LonWorks /IP, and/or Modbus TCP protocol. Modbus RTU/ASCII
(and J-bus), Modbus TCP, BACnet MS/TP, BACnet/IP, LonTalk FTT-10A, and Web Services
shall be native to the NSCs. There shall not be a need to provide multiple NSCs to support all
the network protocols, nor should there be a need to supply additional software to allow all
three protocols to be natively supported. A sub-network of SDCUs using the BACnet
MS/TP, LonTalk FTT-10A, and/or Modbus RTU protocol shall connect the local, stand-alone
controllers with Ethernet-level Network Server Controllers/IP Routers.
o Why? - SmartStruxure solution uses an Automation Server that communicates
natively via BACnet, LonWorks, and Modbus. The Automation Server can support
simultaneous exchanges on its various protocols, essentially meaning you can use all
protocols at once. This means that almost all technical systems can be easily
integrated using the Automation Server.

Specification Busters SmartStruxure solution

Page 3 of 12

February 2015

This document is based on information believed to be true at the time of publication. It is for information purposes only and the author, publisher, distributor and company
provide no warranty about the content or accuracy of content enclosed.
This document is company confidential and should not be shared or distributed outside of Schneider Electric and Schneider Electric partner organizations.

[ Specification Busters ] SmartStruxure solution

Web Services/EcoStruxure Web Services

Spec Buster - The installed system shall be able to use web services to consume
information within the Network Server/Controllers (NSCs) with other products and systems.
Inability to perform web services within NSCs will be unacceptable. In addition, they shall be

able to use EcoStruxure Web Services to serve and consume with other established
Schneider Electric software applications, such as StruxureWare Data Center Expert.
o Why? - Modern communication standards, such as web services, can be used for an
effective integration of information within a Building Management System. Web
services enable the integration of information from other systems, such as a weather
service, into StruxureWare Building Operation (the software that powers
SmartStruxure solution), as well as provide information to other systems. The user
can be assured that the compatibility with other systems is far more reliable, more
efficient, and less expensive than before. In addition, EcoStruxure Web Services
enables a greater integration of information than standard web services into other
Schneider Electric StruxureWare applications.

Auto-detection
Spec Buster - The system shall employ a modular I/O design to allow expansion. Input and
output capacity is to be provided through plug-in modules of various types. Addressing and
configuration shall be automatic.
o Why? - The Automation Server is designed to automatically recognize the Automation
Server I/O modules (any combination of the 17 available models) placed in the
terminal bases connected to it and address them accordingly.

Complete/Stand-alone network controller

Spec Buster - Network Server/Controllers shall combine both network routing functions,
control functions, and server functions into a single unit. It shall provide the interface between
the LAN or WAN and the field control devices, and provide global supervisory control
functions. System architecture shall be truly client/server in that the Workstation shall operate
as the client while the NSCs shall operate as the servers. The client is responsible for the
data presentation and validation of inputs while the server is responsible for data gathering
and delivery. Systems that require replacement of either the workstation software or field
controllers in order to expand the system shall not be acceptable. Web-based operation shall
be supported directly by the NSCs and require no additional software.
o

Why? - The Automation Server is designed to be self

standing. No need for a workstation as it is truly built on a
client/server architecture. Information is available right where
it is needed with maximum availability and without any
additional potential sources of error. There is no longer a
need for bringing external backups along and all data can be
accessed from the Automation Server or Enterprise Servers.
This saves time and improves maintenance and service.

Specification Busters SmartStruxure solution

Page 4 of 12

February 2015

This document is based on information believed to be true at the time of publication. It is for information purposes only and the author, publisher, distributor and company
provide no warranty about the content or accuracy of content enclosed.
This document is company confidential and should not be shared or distributed outside of Schneider Electric and Schneider Electric partner organizations.

