Press Releases

QA Graphics Unveils QAGFoxhound: A New Standard for Niagara Database Validation and Organization

April 28, 2026

QA Graphics has officially launched QAGFoxhound, a desktop application engineered for the Tridium Niagara platform that assists system integrators in the organization and validation of building automation system (BAS) databases. Developed through extensive real-world BAS project expertise, QAGFoxhound establishes a direct connection to Niagara stations, offering a systematic approach to reviewing points, diagnosing issues, and documenting projects.

The software is designed to streamline commissioning, enhance quality assurance workflows, and minimize the time required to navigate intricate databases. QAGFoxhound is currently available directly through QA Graphics.

Built from Industry Necessity

The application was born from years of hands-on BAS graphics experience to tackle the routine hurdles integrators encounter when managing extensive point databases and commissioning tasks.

“Their team has utilized similar tools internally for years across various control platforms,” noted Dan McCarty, President of QA Graphics. “QA Graphics developed QAGFoxhound out of a need to heighten accuracy and efficiency in their own projects, and they are now providing that same capability to the broader Niagara community”.

Comprehensive Feature Set

By integrating automated QA evaluations, live station connectivity, and professional reporting, QAGFoxhound assists in standardizing project reviews and boosting overall system integrity. Key features include:

Secure Connectivity: Live access to Niagara stations via a secure REST API.
Station Explorer: Tools for navigating complex equipment and point structures.
Automated QA: Checks for point naming conventions, statuses, facets, histories, alarms, and graphics.
Custom Queries: Execution of BQL queries with integrated reporting.
Commissioning Exports: Generation of Excel-based point schedules.
Live Dashboards: Configurable views featuring both real-time and historical data.
Professional Documentation: Branded reporting tools for comprehensive project records.

These capabilities enable integrators to rapidly pinpoint issues like inconsistent naming, missing extensions, or incorrect graphic bindings, which helps reduce commissioning timelines and improves final deliverables.

Supporting In-House Teams

While QA Graphics continues to promote the benefits of outsourcing system graphics for better scalability, they recognize that many firms maintain their own internal graphics departments. QAGFoxhound is specifically built to empower those teams with a professional tool rooted in direct industry experience.

“This isn’t a generic piece of software,” McCarty explained. “It was created by a team that handles building automation graphics daily and recognizes the precision required to succeed”.

Learn More

Interested parties can contact the QA Graphics sales team for detailed product information and pricing. To discover more about the platform or to request access, visit the official QAGFoxhound page.

QA Graphics Launches Vectortology™, the Industry’s First Haystack Aligned Vector Ontology for Building Automation Systems Graphics

December 9, 2025

QA Graphics announced the launch of Vectortology™, the building automation industry’s first Haystack aligned vector symbol ontology built specifically for Building Automation Systems (BAS) graphics workflows. Vectortology™ establishes a standardized semantic connection between BAS databases and graphical user interfaces by embedding structured data directly into vector symbols.

Program Status

Vectortology™ is released as Beta Version 1 and is currently deployed within QA Graphics production vector symbol libraries. Beta v1 is aligned with current Project Haystack semantic tag models. QA Graphics plans ongoing updates to maintain compatibility with future Haystack standards including Haystack 5 enhancements as specifications are finalized.

For decades, BAS graphics have existed as static artwork visually matched to engineered databases but disconnected from any unified semantic framework. Vectortology™ bridges this gap by encoding Haystack based metadata directly into QA Graphics vector symbol assets allowing graphics to function as data aware system objects tied to equipment models point definitions animation states and naming conventions.

QA Graphics Vector Symbol Library consisting of thousands of production ready HVAC mechanical plumbing and control symbols now serves as the delivery platform for Vectortology™’s ontology framework.

View the full library

From Static Artwork to Semantic System Objects

Vectortology™ transforms symbols from simple illustrations into structured graphical system components that align directly to Building Automation Systems data models.

Each symbol incorporates

Equipment classification aligned to Haystack semantics
Point slot bindings such as status command and alarm
Orientation logic for automated template placement
Defined animation states mapped to operational behavior
Ontology based naming conventions compatible with legacy and customer systems
Searchable semantic attributes for cataloging and retrieval

This standardized structure enables predictable database driven workflows where BAS graphics can be assembled from building models rather than drafted manually screen by screen.

Vendor Neutral and Platform Agnostic

Vectortology™ supports cross platform deployment across major Building Automation Systems including

Niagara N4
Johnson Controls MUI
Schneider Electric EcoStruxure
Trane Tracer
Reflow and other custom BAS user interface platforms

Vector native delivery ensures customers achieve consistent visual standards regardless of control hardware or frontend technology choices.

Flexible Adoption for Existing BAS Naming Standards

Vectortology™ is designed to integrate into real world operational environments without disruption. Its framework supports

Native Project Haystack tagging
Customer defined naming standards
Hybrid transitional naming models

Organizations can adopt semantic graphics workflows at their own pace without rebuilding databases or overhauling proven engineering processes.

Enabling Deterministic Graphics Automation for Building Automation Systems

“Automation without structure is unreliable,” said Dan McCarty Owner of QA Graphics. “Vectortology™ focuses on solving the real industry prerequisite creating consistent semantic alignment between building datasets and graphics. That consistency enables deterministic automation for Building Automation Systems rather than relying on manual scripting or generative guessing.”

