Performing a point-to-point checkout may seem routine, but it's the difference between a reliable BAS and one that fails under pressure.

In this week’s episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we dive into the real purpose behind point-to-point checkouts and why rushing through them can derail your entire project.

If you're in the field or leading a team, you’ll want to ensure these checkouts are done right, because your commissioning team is counting on you.

Topics Covered

• Preparing the right tools and documentation before you ever touch a point
• Following a repeatable process for accuracy and consistency
• Preventing the most common errors field techs encounter
• Habits that lead to cleaner logs and better team coordination
• Pro tips for leveraging mobile tech and real-time communication

Start tightening up your checkout game.

Rejected submittals delay projects, damage credibility, and create extra work for every stakeholder involved.

This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast outlines how to build submittals that meet expectations from the start. Learn how to improve your documentation, streamline reviews, and strengthen relationships with engineers and owners.

Topics Covered

• The role of submittals in BAS and HVAC projects
• Cost and impact of rejected submittals
• Common causes of rejection and how to avoid them
• Steps to create clear and compliant submittals
• Tools and communication strategies that support approvals

Strengthen your process and submit with confidence.

PM programs aren't just about checking boxes—they’re the backbone of operational efficiency, cost control, and asset longevity.

In this latest episode, we explore the essential steps to building a preventative maintenance schedule that works. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining what you already have, this is your roadmap to reducing downtime and maximizing system performance.

Topics Covered

• How to evaluate your facility’s critical systems and equipment
• Building a task list aligned with OEM guidance and real-world conditions 
• Choosing the right task frequency and balancing your annual workload
• Documentation, accountability, and leveraging digital tools like CMMS
• Common pitfalls to avoid that can derail even the best-laid plans

Start building your PM strategy today—it’s never too early to drive long-term results.

A strong network design isn't just a technical detail—it’s the foundation for long-term performance, stability, and scalability in your BAS deployments.

This week, we're diving deep into how to design BACnet over IP systems that avoid congestion, play well with IT networks, and remain easy to maintain years after installation. If you're tasked with designing or troubleshooting BAS networks, this episode is for you.

Topics Covered

• Key concepts every BAS pro should know about BACnet/IP  
• Structuring networks for performance and future scalability
• Common pitfalls with addressing, BBMDs, and subnetting
• Aligning with IT departments without compromising control
• The documentation practices that support long-term reliability

If you're building smart systems that need to last, this episode is packed with the design insights that matter.