Three-Color Controls: 'Good controls are the beating heart of properly functioning blinds'

The above remark applies in particular to (fully) automatic control systems for sunshades applied within the utility sector. The knowledge of most sun protection specialists usually relates to systems for the private sector.

Utility projects require different knowledge, as the control of blinds there is often part of a building management system, the number of blinds to be controlled is greater and the area within which the screens are located is much larger. Even for seasoned project blinds companies, installing, adjusting and maintaining project controls presents a recurring problem. Fortunately, there is help from professional sources. 

Rescuer in distress

"We operate in a niche market," Jan Smit, Business Manager at Driekleur-Besturingen opens the conversation. "We are a new player within the utility industry and provide as services the consulting, installation, technical management and maintenance of (fully) automatic control systems for blinds." With the increasing complexity of shading control and building management, a shading supplier can get bogged down in the matter, Smit observes. "Once you get into trouble, you often end up in a downward spiral. Three-Color Control is then often the savior of solar shading Holland!" 

Driekleur-Besturingen works with certified E-installers and mechanics who have their roots in the shading world. "We remove the separation between electrical engineering, ICT and blinds engineering by working well together," Smit explains. "That works faster, more efficiently and extremely effectively. After all, time is money. With a complex control system, it is nice for the sun protection company that the first-time-right percentage is high and there are no headaches. Therefore, Driekleur-Besturingen comes into the picture, not as a competitor of the supplying sun protection company, but as a full partner. This combined strength ensures success on all fronts. We therefore never deliver directly to the end customer, but only act on commission." 

A Somfy Animeo IB+ installation.

Hardware is also provided

In addition to providing the above services, Driekleur-Besturingen also provides the necessary hardware if requested. In doing so, Smit and his team are not brand-bound. "Among others, we have Somfy, Tedsen and Elero in our delivery program, but we can supply much more. Our network in the world of awning motorization and control is large. We operate completely brand-independent and for that reason we can also offer impartial advice when an installation is not working or when people ask for advice on a new installation. There lies another strong point of Driekleur-Besturingen: we also design installations. We can do that because our technical knowledge goes beyond what is done within the shading world. You see that in the field of building management systems there has been a shift from mechanical engineering installations to pure ICT. Our expertise allows us to think ICT-wise within the frameworks of project solarization. We supply the necessary hardware and know-how and provide the link to the building management system. The adjustment is done by authorized companies. To communicate well with other parties involved within the setup of the building management system, you have to speak their language. That's what we do." 

Methodology

The diversity of existing control systems is enormous. "As Driekleur-Besturingen, we are unique in the way we work because we accept every brand and type of controller," Smit said. "Some 90% of the work we do, by the way, involves maintenance and troubleshooting. During maintenance, we sometimes reject an installation and recommend replacement. With a good calculation we then make it clear that this actually saves costs. In any case, customers can call us to map out a situation somewhere. To keep the threshold low, we do that at a very attractive rate. We then issue a condition and advisory report, so that the client knows exactly what the state of affairs is. If motors need to be replaced or cabling installed, we engage the sun protection specialist or the E-installer, respectively." 

Often it also works the other way around, Smit concludes. "Then Driekleur-Besturingen is called in by an E-installer. The beauty of working in partnership is that you are each other's ambassador, with one and the same goal: to make sure your blinds work properly and are controlled without problems."