Vectortology™ supports

Template driven screen construction
Database driven symbol population
Reduced quality assurance and engineering rework
Enterprise branding standard enforcement
Future artificial intelligence assisted layout workflows grounded in semantic models

Built from Real World BAS Experience

Vectortology™ reflects QA Graphics nearly two decades of practical deployment experience delivering BAS graphics across healthcare campuses federal facilities universities manufacturing environments and data center installations around the world.

It was developed directly from thousands of implemented projects across nearly every major BAS platform transforming field lessons into a structured ontology framework for the entire industry.

Availability

Vectortology™ is available immediately as part of QA Graphics advanced vector symbol libraries and structured production workflows.

System integrators original equipment manufacturers and facility owners can deploy Vectortology™ today across new implementations or modernization initiatives for Building Automation Systems portfolios.

See QA Graphics Live at AHR Expo 2026 – Booth C645, Las Vegas!

November 10, 2025

At QA Graphics, we specialize in custom HVAC system graphics and design services for interactive BAS platforms. We help clients visualize their needs and simplify their lives. Our talented designers come from diverse backgrounds to provide the personal attention and expertise needed to bring our clients’ ideas to life.

This February 2–4, 2026, we’re heading to Las Vegas for the AHR Expo, the HVACR industry’s premier event—and we want to see you there! Come visit us at Booth C645 to experience our latest innovations in:

3D HVAC system visuals – Engineered for clarity and realism
Symbol libraries – Built to meet ASHRAE standards and custom specs
Motion graphics and animations – Designed to elevate your user experience

We’ll be showcasing real-time demos, sharing project highlights, and offering insights on how our visuals can improve your next HVAC system graphics or BAS project.

Whether you’re an integrator, engineer, or facility manager, we’d love to connect and explore how we can bring your system designs to life.

Let’s create something incredible together—see you at Booth C645!

QA Graphics Joins NiagaraModules Partner Program as Authorized Reseller

August 4, 2025

Expanding Solutions for the Building Automation Industry

QA Graphics, a leader in building automation system (BAS) graphics and design services, is proud to announce its new partnership with NiagaraMods through the Reflow Partner Program. As an authorized reseller, QA Graphics now offers NiagaraMods’ suite of productivity tools and modules designed for the Niagara Framework. This partnership enhances QA Graphics’ ability to support system integrators with efficient, scalable solutions.

NiagaraMods delivers software tools that reduce engineering time for professionals working with Tridium’s Niagara platform. By becoming a reseller, QA Graphics can now help clients accelerate project timelines, reduce costs, and improve consistency without sacrificing quality.

“QA Graphics has always focused on simplifying the BAS design and implementation process,” said Dan McCarty, President of QA Graphics. “By offering NiagaraMods tools directly to our clients, we are helping them become more efficient and productive while complementing the custom design services we are known for.”

As a reseller, QA Graphics will offer clients access to NiagaraMods’ best-in-class user experience platform: Reflow.

What this means for system integrators

QA Graphics is already a trusted source for high-quality BAS graphics, floor plans, and 3D HVAC content. Now, system integrators can also access powerful NiagaraMods software directly through QA Graphics, improving speed, standardization, and performance across their projects.

About QA Graphics

QA Graphics, located in Ankeny, Iowa, is a leader in BAS graphics outsourcing, 3D HVAC design, and floor plan development for control systems. Since 2006, QA Graphics has supported system integrators, mechanical contractors, and OEMs across multiple platforms, including Tridium Niagara, Johnson Controls, and Trane.

About NiagaraMods

NiagaraMods, based in central Ohio, develops engineering tools that extend the power of the Niagara Framework. Their trusted modules help integrators worldwide simplify complex tasks and complete projects more efficiently.

From Concept to Completion: QA Graphics’ Proven Workflow

September 23, 2024

QA Graphics provides a truly one-of-a-kind, custom graphics experience by prioritizing customer input from the very start of a project. This begins with an in-depth conversation focused on the project’s needs, whether it’s floor plan creation, 3D HVAC equipment production, or a comprehensive building automation service package that integrates seamlessly across platforms. Our sales team takes the time to determine the best path forward and crafts a detailed scope of work that aligns with the client’s requirements.

A Structured Process for Every Project

Once the project’s scope is established, the management team steps in to handle the finer details. For new clients, QA Graphics provides project examples from similar work we’ve completed, offering a clear reference point. One-on-one video conference meetings also help us understand each client’s specific needs, allowing us to establish a standardized process for ordering consistent graphic results every time.

Collaborative Development and Review Process

After initial discussions, QA Graphics submits preliminary samples for customer review. This gives clients full control over any changes, whether it’s related to resolution sizes, color choices, equipment angles, or splitting building graphics into smaller segments. Once the client approves, our team moves into full production, maintaining close communication on delivery timelines based on the complexity and size of the project.

Post-Delivery Support and Flexibility

At QA Graphics, we understand that changes may be necessary even after the project is completed. We are always open to reviewing customer feedback, jumping on conference calls, and discussing potential updates or revisions to ensure complete satisfaction.

Ready to Transform Your Graphics Experience

Partner with QA Graphics today and discover how our custom graphics solutions can meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for building automation graphics, HVAC designs, or tailored visualizations, contact us now to get started on your next project!