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

Overview

Distech Controls EC-Net Facilities, formerly EC-Net 4, is a server-class platform for supervising building systems across an enterprise. It is best suited to facilities teams managing connected Niagara controllers and other building equipment across one or more sites. Its broad integration and engineering capabilities make it a serious building-operations platform, though buyers must contact a local agent for custom pricing.

Built on the Niagara Framework, EC-Net Facilities connects Niagara-based EC-BOS controllers and Eclypse Connected IP and Wi-Fi products, along with other IP-based devices. It presents real-time graphical information in web browsers and supports integration with enterprise software through an XML interface using the oBIX standard. The result is a central view for facilities managers who need to respond to operational problems and use building data to improve system performance.

Key features

Centralized logging and trending, external database archiving, alarms, system navigation, master scheduling, and database management give the Supervisor a substantial role in day-to-day building operations. Its graphical engineering tools also support application development, which is useful for teams that need to configure and extend building-management applications within the platform.

The Supervisor integrates HVAC, lighting, energy, fire and smoke, physical access, video, and industrial or process control systems. Supported device networks include BACnet, Modbus, and LonWorks. This breadth can reduce the need to manage separate automation systems in isolation, while the actual scope depends on the equipment and integrations used at each site.

Adaptive HTML5 views support desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers. Security controls include role-based permissions, password requirements, lockouts after consecutive failed logins, single sign-on, Google two-factor authentication, TLS encryption, certificates, and electronic signatures. EC-Net can also run EC-Net Access to manage access control systems. Distech Controls has a Product Security Incident Response Team that coordinates investigations and vulnerability notifications.

Pricing

EC-Net Facilities has paid, custom pricing. Buyers must contact a local agent for a quote; the product page also directs customers to that agent for purchasing, technical support, and warranty questions. No plan tiers, seat allowances, usage quotas, trial period, or renewal terms are provided, so organizations should establish the license scope and ongoing costs during the sales process.

This quote-based model suits facilities teams evaluating a platform for a defined building portfolio, but makes early budget comparisons harder. The product does not offer a published free plan for teams that want to explore a no-cost option first.

Platforms

The platform supports Android, iOS, Linux, self-hosted, web, and Windows. Installation guidance covers 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. The maker's BACnet guide directs users to run the Windows x64 installer on a Supervisor PC. Browser access and adaptive HTML5 views extend system information to desktop, tablet, and mobile clients.

Who it's for

EC-Net Facilities is aimed at facilities managers and building-operations teams responsible for coordinating multiple systems at enterprise scale. It is a strong fit when a site depends on Niagara-based controllers, needs centralized alarms and trends, or must bring HVAC, lighting, energy, life-safety, access, video, and process controls into a supervisory platform. Its engineering tools also suit teams that need to develop applications as part of their building-management work.

Smaller teams looking for a self-service, transparently priced product may find the agent-led custom quote less convenient. Organizations without a need for broad integration or centralized supervision may not need this level of platform.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Broad system integration spans core building controls, safety, access, video, and industrial or process systems, helping enterprise teams coordinate operations from a shared supervisory platform.
• Pros: Centralized trending, logging, archiving, alarming, and scheduling provide practical tools for monitoring building activity and responding to issues.
• Pros: HTML5 browser views, mobile support, and a range of Windows and Linux server environments accommodate varied client devices and deployments.
• Pros: Multiple security measures, including role-based access, single sign-on, two-factor authentication, and TLS, address access control at both user and communications levels.
• Cons: Custom pricing requires contacting a local agent, complicating quick budget checks and side-by-side comparisons.
• Cons: The platform's breadth and engineering toolset are most valuable to teams with complex building portfolios; buyers with narrower needs may not benefit from the full scope.

Alternatives

Delta Controls enteliWEB is worth comparing for teams that want multiple-site supervision with defined 200-I/O or 1,000-I/O editions; its eW200 and eW1000 plans also include editions and add-ons with a one-year software maintenance subscription.

Switch Automation is a better fit for readers seeking a free starting point for portfolio benchmarking: its free plan includes five custom workspaces, portfolio utility and services data, and energy-efficiency and benchmarking guidance.

Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Building Operation is another paid building-management platform to consider.

BEMServer suits teams looking for free, open-source software under the AGPL-3.0 license; its listed platforms include Linux, self-hosted, web, and API.

Carrier i-Vu is an alternative for buyers evaluating a paid platform whose license scope and price are set through an accepted quote or agreement with an authorized integrator.

Honeywell Enterprise Buildings Integrator is another paid option for building-system management.

Siemens Building X is suited to teams that want to choose building applications or APIs through yearly subscriptions and request a quote for pricing.

Automated Logic WebCTRL offers a hosted WebCTRL Cloud subscription with no upfront server and software costs, for organizations that prefer a hosted service.

Browse more options in Building Management Software.

Verdict

Choose EC-Net Facilities when your facilities team needs enterprise-level supervision across Niagara controllers and a wide mix of building systems, with centralized operations, engineering tools, and browser access in one platform. Its strongest reason to buy is the combination of broad integration and detailed supervisory functions. Look elsewhere if transparent upfront pricing or a free entry point is essential, or if your building operations do not justify a server-class platform.