Company Overview

VCI Controls: Bringing Electronic Technology and Construction Together

Construction and high technology are two words you don't often hear in the same sentence. A computer seems out of place in the world of hard-hats, cranes and girders. The developers of most automated systems are more familiar with computers and software than with the complexities of a major construction project while most control equipment manufacturers are only familiar with construction.

At VCI Controls, we understand both these technical disciplines. We engineer, manufacture, install and service automated systems designed specifically for the energy management and building control markets. Our project managers have construction backgrounds and our software engineers wear hard-hats. Our installers are engineers, electricians, fitters and electronics technicians. We're the largest Canadian-owned company providing Canadian designed and manufactured electronic building control systems and we've been meeting the needs of our Building Automation clients since 1979. Our systems are installed across Canada, in buildings as small as 20, 000 sq. ft. and as large as The Museum of Civilization. We are controlling the environment and saving energy costs for a diverse client list including schools, airports, hospitals and government and commercial office buildings.

Over the years, we've worked hard to develop a complete approach to Building Controls, incorporating all aspects of system delivery from Engineering, to Manufacturing, to Installation and Service with a commitment to ongoing Research and Development. Our goal is to ensure that VCI Controls is the electronic building controls supplier for today's requirements... and tomorrow's.

Manufacturing:

VCI Controls' manufacturing staff is totally familiar with the production of electronic building control equipment. In keeping with VCI's philosophy of applying the most recent technologies, we use state-of-the-art production methods including CAD / CAM techniques to design printed circuit boards. Metal work is performed on computerized NC Machines. Working out of our plant in Nepean, Ontario, the manufacturing staff build and test all the components of our systems including our recently introduced product, the 9100. Stringent quality assurance tests are applied to all components prior to shipment to site. VCI's electronic building control systems have been designed to meet the widest range of specifications and industry standards possible. However, should our clients have specialized requirements, our manufacturing and engineering groups will design and build custom components.

Engineering:

The success of any project is determined during the planning stage. Time spent in evaluating needs and developing solutions means time saved during installation and lower maintenance costs. Most importantly, good planning results in customer satisfaction. VCI Controls employs a full staff of engineers to plan and design the most efficient, cost manufacturing effective system for our clients.

Application Engineers:

Evaluate client needs and ensure our system is configured to meet all project requirements.

Hardware Engineers:

Ensure the most recent, but proven, technology is considered when engineering the system.

Software Engineers:

Ensure our software incorporates state-of-the-art technology while maintaining the maximum flexibility, capability, reliability and ease of use for our clients.

Instrumentation Engineers:

Ensure our customers get the advantages of the most reliable, accurate, cost-effective instrumentation and equipment available.

Installation:

From co-ordinating schedules with other construction trades to ensuring specifications have been carefully reviewed by both local and factory engineering staff, our project managers work with the client to ensure a smooth installation. Operating from a construction trailer at the job site or from our local office, we will install all electronic or pneumatic equipment, instrumentation, wiring, conduit and computers. There is no aspect of installing a control system which our trained personnel are not prepared to undertake. VCI has a permanent staff of electricians, fitters and electronics technicians. These careful, experienced installation crews are directed by Project Managers familiar with construction and backed up by management and technical expertise at our local branch offices. Factory expertise is also available when required. A job is never complete until we have verified all aspects of the system are operating properly and to our client's satisfaction. To the project managers at VCI, installation also extends to training of client personnel both in a classroom environment and at the client's site. We want our clients to understand the system as well as we do.

Service:

VCI believes that system flexibility extends to choice of after- sale service options. We provide our clients with a wide range of service options, from a training program for the 'do-it- yourself' to complete facilities management for those requiring a comprehensive service contract. Whichever combination you choose, our trained and experienced staff of technicians are available 24 hours a day backed by a complete inventory of replacement parts located at our offices. Service staff also have round the clock access to factory personnel and to our large factory inventory.

At VCI, we not only service what we sell, we will assume responsibility for equipment supplied by others. Our staff are factory trained in electronics, pneumatic instrumentation, control applications and computer software technology to provide a complete service offering.

