Check out our e-guide to HVAC Graphics to learn more about how we can help save your company time and money with:
QA Blog
QA Graphics Wins 2018 dotCOMM Award
QA Graphics has over a decade of experience in 3D design and animation, offering professional web development services to their customers. By working with QA Web, a division of QA Graphics, clients gain custom website branding, which builds brand recognition and boosts sales through customer interaction.
“We are thrilled to receive this website award. It furthers our mission for our QA Web division to demonstrate the level of talent we offer for our website development,” said Dan McCarty, owner of QA Graphics.
The dotCOMM Awards is an international competition that recognizes and honors outstanding forms of web creativity and digital communication. Winners were selected from more than 2,000 entries worldwide. Various categories included website creativity, mobile web applications, content marketing, social media marketing, and video creativity.
To view QA Graphics’ 3D graphics webpage, visit: www.qag3d.com
To view other winners, visit: https://enter.dotcommawards.com/winners/
To learn more about our affordable web development visit: https://www.qagraphics.com/web/
The Difference In Functionality of BMS & EMS
The confusion in the industry between what exactly a building management system (BMS or BAS) does and an energy management system (EMS) does is prevalent today. People continue to use these terms interchangeably, when really the functions of these systems are different, although they do work together closely.
A survey conducted by MACH Energy in 2015 indicated that 44% of 800 facility managers believed they had an EMS when in reality more than 70% actually had a BMS. These results proved that even the users of these tools have ambiguity in their understanding of how these systems operate and what they do.
Let’s clear up what some of the main differences are among EMS and BMS to help differentiate what the functionalities of each of these systems are.
A building management system or building automation system is a computer-based system that controls and monitors the buildings mechanical and electrical equipment such as ventilation, lighting, HVAC, power systems, and fire and security systems.
An energy management system refers to a platform used to improve energy performance by detecting, monitoring, and controlling energy consumption and costs. These are great tools when implemented correctly and can be very rewarding when facility management strategically plans based on the needs of the users of the building and the information the EMS provides them with.
Key Differences:
- BMS are built for dealing with historical data or reporting, they are primarily used in real time. BMS is used to make sure the mechanical systems work individually, but also in conjunction with each other, to determine that the building can operate effectively and keep occupants comfortable.
- EMS are primarily a reporting tool, as they are used to track information and record it over time. They are most commonly used when organizations want to optimize building performance by gaining full control over energy consumption or when production of something requires specific conditions that must be met and verified with a time stamp.
Over time, EMS functionality has been added to many BMS and vice versa. This increasingly popular combination of the two systems is due to people wanting to optimize energy consumption in their building for sustainability purposes and/or to reduce costs that were being spent on wasted energy.
An article from Dexma simplifies the main functions of a BMS as the doing and acting components, and an EMS as the planning and checking elements of an energy management project. While BMS and EMS do work together closely, the functions of these two systems are separate.
Learn more by checking out the sources below:
Energy Management Today, Study: Confusion, Growth Opportunities in Building Management Systems
Building Automation vs Energy Management Software
Energy Management Systems are Great Tools — If Used Correctly
Client Satisfaction Is Our Top Priority
Here at QA Graphics, all members of our team work together seamlessly to prioritize client satisfaction above all other things. We want to provide our clients with a service that benefits and enhances their organization and is of, or exceeds, the quality they are expecting. For us, hearing that we surpassed expectations of the client means we met our end goal.
QA Graphics has a history of working with Johnson Controls on numerous projects over the years. Most recently, we completed a multi-phase project for James. A Platania, a Senior Systems Engineer at Johnson Controls.
The first step in this project was to create graphics for their facilities large chilled water plant. After that, we then created floor plan and HVAC graphics for two buildings using their Metasys Graphics + platform. Many of the elements in this project were large complex systems, and QA Graphics worked efficiently to get the graphics back to James as quickly as possible without sacrificing the quality.
QA Graphics did an exceptional job on the graphics for our recent project, which was full of confusing and complex systems.
I designed the systems and sometimes I have to go back to my drawings and analyze what I did. Typically, I do not have much confidence in the quality of graphics I will receive back when contracting them out. We spend months figuring out our projects where a contractor has just a few weeks. Even with good control drawings, it’s understandable that there will be inaccuracies.
But…you would almost think that QA Graphics was part of the project from the beginning. I have not had to make too many corrections at all. In fact, I have been surprised many times to find that little obscure things were picked up on that I was sure would be missed. I REALLY appreciate the work QA Graphics did on this project. ”
– James A. Platania, Johnson Controls
Our talented team of designers are extremely detail oriented and precise; they are known to catch minuscule details that may typically be overlooked. We aim to satisfy all our clients like we did James. No matter the size or complexity of the project, QA Graphics can provide graphics that are sure to exceed expectations.
Get the process for your next project started today by contacting our account manager at (515) 965-3403, or by emailing your current files to [email protected].
3D Floor Plans Make All The Difference
Whether you’re looking to provide prospective buyers with a high-quality visual of your space or set yourself apart from the competition, QA Graphics will provide you with a fully customizable solution. 3D floor plans are an ever-popular alternative to traditional floor plan drawings and provide a unique visual representation for commercial or residential spaces.
Time and time again, clients return to us to express how their 3D floor plan delivered a return on investment that greatly exceeded their expectations. Prospective buyers were able to accurately visualize the layout of the space in its entirety, resulting in a higher number of those committing to rent or purchase. Today’s commercial real-estate market is highly competitive and moves quickly, so providing potential buyers with an outstanding visual asset like a 3D floor plan sets your space apart from the get-go.
Here at QA Graphics, we aim to bring your vision to life before a brick is even laid on the site. When buyers see the results firsthand and aren’t left to imagine what their space will look like, it strengthens their sense of security, allowing them to imagine how that space will be used going forward.
Another great advantage of investing in 3D floor plans with QA Graphics is our guarantee of a fast turnaround time. Send over your CAD files, Revit files, PDFs, sketches or specification sheets, and our expert drafters will create a 3D floor plan that you will be eager to present to your clients. Our average turnaround time is 48 hours after receiving your files and finalizing what template and package options will best satisfy your needs.
We have a variety of floor plan graphics options to meet your specifications, budget, and timeline, and all our work is completed in-house. Get the process started today by contacting our account manager at (515) 965-3403, or by emailing your current files to [email protected].

