Building automation has faced several challenges as of late, many of which are related to safety and scalability. ODIN version 2.0 is our newest software release, and it includes a number of exciting improvements. We invite everyone to see how we’ve streamlined everything from the framework to the security.

The Foundation

At the heart of ODIN 2.0 is our commitment to clients. This is not about adding to a laundry list of flashy features, but about fixing the bugs, implementing better infrastructure, and improving the architecture of the software. As we planned the next direction for our ODIN software, we kept what worked and upgraded or changed everything we felt we could improve. Throughout it all, we made sure to incorporate valued feedback from you — our dealers and users.

On our team, no complaint was too small. Everything from the intuitive interface to the reporting function empowers your staff to better optimize your building. We understand that issues need to be identified quickly to be solved. With an ODIN building automation system, it's possible to take the entire building wherever you go. Whether you're using a mobile device or a browser, the software makes it easier and faster to handle more (without a corresponding decline in quality).

Changes to Our Infrastructure

ODIN 2.0 has made the following upgrades and changes:

• Single Page Application (SPA) Platform: The platform was converted to SPA over multi-page applications to improve load times and navigation. Without having to do full-page reloads, it’s quicker to skip around and reduces the frustrations of dealing with separate pages.
• .Net Core Framework: .Net Framework offers a number of security and scalability benefits. However, ODIN 2.0 has been upgraded to .Net Core Framework for a modular, cross-platform network. It still provides the same security and integration features, but it’s now lighter and faster for users and a little less clunky for developers and dealers.
• Angular Framework (frontend): ODIN 2.0 can now be used across multiple environments. When our clients use an array of browsers, servers, mobile devices, etc., an independent platform is a must.
• Stateless (backend): As automation and artificial intelligence continue to collide, scaling continues to be a sticking point for users and dealers. A stateless backend ensures infinite scalability for building systems managers who can’t afford to be left behind.

These changes were made to smooth out the user experience, though it’s worth noting that none of them come at the expense of the software’s safety.

Bug Fixes and Enhancements

When Schneider Electric sent out a bulletin in 2023, they informed their customers that the vulnerabilities of their systems had been made public. It was just one example of many that proved how big a target building automation is.

As we took a step back to examine the granular details of our system’s security, we made the following fixes and enhancements:

• BACapp Watchdog: This monitoring tool can catch anything from performance issues to communication errors on BACnet devices, whether they’re online or not. ODIN’s original version experienced unexpected stopping on the service, but we were able to resolve it for ODIN 2.0. We also added a connection status to BACapp UI for more comprehensive monitoring and reporting.
• Mobile Group Screen: ODIN 2.0 incorporates red exclamation marks on the group screen when specific objects are offline. This indicator serves as a quick-glance way for staff to confirm the status so it’s easier to assess multiple systems.
• Discovery Process Optimization: Object discovery in building systems management remains inefficient in many facilities. Without being able to pinpoint and identify objects, it’s easy to come to the wrong conclusion. With ODIN 2.0, the discovery process is faster and smoother, so technicians aren’t taking proverbial (or literal) stabs in the dark.
• UI Changes: UI is important to ODIN. A more visually appealing experience can help people use the tools they’re given and develop a better relationship with the security process.
• Mobile Apps: Pairing ODIN 2.0 with the latest smartphone and tablet versions of IOS and Android is simple thanks to our enhancements. Maintaining compatibility with the newest technology is not always straightforward, but we’ve managed to streamline development so ODIN 2.0 can keep up with debuting devices on the market.

New Features

The newest features of the platform were designed for both security and practicality. They include the following:

• MFA: Multi-factor authentication continues to be one of the simpler and more effective security solutions. With MFA on the latest version of ODIN software, the Site Admin can implement this optional feature based on everything from their workflow to their staff members’ preferences. A one-time passcode to email may be an extra step, but it can also prevent major headaches down the line. We highly recommend setting MFA up, particularly if your facility is a magnet for hackers.
• Elastic Beanstalk and Load Balancer: An Elastic Beanstalk can automate the scaling of your backend. Add more instances to the application without having to change your application code. Companies and organizations that anticipate a spike in traffic can count on ODIN 2.0 to handle the job.

Connect with ODIN 2.0

As building automation continues to evolve, the demand for services is only going to increase — and user expectations right alongside it. Being able to solve problems remotely is a game-changer for building maintenance crews, but it's a double-edged sword when it opens the door for hackers and mischief-makers alike.

Whether you want to avoid a scandal or you're just looking for software that's faster and more agile, we encourage you to test out the new features of ODIN software or to connect with us to learn more about it.