[ Specification Busters ] SmartStruxure solution

Web Access

Spec Buster - Each NSC must have the ability to serve out web pages containing the same
information that is available from the WorkStation. The development of the screens to
accomplish this shall not require any additional engineering labor over that required to show
them at the WorkStation itself. No additional software, other than a Java supported network
browser, shall be required.
o

Why? - Platform independent technologies enable secure remote

access to the system via an ordinary web browser. There is no
need to create variances in graphic pages for display on alternate
sources, nor is there a need for special software to display the web
version of such pages. The WebStation is a standard function in
the Automation Server as well as in the Enterprise Server.

Wireless

Spec Buster - The field bus shall support the use of wireless communications.
o

Why? - With the addition of the Small Building Solution, SmartStruxure Lite solution,
we can offer a wireless solution at the field bus level.

Modular, two-piece, hot-swappable design

Spec Buster - The system shall employ a modular I/O design to allow expansion. Input and
output capacity is to be provided through plug-in modules of various types. One shall be able
to hot-change (hot-swap) the I/O modules preserving the system online without any intervention on the software.
o

Why? The Automation Server family of modules employs a

patented two-piece design. One piece, a base plate, has the
wire terminations in addition to communication and power to
other interconnected base plates. The second piece, houses
the Automation Server, Automation Server Power Supply or
Automation Server I/O modules themselves. Should a
component be defective, it can be changed by site personnel while the system is in
operation. There is no downtime or expensive service calls required.

Specification Busters SmartStruxure solution

Page 5 of 12

February 2015

This document is based on information believed to be true at the time of publication. It is for information purposes only and the author, publisher, distributor and company
provide no warranty about the content or accuracy of content enclosed.
This document is company confidential and should not be shared or distributed outside of Schneider Electric and Schneider Electric partner organizations.

[ Specification Busters ] SmartStruxure solution

Clean Installation

Spec Buster The power supply, NSC, and I/O modules shall connect power and
communication via a separate terminal base allowing for ease of replacement and no
separate or loose wiring.
o

Why? - As mentioned above, the power and communication between Automation

Servers, Automation Server Power Supplies and Automation Server I/O Modules is
done through a bus built into the terminal plate. This allows connectivity without
additional wires needing to be run for power or communication, thus reducing troubleshooting and installation issues.

Small Footprint

Spec Buster The NSC shall conform to a small footprint no larger than
100W x 125H x 75D mm (3.94W x 4.92H x 2.95D in).
o

Why? - The Automation Server family of modules is probably

one of, if not the smallest NSCs on the market. The modules can
be DIN rail mounted, an industry standard, or mounted directly to
the wall. This ensures efficient panel usage and greatly reduces
the space required within the property - thus saving CAPEX and
OPEX.

Graphics
Vector Graphics
Spec Buster - The editor shall use Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) technology.
o Why? - StruxureWare Building Operation
employs vector-based graphics while a
majority of the competition uses rasterbased graphics. While StruxureWare
Building Operation can use both, vector
is superior for scalability. A raster
graphic is an image made of a finite
number of tiny squares of color
information, referred to as either pixels
or dots. Raster images become pixilated
(i.e. grainy) when enlarged because
when enlarged, the computer has to
guess, or approximate, what specific colors should fill in the gaps. This interpolation
of data causes the image to appear blurry. A vector-based graphic uses math to draw
shapes using points, lines and curves. Vector files can be scaled up or down without
losing image quality. A vector image simply uses the original mathematic equation to
create a consistent shape every time. So, what does all that mean for customers?
Whatever graphic designed within StruxureWare Building Operation can be sized up
or down without any degradation. The images will look great on a portable device,
laptop, monitor or large display screens.

Specification Busters SmartStruxure solution

Page 6 of 12

February 2015

This document is based on information believed to be true at the time of publication. It is for information purposes only and the author, publisher, distributor and company
provide no warranty about the content or accuracy of content enclosed.
This document is company confidential and should not be shared or distributed outside of Schneider Electric and Schneider Electric partner organizations.

