Project Haystack: 2024 Year in Review

by Marc Petock


Advancing Open-Source Standards for Data Semantics and Modeling

Data continues to be an invaluable asset for business and operational performance and decision-making. It is an irreplaceable asset. And operational data has never been more important in the way buildings must operate and be managed in today’s business climate. Lynxspring is a founding member and practitioner of Project Haystack and I am delighted to share the Year in Review.

As 2024 ends, the Project Haystack community celebrates its 13th year of progress in advancing open-source data standards. Our mission remains steadfast: to streamline the use of data and standardize semantic models, unlocking the immense value generated by smart devices, systems, and equipment operating today’s buildings and facilities.

This year, we made significant strides in enhancing tagging schemas, refining ontology structures, launching new working groups, and providing greater support for adopting standardized data models. These efforts enable new opportunities for analytics, operational efficiency, and interoperability within the built environment.

Key Milestones in 2024

One of the standout achievements of 2024 was the culmination of the Xeto technology specification as part of Project Benefit. Xeto further harmonizes and expands data representation and semantic modeling within Haystack 4, paving the way for the upcoming Haystack 5 release expected early next year. This pivotal initiative is accelerating the adoption of standardized data models across a more diverse set of global stakeholders.

Driving Innovation Through Collaboration

Project Haystack thrives through its working groups, which drive innovation and progress:

  • The Machine Learning Working Group brought Haystack into the AI era by defining semantic models for AI and ML, unlocking groundbreaking applications for smart data models.
  • The VRF Working Group and Haystack Labs expanded the standard to incorporate new equipment and system types for VRF solutions, now adopted globally.

Led by domain experts, these initiatives are opening new frontiers in data modeling, analytics, and IoT applications.

Gratitude and Call to Action

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our global community of members, contributors, and building owners and operators who embrace Haystack-powered solutions. Your shared expertise and commitment are what drive this movement forward.

If you aren’t already a member, now is the perfect time to join us. Become part of our global effort to transform data semantics modeling. For more information, contact us at: info@haystackconnect.org

Looking Ahead to 2025

As the industry increasingly embraces data-driven decision-making, Project Haystack is poised to lead the charge into 2025 and beyond.

Save the Date: Haystack Connect 2025

We are excited to announce Haystack Connect 2025, taking place May 6–8 in Washington, D.C. At the event, we will unveil further enhancements to the Haystack standard, including:

  • Xeto updates
  • The addition of the RDF specification
  • The official release of Haystack 5
  • Expanded educational initiatives and resources

The accomplishments of 2024 reaffirm Project Haystack’s enduring commitment to simplifying data management and maximizing the potential of connected systems and devices. As we look to 2025, the momentum we’ve built this year sets the stage for continued innovation and growth.

Thank you for being part of the journey. The future of data is brighter than ever!