Al Nasser Company of Saudi Arabia has launched two new state-of-the-art building management systems (BMS) on the market.

The systems, a radio bus and an installation bus (Instabus EIB), are from Berker of Germany, a leading manufacturer of electrical switches and intelligent building management systems.

And to back them up, Al Nasser says it has specially trained its engineers on how to operate and service these systems.

"Al Nasser has been Berker's partner in Saudi Arabia for more than 17 years and both companies have built a solid reputation in the market," says a spokesman for Al Nasser. "Berker's products, which are manufactured only in Germany, are synonymous with outstanding design and quality and comply to international standards such as AS and BS."

Elaborating on the features on the new systems, he says: "The radio bus is a digital programmable remote control system for all functions in a building. Switching, dimming, shutter control and other functions can be realised by digital signals, while reducing laying of conduits and wiring to a minimum.

"It allows the control of most varied house systems by radio signals - from lighting to windows and blinds right through to socket outlets. As it is a modular system, the radio bus can be expanded at any time and is particularly suited to retrospective installation. It is easy to operate and has the flexibility to be combined with other Berker installations. At the same time, it provides for greater convenience and security.

"The Instabus EIB is a sophisticated bus-operated building automation and management system which allows the highest standard of functionality in utility buildings and makes buildings controllable via displays, touch screens, PC or even mobiles.

Instabus technology connects electrical devices to a control wire, along which pulses can be sent. This creates an intelligent system from a conventional electric installation, which is capable of controlling several devices simultaneously. The abbreviation EIB (European Installation Bus) indicates the European standard that ensures that different manufacturers' products are able to exchange information by means of 'telegrams' when they are connected to a bus system. This is why the most varied devices in the EIB system are able to 'communicate' with one another instantly."

Before launching the systems on the market, Berker and Al Nasser studied the market and realised that these technologies were relatively unknown in Saudi Arabia, consultants and clients would be hesitant to specify and install them. Therefore, Berker placed a permanent representative to assist Al Nasser in imparting technical advice.

"After speaking at length with consultants, architects, engineers and clients it was obvious that the fundamental knowledge and expertise for such technologies was not available in Saudi Arabia," the spokesman says. "The key question from most of them was: what happens if the systems fails and who can service such systems?

"Conventional switches and outlets are often bought only by choosing a certain design, Bus technology can only be introduced to the market, if the company can offer a wide range of additional services, support during the planning stage, support for programming the devices, support during the installation phase on site, support for commissioning and - more crucial - support in the event of an failure.

"It was clear to Al Nasser that the conventional practice of relying on overseas support would not work. Customers expect fast support, meaning that expertise must be available locally and round the clock.

"Al Nasser and Berker went to some length to enable such support. First, they trained engineers in Germany on the Instabus EIB system, where they achieved EIBA qualifications and certifications.

"Berker then set up two new training and service facilities, for the EIB and radio bus respectively in Saudi Arabia. The centres were set up by ELWE, a leading German specialist in training equipment. After additional training at these centres, these engineers were then posted at Al Nasser's branch in Malaz."

These training and service centre are said to be the first of their kind in Saudi Arabia. Training for the Instabus EIB and radio bus will shortly be offered to anyone interested and will range from introductory training for architects and consultants to a three-step programming training for system integrators or programmers, the spokesman says.

Within the next year the centre will be certificated by EIBA Brussels and will be able to offer certified diplomas, he says.

Since the launch, Al Nasser has installed the radio bus for several clients, who have been astonished by their level of functionality, according to the spokesman.

Al Nasser is one of the pioneers in the field of electrical and lighting accessories in the Middle East, specialising in both interior and exterior lighting. It also deals in the design, installation and commissioning of security systems, CCTVs, audio/video door entry, intrusion and access control, public address, communication, fire detection and alarm and cable management systems.