[ Specification Busters ] SmartStruxure solution

Workspaces
Customizable Workstations
Spec Buster - The BMS workstation software shall allow the creation of a custom, browserstyle interface linked to the user when logging into any workstation. Additionally, it shall be
possible to create customized workspaces that can be assigned to user groups. This
interface shall support the creation of hot-spots that the user may link to view/edit any object
in the system or run any object editor or configuration tool contained in the software.
Furthermore, this interface must be able to be configured to become a users PC Desktop
with all the links that a user needs to run other applications. This, along with the Windows
user security capabilities, will enable a system administrator to setup workstation accounts
that not only limit the capabilities of the user within the BMS software, but may also limit what
a user can do on the PC and/or LAN/WAN. In addition, the software shall be designed so
that each user of the software can have a unique username and password. This
username/password combination shall be linked to a set of capabilities within the software,
set by and editable only by, a system administrator. The sets of capabilities shall range from
View only, Acknowledge alarms, Enable/disable and change values, Program, and
Administer. The system shall allow the above capabilities to be applied independently to each
and every class of object in the system. Additionally, the software shall enable the ability to
add/remove users based upon Microsoft Windows Security Domains that enable the
customer IT department to assist in user access.
o Why? - While many systems allow some customization of the user experience, the items
listed above go beyond what most systems do, but not StruxureWare Building Operation.
With this customization, the system is used more often and more effectively by the user.
Thus, the energy efficiency and ultimately the performance of the building will be
improved. This ensures the right information, at the right time, to the right person.

Localization
Engineering Units
Spec Buster - System shall be able to automatically switch between displayed metric vs.
imperial units based on the workstation/webstations localization.
o Why? - In this globalized economy many companies are no longer hosted within one
country. A system that will automatically switch engineering units allows investments
in multiple countries to be simplified. Operators can use the system in local language
while central resources can use a common corporate language setting.

Specification Busters SmartStruxure solution

Page 7 of 12

February 2015

This document is based on information believed to be true at the time of publication. It is for information purposes only and the author, publisher, distributor and company
provide no warranty about the content or accuracy of content enclosed.
This document is company confidential and should not be shared or distributed outside of Schneider Electric and Schneider Electric partner organizations.

[ Specification Busters ] SmartStruxure solution

Language
Spec Buster The BMS workstation/webstations shall be capable of multiple language
display, including English, Spanish, German, French, Japanese, Italian, Finnish, Portuguese,
Swedish, Russian, and traditional and simplified Chinese.
o Why? - What good is employing a globalized BMS offering if those around the world
in your facilities cannot understand what the system is trying to tell them?
StruxureWare Building Operation employs language packs that allow the
WorkStations and WebStations to display the languages listed above. Also, different
users of the same system can view it in their preferred language.
Time zones
Spec Buster Servers and clients shall have the ability to be located in different time zones,
which are then synchronized via the NTP server.
o Why? - This allows support for systems distributed over multiple time zones.

Scheduling
Analog Control from a Schedule
Spec Buster - Analog values should be able to be controlled directly from a schedule, without
the need for special program logic.
o Why? - Schedules are designed typically to turn items on or off, digital values, based
on a schedule of occupancy. StruxureWare Building Operation allows the user to use
the schedule to change analog, multistate, and digital values. Typically this needs to
be done within a system program, however in StruxureWare Building Operation,
analog values can be directly connected to the schedule to perform functions without
extensive programming. For instance, a user can increase lighting lumens based on
the time of day versus just turning them on or off.

Alarms
Advanced Alarm Functions
Spec Busters:
1. A minimum of 1000 alarm notification levels at the NSC, workstation, and webstation
levels. At the Enterprise level the minimum number of active and viewable alarms
shall be 10,000. Each notification level will establish a unique set of parameters for
controlling alarm display, distribution, acknowledgment, keyboard annunciation, and
record keeping.
2. Automatic logging in the database of the alarm message, point name, point value,
source device, timestamp of alarm, username and time of acknowledgement,
username and time of alarm silence (soft acknowledgement)
3. Playing an audible sound on alarm initiation or return to normal.
4. Sending an email page to anyone specifically listed on the initial occurrence of an
alarm. The ability to utilize email paging of alarms shall be a standard feature of the
software integrated with the operating systems mail application interface (MAPI). No
Specification Busters SmartStruxure solution

Page 8 of 12

February 2015

This document is based on information believed to be true at the time of publication. It is for information purposes only and the author, publisher, distributor and company
provide no warranty about the content or accuracy of content enclosed.
This document is company confidential and should not be shared or distributed outside of Schneider Electric and Schneider Electric partner organizations.

