SmartNode Proprietary Developments – Series Part 2 | SN-OPUS-API Module – Real-Time Gas Consumption Integration into Niagara and Other BMS Systems
- Lévai Krisztina
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
In the second part of our series presenting SmartNode’s proprietary developments, we focus on a topic that often remains in the background of building operations: the visibility of real-time gas consumption data.
In Part 1, we introduced the SN-SMSEagle module, which provides SMS-based notification integration within Niagara environments.
Now we present another in-house development focusing on utility data integration: the SN-OPUS-API module.
Gas Consumption as an Operational “Blind Spot”
While electrical energy usage and mechanical system parameters are typically monitored continuously within the BMS, gas consumption data often appears only in the form of monthly utility invoices.
This delay:
prevents immediate intervention
limits daily cost control
makes energy efficiency analysis more difficult
To eliminate this “blind spot,” we developed the SN-OPUS-API module, which establishes a direct API connection between the Opus Tigáz metering center and the supervisory system.
1️⃣ Native Opus Niagara Integration
If the system is Niagara-based, SN-OPUS-API can be integrated as a native component into the existing Station or Supervisor environment.
In this setup:
a direct API connection is established with the utility provider
no external middleware or additional meters are required
gas consumption data appears instantly in the Niagara graphical interface
Consumption data is displayed on the same dashboard as boiler performance, heat production, or air handling parameters. This enables direct analysis of the relationship between energy usage and equipment operation.
2️⃣ Integration into Non-Niagara BMS Systems
If the project is not based on a Niagara supervisory system, SN-OPUS-API can run on an EDGE10-E (Niagara-based) controller.
In this architecture, the EDGE10-E operates as a gateway:
retrieves and processes utility data
forwards it via open protocols to the existing BMS or energy management system
Supported protocols:
BACnet IP
Modbus TCP
OPC UA
This allows integration with systems such as Siemens, Schneider Electric, Johnson Controls, Sauter, or any other platform supporting open protocols.
How Does the Module Support Building Operations?
1️⃣ Real-Time Transparency
Utility (Opus Tigáz) metering data is directly integrated into the supervisory system — whether in a native Niagara environment or via gateway architecture.
Gas consumption appears on the same graphical interface as:
boiler output
heat generation
air handling system parameters
This enables analysis of correlations between energy usage and equipment performance (e.g., boiler output vs. actual gas consumption).
Result: Gas consumption is no longer delayed billing data, but an active operational parameter.
2️⃣ Continuous, Reliable Data Sets
Accurate energy analysis depends on uninterrupted data.
The module:
automatically synchronizes meter readings
operates without manual intervention
retrieves missing data after network interruptions
This ensures trend data continuity, whether stored in a native Niagara system or another BMS environment.
Result: A reliable foundation for cost allocation, tenant billing, and energy optimization.
3️⃣ Fast and Clean Integration
SN-OPUS-API can be deployed either as a native Niagara component or within an EDGE10 gateway architecture.
No need for:
custom scripts
external middleware
additional meter installation
The system can be implemented quickly, while maintaining a transparent and scalable architecture.
Result: Low integration cost and short deployment time — in both Niagara and non-Niagara environments.
Typical application areas
SN-OPUS-API is an ideal solution for:
office buildings and commercial facilities
industrial halls
multi-building sites
municipal and governmental portfolios
energy management systems
tenant cost allocation-based leasing models
Conclusion – Visible Energy, Smarter Operations
Control starts with measurement.
With SN-OPUS-API, gas consumption data no longer appears as delayed billing information but becomes an active, real-time part of daily building operations.
The module can be applied in two architectures:
Native Niagara integration, where utility data is directly embedded into the existing Station or Supervisor environment.
Gateway architecture, where the project is not Niagara-based. In this case, SN-OPUS-API runs on the EDGE10-E controller, forwarding utility data via open protocols to the existing BMS or energy management system.
Whether you want to integrate utility data into an existing supervisory system or are planning a new energy management solution, SN-OPUS-API can be flexibly adapted to your technical environment.
👉 Contact us for a personalized proposal.
In the next part of our series, we will present further SmartNode developments supporting integration with Niagara and other BMS systems.
Stay tuned.
(Source: SmartNode Kft, SMSEagle, Canva, freepik, OPUS TIGÁZ)
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