Bene's room systems offer tailor-made solutions to meet the diverse requirements of modern working environments. NOOXS Think Tanks are more than just well-designed room solutions: they meet the highest architectural and functional standards. This makes it all the more important that the control systems for these room systems also meet the requirements for user-friendliness and cost-effectiveness.
smart control
robust, smart, and tailor-made
Replacement for PLC wanted
At the end of 2023, Bene was faced with a challenge: the PLC control system previously used in the NOOXS Think Tanks was no longer up to date. Around 90% of the PLC's available functions were not even used in real operation. The control system was oversized, complicated to configure, and therefore expensive and maintenance-intensive.
When the responsible PLC technician at the long-standing electronics partner dropped out, it was clear that the time had come to completely rethink the Think Tank control system. The goal was to find a high-quality electronic replacement that was simple, cost-effective, and lean without sacrificing functionality. Other requirements included easy installation and seamless integration into the Bene system. Based on positive personal references, Ginzinger electronic systems was chosen.
After an initial meeting in fall 2023, the project kicked off with an intensive workshop in which all requirements, wishes, and framework conditions were defined jointly. The goal was clear: a small, robust, and customized electronics solution was needed. The new control system was to take over the essential functions, but at the same time be easier to commission and more economical to produce.
The result is an efficient, robust control unit that is discreetly installed in the ceiling of the think tanks. It is complemented by a minimalist HMI with only three to five buttons. The real intelligence lies in the web configuration: ventilation, lighting, and climate can be conveniently adjusted from anywhere. Motion detectors automatically activate lighting and air conditioning when someone enters and turn everything down when they leave – all of which can be adjusted at any time via the web interface.
The new control system not only reduces complexity, but also saves resources during installation of the boxes. Instead of expensive special cabling for the PLC, simple standard cabling is now used. The reduced cabling effort not only ensures leaner assembly processes, but also significantly lower material costs.
“We have transformed the complexity of a PLC into a user- and installer-friendly solution. Fewer components, lower costs, and at the same time a better range of functions for product design. All clear advantages for Bene.”
As an extremely popular product at Bene, the NOOXS Think Tank provides the perfect basis for achieving sustainable benefits with a customized electronics solution. The new control system not only offers greater efficiency, but also clear economic advantages.
The complete solution with simplified cabling and connector solution has significantly reduced costs compared to the previous PLC solution. Production of the control units, including the customized metal housing designed by Bene, has been underway at Ginzinger electronic systems since summer 2025.
“With the new control solution, we have reduced complexity while increasing functionality and cost-effectiveness. For Bene, this means easier installation, lower costs, and greater flexibility for our think tanks. A clear added value for our customers.”
About Bene
Bene is an international company based in Lower Austria and is one of the leading specialists in the design of modern working environments. With a well-thought-out mix of high-quality office furniture, room-in-room systems, and innovative furnishing concepts, Bene creates flexible working environments that promote productivity and creativity. With solutions such as the NOOXS Think Tank in particular, Bene sets standards in terms of design, functionality, and spatial awareness, combining architectural quality with technological sophistication.