[ Specification Busters ] SmartStruxure solution

special software interfaces shall be required and no email client software must be
running in order for email to be distributed. The email notification shall be able to be
sent to an individual user or a user group.
5. Individual alarms shall be able to be re-routed to a user at user-specified times and
dates. For example, a critical high temp alarm can be configured to be routed to a
Facilities Dept. workstation during normal working hours (7am-6pm, Mon-Fri) and to a
Central Alarming workstation at all other times.
6. An active alarm viewer shall be included which can be customized for each user or
user type to hide or display any alarm attributes.
7. The active alarm viewer can be configured such that an operator must type in text in
an alarm entry and/or pick from a drop-down list of user actions for certain alarms.
8. The active alarm viewer can be configured such that an operator must type in text in
an alarm entry and/or pick from a drop-down list of causes for certain alarms. This
ensures accountability (audit trail) for the response to critical alarms.
9. The active alarm viewer can be configured such that an operator must confirm that all
of the steps in a check list have been accomplished prior to acknowledging the alarm.
10. An operator shall have the capability to assign an alarm to another user of the
system.
11. Time schedules shall be able to be used to set control notifications to users.
o

Why? Other systems can do SOME of these features, however StruxureWare

Building Operation is unique in its robust alarm display and functional options.
Ensuring the right information is seen by the right people at the right time is a vital
part of maintaining the health of the deployed system and thereby the facility and
its occupants.

Specification Busters SmartStruxure solution

Page 9 of 12

February 2015

This document is based on information believed to be true at the time of publication. It is for information purposes only and the author, publisher, distributor and company
provide no warranty about the content or accuracy of content enclosed.
This document is company confidential and should not be shared or distributed outside of Schneider Electric and Schneider Electric partner organizations.

[ Specification Busters ] SmartStruxure solution

Trending
Implicit Trends
Spec Buster - Every hardware input and output point, hosted within the NSC and attached I/O
modules, shall be trended automatically without the requirement for manual creation, and
each of these logs shall log values based upon a change-of-value and store at least 500 trend
samples before replacing the oldest sample with new data.
o Why? - StruxureWare Building Operation automatically trends all data, hosted
within the Automation Server and attached I/O modules, so that the customer or
integrator can verify any item at anytime without any manual programming.

Programming
Multiple Programming Environments
Spec Buster - NSC devices will support both script text-based programming language as well
as the graphical function block programming language. For both languages, the programmer
will be able to configure application software for custom program development, and write
global control programs. Both languages will have debugging capabilities in their editors.
o Why? - Systems typically employ either a text-based programming system or a
graphical one. Both have their merits: The easy-to-follow logic of the text-based
programming and the graphical programmings capability to watch the data in action.
StruxureWare Building Operation has both, so the customer and integrator benefit
from the capabilities of both. Customers and integrators can employ experts in either,
broadening their choice of potential employees.

Specification Busters SmartStruxure solution

Page 10 of 12

February 2015

This document is based on information believed to be true at the time of publication. It is for information purposes only and the author, publisher, distributor and company
provide no warranty about the content or accuracy of content enclosed.
This document is company confidential and should not be shared or distributed outside of Schneider Electric and Schneider Electric partner organizations.

[ Specification Busters ] SmartStruxure solution

Smart Widgets
Spec Buster - The system shall be able to create objects that allow common objects such as
power meters, VFD drives, etc. to be integrated into the system with simple import actions
without the need of complicated programming or configuration setups.
o Why? - A Smart Widget is a package that can be used to import a particular model or
device into StruxureWare Building Operation software. The package includes import
files for standard graphics (to map to the device),
initial configuration & diagnostic purposes, and
points that map to the devices objects and
corresponding values. It takes minutes to import
rather than several hours of programming, including
graphic and third party register mapping. This
option is of great value to the customer in regards to
cost, labor time, standardization and ensuring that
the integration is well tested and error free.

