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Business
THE FUTURE LANDSCAPE OF
HVAC & R CONTROLS IN SOUTH AFRICA
By Eamonn Ryan , with technical input from i4
With over three decades of experience in the controls industry , i4 Group CEO Ivan Potter has a unique insight into the controls industry in South Africa .
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Potter sheds light on the evolving dynamics and anticipates what lies ahead . Where i4 Group differs from the rest of the market is their positioning as ‘ brand ambassador ’ for leading BMS product manufacturers and not engaging in direct contracting . In addition , i4 Group has developed its own range of products which fill the gaps left by global brands thereby providing an end-to-end solution using the latest advances in technology .
Potter ’ s journey began on the BMS contracting side , where he built a substantial business over several years . A pivotal decision to sell the contracting business and subsequent retirement led to his return to the BMS industry , this time on the technology import and distribution front .
Potter explains : “ The evolution of BMS from proprietary to open systems and more recently , a mixture of connectivity technologies , has meant that the BMS space now bridges the control and monitoring of the built environment with IT . Today ’ s BMS integrates multiple diverse systems for real-time control and management across single and multiple-enterprise buildings . Assisting managers and owners to visualise , understand and monitor their facility ’ s energy usage and building behaviour to improve built environment user experience and reduce operational costs is our mission .” i4 Group encompasses both import and local manufacture . Distech and Siemens products dominate the imported portfolio , while it has developed eZi Controls – a comprehensive range of locally manufactured edge devices with OEM transducers and industrial touch panel user interfaces , designed with the latest technological advancements .
The prominent brands driving the South African BMS industry are Siemens and Distech , with the i4 Group taking the lead as importers and distributors of these products in the region . The strategic approach is to focus on renowned brands that provide certifications and approvals for use in critical installations , such as multi-storey buildings , banks , hospitals , data centres and pharmaceutical installations to name a few .
Potter emphasises i4 Group ’ s departure from the traditional model of importer and systems integrator as a single company , highlighting the importance of having a dedicated product importer and distributor that focuses on training , brand protection and client satisfaction .
RACA Journal I March 2024
All images by RACA Journal
i4 Group CEO Ivan Potter has a unique insight into the controls industry in South Africa .
“ The traditional model of systems integration consisted of a systems integrator importing BMS products ” says Potter . “ Internationally , this approach has undergone a significant transformation . Recognising the need for a more robust approach , the industry has shifted towards a model where BMS equipment importers and distributors focus on ensuring proper product application , brand protection , and customer satisfaction as the ‘ brand ambassador ’ – but who no longer contract for the installation . This departure from the previous method addresses issues of customer lock-in , ensuring clients have access to a variety of certified systems integrators with ongoing support from the importer , as opposed to being tied into a single supplier .”
This means a client can be serviced by multiple systems integrators with support provided to both client and systems integrator by the principal distributor .
Potter highlights the importance of providing training and support to the industry ' s systems integrators , consultants and property owners . “ The business model involves not only importing and distributing but also educating consultants , clients and systems integrators . i4 Group has a dedicated training centre and a team of skilled engineers providing technical support , particularly crucial given the brain drain affecting the availability of skilled technicians and professionals in the local market ,” explains Potter .
The South African controls industry is developing rapidly in line with global trends requiring collaboration and knowledge
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