DENVER, CO /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --. With the debut of its signature product, Convia Inc., a new Herman Miller Company,seeks to change the way people design, build, personalize and manage space.
Its Convia Programmable Infrastructure is a modular and programmable electrical infrastructure that delivers "plug-and-play" power virtually anywhere within a commercial space without requiring hardwiring of devices or switches. Installation costs are at or below standard wiring, and life cycle costs are a fraction of the cost of traditional electric, the company says.
Using infrared technology via a secure, remote control "wand" designed by Grimshaw Industrial Design, Convia lets even untrained users to install, upgrade, or relocate any electrical device (e.g. lighting fixture, security camera, electronic display, thermostat), sensor, or switch in moments. Using the wand, any off-the-shelf electrical or electronic devices that are plugged into Convia's system connectors can be "programmed" and grouped with each other via a communication and control network, regardless of what electrical circuit they are connected to. To personalize space, users simply "point and click" a two-button wand to change the power connection.
"In today's fast-paced marketplace, companies are constantly up- or downsizing," said Convia president Randy Storch. "With Convia, electrical reconfigurations that could take days or even weeks to complete with traditional hardwiring can be performed within minutes at no cost."
In addition, Convia delivers High Speed Ethernet capabilities to any IP appliance such as digital displays, VOIP or wireless hubs that receive power from the system. "Electrical systems have not changed in more than 60 years, but the ways in which we work have -- dramatically," said Storch.
Convia is designed to accommodate the sophisticated devices and complex electrical configurations required to achieve optimum energy efficiency, at a fraction of the cost of traditional electric.
By allowing for unlimited modifications in positioning and configuring energy-efficiency components, and optimizing occupancy, daylight, time and temperature sensors, Convia provides personalized and cost-efficient control of power, data, HVAC and lighting systems. By reducing energy consumption, it can help qualify for federal and some municipal tax energy credits of up to $1.80 per square foot of a building, of which $.60 is associated with reduced lighting.
One Solution, Two Ways
Convia is available in two configurations: an open ceiling grid system and a customizable, plenum-rated system for use in conjunction with traditional, finished ceilings incorporating air-handling systems. The grid is best suited for open ceilings and is ideal for people who seek the ultimate in flexibility. In addition to the strengths of the programmable power and data infrastructure, it also enables place making with wall and ceiling products, to easily and economically reconfigure physical space as needs change.
The plenum-rated compatible version is designed for closed or drop ceilings. While this version doesn't offer as much place-making capability as the open ceiling grid system, it delivers superior performance and value compared to traditional wiring solutions. All components on this system utilize Convia's smart connectors enabling rapid movement of devices, and are fully programmable. The open ceiling grid system and plenum-rated system are compatible and can both be used in a space to get maximum benefit. With Convia, new or renovated interior spaces become programmable environments, responsive to the ever-changing needs of the modern commercial space.
About Convia Inc.
Convia, a Herman Miller company, seeks to change the way people design, build, personalize and manage space. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Chicago, Convia is dedicated to offering customers agile and programmable environments, which allow for radically flexible spaces. For more information about Convia Programmable Infrastructure, visit the company's Web site.
About Herman Miller Inc.
Herman Miller designs products and provides services that enhance the performance of people and their environments worldwide, making life more productive, rewarding, intelligent and delightful. The company's award-winning products and services generated over $1.7 billion in revenue during fiscal 2006. Recognized both for its innovative designs and business practices, Herman Miller is a recipient of the prestigious National Design Award for product design from the Smithsonian Institution's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. In 2006, the company was again cited by Fortune magazine as the "Most Admired" company in its industry and was included among Business Ethics magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens." The company trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol MLHR. For additional information, visit the company's Web site.