Research and Development:

In today's world of advancing technology, VCI Controls is dedicated to making those advances work for our clients. The first direct digital control (DDC), all-electronic building automation system in Canada was installed by VCI. And our investment in new technologies continues.

Our most recent product addition, the 9100 Networked Energy Management System, is the result of an effort by a development team with expertise in electronics, instrumentation, software and control applications. Building on the success of our 8100 series, the 9100 features advanced networking facilities, allowing full distributed capabilities throughout the building.

VCI Controls... combining high technology and building control expertise to bring the computer to the construction site.

Branch Offices:

Toronto Moncton Fredericton

Company Information

Additional Details

Legal Name: VCI Controls Inc.

Number of Employees: 50

Contacts

Products

• 9100 Networked Energy Management Control System

  ENVISION Building Automation System

  Networked Energy Management Control System provides unprecedented power, flexibility, and ease-of-use. It features a full Windows Graphical User Interface with 'point and shoot' operation controlled by the click of a mouse.

  ENVISIONis the latest in a series of ground-breaking control systems engineered by VCI Controls - a series started in l980 with the first all-electronic, direct digital control system in the industry.

  In keeping with our commitment to our existing client base, VCI designed ENVISION to be compatible with all current VCI installations.

  With ENVISION, VCI continues its commitment to providing customers with the most advanced Building Automation Systems.

  Operator Workstation

  The OWS allows complete facility management of all system functions right down to individual control points. Based upon a 386 IBM-PC (or compatible) technology and running Windows, it provides a Graphical User Interface, (point and shoot) for all functions.

  It has plenty of power to spare - letting you open windows to concurrently run third party software such as spreadsheets or word processing. Graphics can be imported from CAD systems for visual continuity.

  VCI Enhanced Controller

  The VECcontains all of the control and energy conservation algorithms. It can operate as a networked device or as a standalone controller. In networked mode, it can be controlled, interrogated and re-programmed from the OWS or LWS. Small installations can be serviced by a single VEC operated through a laptop workstation.

  High-speed OWS Network

  The high-speed network operates at speeds up to 10/100 MB / sec over a variety of transmission media. The OWS network supports either the ARCnet or Ethernet architecture.

  Laptop Workstation

  The LWS provides 'on the spot' workstation capability where you need it and when you need it. The LWS can be connected directly to an individual VEC for complete access and control for the entire facility. The LWS is ideal for troubleshooting and maintenance work. Remote access is available via modem.

  Field Interface Devices

  FID modules are networked together to the VEC. Failure of one module on the network does not affect communication or operation of any other module on the network. Diagnostics are built into each module of the FID to provide ease of maintenance. This design architecture allows installation of modules in close proximity to field instrumentation thus providing significant savings in wiring costs. Future system expansion and installation are also made easier by this module design.

  9100 Protocol Communication Gateway

  Application Specific Controllers

  9100 ASCs provide standalone control and monitoring functions for applications such as compartment units, Vav boxes and heat pumps. In networked mode, they can be controlled, interrogated and re- programmed from the VEC, LWS, or OWS.

  Summary of Features

  Operator Workstation IBM-PC (or compatible) running windows Multiple workstations communicating via OWS network Full colour graphics screen with mouse driven GUI On-line programming Open windows to concurrently run third party software Complete facility management of all system functions

  VEC True multi-tasking, multi-user capability Totally standalone, contains all control and energy conservation programs Single VECControl for small installations Networked VECs via PCU LAN Exception reporting provides fast response times

  High Speed OWS Network High speed communication network Ethernet LAN operates at 10/100MB / sec Operates over a variety of transmission media

  Application Specific Controllers and Field Interface Devices Standalone DDC control at ASC units A variety of interchangeable modules available Module failures do not affect remaining modules Networked to minimize wiring costs and maximize reliability Microprocessor controlled, all solid-state construction

  Laptop Workstation Portable and powerful Based on IBM-PC compatible laptop design Can be connected directly to an individual VEC or FID Ideal for troubleshooting and maintenance Remote communications via modem

• Computer Communications Interface Equipment
• Data Acquisition Systems, Nes
• Measuring & Meas/Controlling Inst Nes

NAICS Categories

• 334512 Measuring, Medical and Controlling Devices Manufacturing

Additional Information