FAQ

SCADA is a system mainly visualizing processes and logic embedded in PLCs. Its task is to collect information, alert and illustrate the occurring processes in graphic form. NAZCA - unlike SCADA - in addition to basic functions, also offers specific logic, which means that it actually has the ability to control processes.

In addition, NAZCA has more advanced visualization functions, as well as alarming capabilities, reporting, remote access (also from a mobile app), building advanced algorithms and - most importantly - integration with other systems, both hardware and software.

Setting up NAZCA is very similar to programming industrial controllers. The logic is based on passing signals between the outputs and inputs of blocks representing physical devices or logical functions. For those wishing to acquire knowledge in this area, we have prepared a series of training videos, available under the Partner Account tab.

Licensing is based on two elements:

- the first is Core, which is licensed by the number of nodes and variables in the system;
- the second are individual functions and protocols that are not limited in number and are paid for once, regardless of the complexity of their use in the system (e.g. Modbus protocols, OPC, camera window, etc.)


All licensing and calculation of system components is based on an Excel calculator.

A special license is for operator workstations that are licensed according to the number of computers connected to the system.

The license key is embedded in the HASP key provided by APA or through a time-limited software license.

YES. The multi-server architecture of the software allows to build a geographically dispersed system. In this case, each machine performs a specific piece of work - collecting information, handling logic, or storing data, among other things.

Any facility, and - what is more – not necessarily a building, but also vehicles (trains, trams, yachts), industrial solutions (robots, process lines), distributed structures (street lights, garbage cans, etc.). In fact, the sky is the limit here - what matters is that there are systems for integration and/or control or metering.

We are proud to say NAZCA is a Polish product, awarded with Teraz Polska emblem. However, we understand that system operation can be multilingual, so you can create a system in any language - it's a matter of describing and programming the solution in that language. English, German and Dutch versions are currently underway.

A warranty of 2 years is provided as standard for equipment and software manufactured by APA. Details can be found in the General Terms and Conditions under the link: T&CS

Warranty extensions can be considered on an individual basis (and for a fee) - this requires mutual agreement. Do you need a special approach? Tell us about it at the bidding stage - we'll be sure to find a solution.

Third party software and hardware are warranted by the manufacturer.

Service is provided by the APA Partner who implemented the system. However, 7 days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. APA Support Department staff will assist in operating the BMS. Need help? Call or write:

•  +48 530 412 554
• serwis@apagroup.pl

Yes, APA provides support 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at:: +48 530 412 554.

For efficient management of information flow, NAZCA enables working with tools that make the interface clear, responsive and adapted to the user's needs. This task can be accomplished through several visual treatments:
1) The simplest is to build buttons, signals, diagrams, etc. from pre-made NAZCA components.
2) It is also possible to build graphical diagrams (e.g. ventilation and/or heat/cooling nodes) using animated widgets built into NAZCA.
3)There is an option to create a raster graphic, i.e. a bitmap (by a specialist) and apply zones to it which can be highlighted, framed, etc. for building spatial visualizations.
4) We also allow you to use WEB plug-ins for creating graphics based on HTML and related environments (e.g. Grafana). Implementation of vector graphics and BIM files is underway.

Haven't found an interesting solution? Tell us about it!

Yes. Scalability can be defined in several ways. The universal and versatile nature of the Nazca platform allows the system to be used in single rooms, apartments, residences as well as industrial solutions, large buildings and warehouses and commercial facilities.
The software handles single or multiple building management efficiently, so you can consistently build business benefits.

Flexibility of the solution provides an opportunity to integrate complex building, business and production systems, allowing for modelling of the entire processes occurring in the facilities.

There is possibility of video streaming from IP cameras via RTSP protocol. In this case you collect one video stream from the camera to Nazca and the second one goes to the video recorder (if there is one in the area).

Nazca does not perform CCTV recording, storage and retrieval functions.

YES. For everyone, however, the definition of reliability may involve different issues.
For us, it is the possibility of redundancy.

For additional guarantees of reliability, it is possible to build a redundant system (of course, the limitation then is the buses and devices hooked to the system and their ability to be controlled from two or more levels) - to achieve this, it is necessary to set up a minimum of two computers and duplicate the configuration, as well as to create a current backup of the databases.

Another issue is to ensure reliability by creating a distributed system, but then the system should be built on freely programmable devices (PLCs), where Nazca takes the role of the PLC management system.

Yes. NAZCA has a built-in event log. Any events related to the operation of the system (e.g. alarms, changes of parameters, opening of passages etc.) can be recorded here. In addition, the system logs user operations (like: who? what? when?). Each log entry is accompanied by a time stamp. It is also possible to assign an appropriate priority to a particular group of events. With this solution you get a complete history of your facility.

