Distech Controls EC-Net Facilities (formerly EC-Net 4)

Distech Controls EC-Net Facilities, formerly EC-Net 4, is a server-class platform for managing buildings at enterprise scale. It networks Niagara-based EC-BOS controllers and other IP devices, including Eclypse Connected IP and Wi-Fi products, and serves real-time graphical information to web browsers. Facilities teams can use it to integrate HVAC, lighting, energy, fire and smoke, physical access, video, and industrial or processing control systems. Server functions include data logging and trending, external database archiving, alarms, navigation, master scheduling, and database management. A graphical engineering toolset supports application development, while an XML interface using oBIX connects with enterprise software. The platform runs with the EC-Net web-based building management system powered by the Niagara Framework and can also run EC-Net Access for access control. Adaptive HTML5 views support desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers. Listed security features include role-based permissions, password controls, TLS, certificates, electronic signatures, login lockouts, single sign-on, and Google two-factor authentication. Pricing is available on request through a local agent; no software price is displayed.

EC-Net Facilities brings building system integration, server functions, and browser access into one platform. Buyers should contact a local agent for pricing and purchasing details.

EC-Net Facilities is aimed at facilities managers and organizations coordinating building systems across enterprise environments. It may suit teams needing browser-based views and integrations across building controls and other operational systems.

Overview

Distech Controls EC-Net Facilities, formerly EC-Net 4, is an enterprise building-management platform built on the Niagara Framework. It is best suited to facilities teams coordinating connected equipment and operational data across complex buildings. Its broad integration and server functions are compelling, but custom pricing and a local-agent purchasing process make it less straightforward than a self-service software purchase.

The platform networks Niagara-based EC-BOS controllers, Eclypse Connected IP and Wi-Fi products, and other IP devices, then serves real-time graphical information to browser clients. Its XML interface uses the oBIX standard to connect with enterprise software. That combination gives facilities managers a central operating view and a way to share building data beyond the management system.

Key features

EC-Net Facilities centralizes data logging and trending, external database archiving, alarms, system navigation, master scheduling, and database management. These server functions support ongoing oversight and coordination across building systems; they make the platform more relevant to organizations that need an operational hub than to teams seeking a narrow control tool. A graphical engineering toolset supports application development, adding flexibility for teams that need to configure applications around their systems.

The Supervisor integrates HVAC, lighting, energy, fire and smoke, physical access, video, and industrial or processing control. Supported device networks include Modbus, BACnet, and LonWorks. EC-Net can also run EC-Net Access for access-control management. The breadth is a strength for mixed-system facilities, though realizing it depends on the systems and integration work a buyer needs.

Adaptive end-user views use HTML5 and support desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers. Security controls include role-based permissions, password requirements, lockouts after repeated failed logins, single sign-on, Google two-factor authentication, TLS encryption, certificates, and electronic signatures. Distech Controls also maintains a Product Security Incident Response Team to investigate and coordinate notification of product and service vulnerabilities.

Pricing

EC-Net Facilities is paid software with custom pricing. Buyers are directed to contact a local agent for purchasing details; there is no published plan or software price to compare. Distech Controls offers product assistance for purchasing, technical support, and warranty questions, so the agent route is also the practical channel for clarifying procurement and support needs.

Platforms

The platform supports Android, iOS, Linux, self-hosted, web, and Windows. The installation guide names Windows 11 and 10 Pro x64, Windows Server 2022 and 2019, and Linux x64 with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.7 or Ubuntu 22.04. A BACnet guide describes downloading the software image and running its Windows x64 installer on a Supervisor PC, so deployment calls for an appropriate server environment rather than a casual mobile-app setup.

Who it's for

EC-Net Facilities fits facilities managers and building operators responsible for connected systems across enterprise settings, particularly where HVAC, lighting, alarms, environmental monitoring, and access integration need to be brought into a shared supervisory platform. Its engineering tools and protocol coverage also suit teams managing heterogeneous equipment. It is less appropriate for buyers who need transparent upfront pricing or a lightweight, single-purpose building app.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Broad integration across building and industrial systems, with Modbus, BACnet, and LonWorks support, helps unify varied equipment.
• Pros: Central logging, trending, archiving, alarms, and scheduling give facilities teams a substantial set of supervisory functions in one platform.
• Pros: Browser views span desktop, tablet, and mobile, while extensive access controls support managed organizational use.
• Cons: Custom pricing through a local agent makes budgeting and purchase comparison less direct.
• Cons: The server-class design and specified Supervisor PC operating environments call for infrastructure and deployment planning; it is not aimed at users seeking a simple standalone app.

Alternatives

Building Management Software is a useful category overview for comparing options across the field.

Switch Automation is worth considering when a free entry point matters: its Portfolio Benchmarking plan costs nothing and includes five custom workspaces, portfolio utility and services data, and energy-efficiency and benchmarking guidance. EC-Net Facilities instead emphasizes server supervision and integration across building systems.

Delta Controls enteliWEB is another paid, self-hosted-capable option; its eW200 plan covers 200 I/O and multiple sites, while eW1000 covers 1000 I/O. Consider it when those stated I/O tiers are a better fit for your deployment scope.

Honeywell Enterprise Buildings Integrator is a paid alternative for buyers comparing enterprise building-management platforms.

KMC Commander is a paid alternative from KMC Controls, an independent American manufacturer serving a global network of system integrators and distributors.

Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Building Operation is another paid option, with web, self-hosted, and desktop and mobile platform support.

Carrier i-Vu may suit buyers whose project scope and licensing are set through an authorized integrator; its Pro 10.0 pricing and license scope are determined by an accepted quote or agreement.

Daikin Applied Building Management System is a paid alternative from a maker focused on commercial and industrial HVAC systems.

KODE OS is a paid alternative with custom SaaS pricing based on integrated data points, property square footage, and implementation complexity.

Verdict

Choose EC-Net Facilities when facilities teams need a server-class supervisory platform to connect varied building systems, centralize operational functions, and serve browser-based views. Its strongest case is the combination of broad integration, Niagara-based connectivity, and substantial server tools. Look elsewhere if upfront price transparency or a simpler standalone application matters more than enterprise-level integration.