Distributed intelligence and multi-master operation
zencontrol uses a distributed, multi-master architecture where switches, sensors and controllers communicate directly without relying on a central processor. Devices share their status across the network, keeping actions and indicator LEDs synchronised and ensuring fast, reliable response.
Switches and sensors connect to their application controller via DALI, and controllers communicate over Ethernet. Any switch can control any luminaire on the network, and device states are shared across all DALI lines. With no single point of failure, the system continues operating even if a controller or line becomes isolated.
Scalable from one room to global portfolios
zencontrol scales from a single room to entire global estates. Smart devices can run independently, in small groups or under a DALI-2 application controller. Each controller manages up to 64 DALI devices per line and up to 64 sets of DALI control devices, supporting multi-channel inputs such as switch plates. Controllers connect via Ethernet to form a fast, resilient lighting control backbone, and additional controllers can be added at any time without downtime or re-engineering.
The IP-based architecture extends seamlessly across floors, buildings, sites and countries. The zencontrol cloud unifies this data in near real time and is capable of processing millions of datapoints. zencontrol has already delivered BACnet deployments exceeding 300,000 points per site, with flagship installations surpassing 1.2 million points.
Real-world projects demonstrate the system’s scale and reliability, from towers using over 10,000 DALI drivers to major residential developments with more than 50,000. The Mercian in Birmingham operates more than 3,600 DALI devices across 42 floors. These examples show that zencontrol can scale from a single device to tens of thousands without compromising performance.
Open connectivity via standard networks
Ethernet and IP backbone
Every zencontrol application controller connects directly to your Ethernet network. By using standard IP infrastructure, systems can scale easily across buildings, campuses and global sites without custom cabling.
Industry-standard protocols
The same network can carry BACnet, DMX, MQTT, DALI-2, Control-4 and other third-party services. zencontrol controllers operate as native BACnet servers with BBMD and foreign device support, allowing traffic to cross subnets without additional gateways. Real-time data delivery reduces latency and prevents stale information.
Head-end and cloud integration
A head-end server can run locally on the Ethernet network for site-wide control. The zencontrol cloud uses the same IP backbone to provide remote dashboards, analytics and power monitoring. Licences and upgrades, including BACnet and analytics features, can be deployed remotely with no onsite hardware changes.
Segment buildings with tenancies, floors and groups
Large buildings seldom operate as a single zone. zencontrol lets you structure your project into tenancies, floors, departments and groups. In the cloud’s Plan view you can upload floorplans, place devices, define rooms and zones, and view each device’s ID, group, status and control parameters.
Plan view also delivers live occupancy and power heatmaps. By collecting occupancy, power and fault data from devices across the building, the system provides clear insights that help facility teams identify high-consumption areas, monitor changes and optimise energy performance.
Granular access control
Modern buildings involve many stakeholders, and each requires a tailored level of control. zencontrol offers a sophisticated permissions model that allows you to assign access based on roles and locations. There are several account types: Integrator accounts have full access to all features, Manager accounts can use Plan view, schedules and emergency reports, while Personal accounts are intended for end users to control their lights or integrate with voice assistants. Site owners enjoy full administrative rights and can add other owners, site members or tenancy members to share control.
For normal users you can create site members with fine-tuned permissions and feature visibility. The cloud portal lets administrators grant read or write access only to the control systems, floors or device groups a user needs. For example, a tenant in a multi-storey office can be given permission to adjust lighting and blinds only on their leased floor, while a facilities manager might have full access to all lighting, HVAC and emergency systems. A contractor commissioning a new fit-out could receive temporary access to a specific control system and then be removed once the work is complete. Administrators can audit user actions, revoke permissions at any time and roll back undesired changes via the cloud portal.
Why choose zencontrol?
Reliable by design
A distributed architecture removes single points of failure and keeps systems operating even if individual components go offline.
Scales without limits
Begin with a single room and grow to multi-building portfolios. DALI Alliance case studies show zencontrol deployments with over 10,000 DALI drivers, and multi-residential projects exceeding 50,000 devices.
Open and interoperable
Native support for BACnet, Control-4, DMX, MQTT and more enables seamless integration with HVAC, security, audio-visual and other building services.
Simple, intuitive management
Plan view provides drag-and-drop device placement, region creation and real-time feedback on power, occupancy and faults.
Granular permissions
Assign roles such as integrator, manager or personal, and restrict users to specific systems, floors or tenancies. Administrators can audit actions and roll back changes through the cloud.