Honeywell and integration software maker Tridium Inc. introduced a software tool that allows integrators and security dealers to more easily incorporate digital video surveillance capabilities into larger building control systems. The Rapid Eye™ Driver enables Tridium’s Niagara Framework to communicate with Honeywell’s flagship line of Rapid Eye digital video recorders.

By integrating the Rapid Eye DVR with traditional building automation technology such as environmental controls, energy management and lighting systems, the Rapid Eye Driver allows facility managers to easily integrate building events with video recordings. Managers, for example, can perform tasks such as diagnosing HVAC maintenance issues or detect water leaks using video. This functionality increases the value of the overall investment in a video system that would typically only be used for safety and security purposes.

“Facility managers and building owners are increasingly interested in the ‘intelligent building’ because it delivers incredible value in terms of using less energy and lower operating costs, which contributes to sustainable environments,” said Marc Petock, vice president of global marketing communications, Tridium. “Bringing the Rapid Eye technology into the Niagara Framework is a big step in the direction of ‘intelligent’ buildings because video literally provides a telling glimpse into building operations, and the Honeywell and Rapid Eye brands are two of the most respected in the surveillance industry.”

The new offering marks the second major integration effort between Honeywell and Tridium this year. In March, the two companies released the Honeywell Software Development Kit (HSDK), which allows integrators, dealers and end users to more easily tie Honeywell’s Pro-Watch® security management platform to building automation systems and other Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) technologies.

“We’re seeing security today becoming more a part of building automation, as opposed to building automation becoming part of security, and our customers are constantly looking for resources that will help them bring these two spaces together,” said Scott Harkins, general manager, Honeywell Systems. “By bringing together two of the most widely used technologies in their respective industries, Rapid Eye Driver gives integrators more flexibility to create these interconnected systems and provide more value for building owners and operators.”

If you’re at ASIS this week, visit booth 1901, where Honeywell will demonstrate the Rapid Eye Driver. For information, visit www.honeywell.com/security.