LonWorks
Integrated LonWorks Network Management Tool
Spec Buster - The software tools required for network management of the LonTalk protocol
and the ANSI / ASHRAE Standard 135-2008 BACnet protocol must be provided with the
system. Drawings are diagrammatic only. Equipment and labor not specifically referred to
herein or on the plans and are required to meet the functional intent, shall be provided without
additional cost to the Owner.

o Why? - Many Lon integrators, in order to integrate appropriately, have to purchase

and use third party software programs, such as LonMaker or NL220. These
programs required not only the purchase of the software but a fee for each controller
integrated into the system. This causes customers to feel they have no control over
issues with the integration software (and therefore do not have complete control over
their system). And they are not happy that expansion of the system requires
additonal costs. StruxureWare Building Operation employs its own LonWorks
integration program thus eliminating the need to purchase credits for each controller
added to the system.

Power Manager
Embedded Power and Energy Management Software within the BMS*
Spec Buster - The system shall have the capability to provide a web-enabled PEMS (power
and energy management system) monitoring system intended to monitor an entire electrical
distribution infrastructure, from incoming utility feeds down to low voltage distribution points.
It shall be designed to monitor and manage energy consumption throughout an enterprise,
whether within a single facility or across a network of facilities, to improve energy availability
and reliability, and to measure and manage energy efficiency. It shall be a standard product
offering with no custom programming required. It shall provide a seamless user experience
(single pane of glass) for managing the mechanical systems (HVAC and lighting) and
monitoring the power distribution system (transformers, breakers, relays, switches,
Specification Busters SmartStruxure solution

Page 11 of 12

February 2015

This document is based on information believed to be true at the time of publication. It is for information purposes only and the author, publisher, distributor and company
provide no warranty about the content or accuracy of content enclosed.
This document is company confidential and should not be shared or distributed outside of Schneider Electric and Schneider Electric partner organizations.

[ Specification Busters ] SmartStruxure solution

capacitors, UPS, invertors, etc.) Pricing is to be a separate line

item from the BAS proposal. See specification 26 09 13 for
exact requirements.
o Why? The key differentiator here is the term
seemless user experience (single pane of glass).
While we are still assessing our competition in this
integrated solution, what we have typically found is that
most, if not all, of our competitors do not have an
embedded power management module as part of their
BMS. They cannot deploy a system to monitor both
HVAC and Power in what would appear as a single solution and not two systems
taped together.
* Note: The Power Manager module is initially available in select countries that have successfully
completed the offer onboarding process. At this time, this includes the U.S., UK, and
Australia. Avaialbility in more countries to be added over time.

Regional contacts
For more information (e.g. sales support, certification information), please contact your corresponding
regional SmartStruxure solution business development manager:

Americas: Americas.SmartStruxure@schneider-electric.com
o

North America: Matthew Green, Lonnie Laue

South America: Marcelo Varde

EMEA: EMEA.SmartStruxure@schneider-electric.com
o

Continental Europe & MEA: Martin Feder

Nordics, UK & Ireland: Lars-Gran Hallgren

Asia Pacific: AsiaPac.SmartStruxure@schneider-electric.com

o

Asia Pacific: Lars Lindkvist, Kim Harmer

China: Lei Yang: China.SmartStruxure@schneider-electric.com

For additional competitive knowledge support and/or feedback on this content, please contact:

Jeremy McCullough, jeremy.mccullough@schneider-electric.com

Request for Input

We invite you to participate with us in collecting competitive advantages between SmartStruxure
solution and other BMS that we can share in this and other educational tools.
Submit information on specification items that you think are SmartStruxure solution advantages (or
items that you think the competition has over SmartStruxure solution) using the Specification Busters
Input Form.

Specification Busters SmartStruxure solution

Page 12 of 12

February 2015

This document is based on information believed to be true at the time of publication. It is for information purposes only and the author, publisher, distributor and company
provide no warranty about the content or accuracy of content enclosed.
This document is company confidential and should not be shared or distributed outside of Schneider Electric and Schneider Electric partner organizations.