For each NAZCA user, different data can be valid as reports or notifications. Therefore, it is possible to implement this issue in many ways. NAZCA data can be exported to the cloud and to other computers. NAZCA itself has the possibility of exporting to *.csv and *.pdf files and sending e.g. e-mail or SMS messages with reports.

Safety first! This motto applies both to the security of our data and the installation at the site.
Data going to NAZCA are stored in two databases: SQL - for configuration and Mongo - for data from measurement systems and sensors. Databases are password protected, as is the entire system. Moreover, the communication between the Client and the system is encrypted. On the Customer's side, the issue of appropriate protection against unauthorized access to the network in which NAZCA operates remains.
Additionally, taking care of cyber security, we integrated an audio authentication system using ELIoT Pro.

YES. NAZCA exists in two instances as an Operator Station and as an app for mobile devices (smartphone, tablet) for Android and iOS. If you want to test the app, download it by scanning the QR code, which will take you to the right place depending on the operating system of your phone:

1. Then, contact us to get a code for your test profile.

NAZCA communication with field devices can be done using the following protocols:

- Modbus TCP (ETH)

- Modbus RTU (RS-485)

- BACnet IP (ETH)

- Vibus (RS-485)

- OPC UA

- OPC DA

Other protocols (DALI, LORA, KNX, M-Bus, LON, Profibus etc.) are supported by dedicated communication gateways from third party manufacturers.

The universal and versatile nature of the Nazca platform allows the system to be used in industrial solutions, large buildings and warehouses and commercial facilities. Below is an overview of our projects:

• Rosevia Resort hotel apartment complex - Jastrzębia Góra
• hotel Indigo - Warsaw
• Plaza shopping centre - Toruń
• research and development centre for machine tool distributor - Gliwice
• logistics centre for steel manufacturer - Rybnik
• APA Black House technology showroom - Gliwice
• electronic components factory - Niepołomice
• office building - Warsaw
• and many more

NAZCA architecture allows to realize the assumptions of technological development.

OpenData - the ability to transparently share data with other systems is realized in NAZCA through open communication protocols, REST or the AMQP TLS message broker.

BigData - a very complex issue, related to collection, analysis and visualization of large data sets (and, what is more important, selection of those important from the BMS operator point of view). The most commonly implemented way is to perform analytics in the Cloud (e.g. Microsoft Azure), with which Nazca is integrated.

Continuous analysis of energy consumption, prediction of power peaks (increased consumption) and control of devices can act as a power guard. The power guard can both alert you when an overdraw (or the possibility of it coming - via cloud-based analytics) is occurring, as well as automatically control slave systems in such a way as to prevent it from happening without operator intervention.

NAZCA has the potential to increase the energy efficiency of the buildings in which it is applied, through the skilful and intelligent control of building installations and the reduction of energy wasted on antagonistic actions (e.g. open window and running air conditioning).

NAZCA has the ability to detect anomalies both in the operation of building systems and through our proprietary Nazca Monitor service, which monitors the operational status of the Nazca system.

It is not. The operator can operate the system remotely, e.g. one operator for several buildings.

The modular design of NAZCA allows the investor to bear the cost of only those functionalities that he will use. The factors influencing the value of the quote are mainly the size and type of the facility and the number of floors. This is accompanied by the requisite information on:

• the number of elements in the system,
• the extent of functionality,
• what we will be controlling,
• what we will be monitoring,
• what other systems are planned for the facility (intrusion detection system, fire detection system, CCTV, access control system, etc.)

You should also consider the cost of the implementation service, most often offered independently by the partner.

Update is possible, but not necessary. The version provided to the customer upon purchase is a lifetime version. Cyclicality of change is not required. However, if you want to use new features or expand the system, please contact us; each implementation is considered individually.

Returns can occur on many levels. Keep in mind that typically the construction of a facility is less than 20% of the total expenses associated with the subsequent maintenance of the facility (e.g. for 15 years). If Nazca is able to save even 3% in operating costs (and over 40% is energy costs alone) then:

- converting 3% to 80% equals 2.4% of the investment

- considering the cost of construction - almost 10% of the construction cost.

A uniform building management system reduces personnel costs (reduced operation and easy, intuitive interface - and therefore easy to train).

However, such benefits as increased comfort and prestige of the project cannot be overestimated.

Thanks to NAZCA, the location and the building itself may be more attractive for potential tenants.

Yes. Demo version of Operator Station and mobile app is available in Partner Account. You don’t have the access? Write to us!

The system is for life. Once it is working, it will work for many years - the only necessary thing is successive maintenance and possible replacement of worn out devices. The software itself requires no intervention.
We are constantly working to expand our network of partners, which allows us to declare that support and people familiar with NAZCA will be available on the market for many years to come.
APA has been on the market for 20 years and has dozens of successful implementations for institutions, individuals, municipalities and industrial plants around the world.
We therefore ensure that the customer can rest assured of the support of both the Manufacturer and the Implementation Partners.