Management system using function abstraction for output generation

An arrangement for use in a building automation system, comprising:

• a memory storing programming instructions and a plurality of data values including data values corresponding to a first object data record corresponding to a first building automation system (BAS) device, and including data values corresponding to a second object data record corresponding to a second BAS device,
• a display;
• a user input device;
• a processing circuit operably coupled to the memory and the display, the processing circuit configured, when executing the programming instructions, to
• receive additional data values from one or more BAS devices via a network;
• store the additional data values in the memory;
• generate a graphic display including a plurality of icons and an movable cursor, wherein a first icon is associated with the first object data record;
• position the movable cursor based on user input;
• retrieve from the memory at least one data value pertaining to the first object data record responsive to location of the movable cursor over the first icon.
• execute the software operation to modify the graphic display to include a graphic element within the generated graphic display, the appearance of the graphic element corresponding at least in part to the retrieved at least one data value.

A method for use in a building automation system, comprising:

• storing in a memory a plurality of data values including data values corresponding to each of a first object data record having a first format and second object data record having a second format different from the first format, wherein the first object data record corresponds to a first building automation system (BAS) device, and the second object data record corresponds to a second BAS device,
• receiving additional data values from one or more BAS devices via a network;
• storing the additional data values in the memory;
• requesting within a software operation data pertaining to the first object data record;
• retrieving a stored object type definition that defines a third format;
• retrieving at least one data value corresponding to the first object data record from the memory;
• mapping the at least one data value corresponding to the first object data record to the third format;
• providing the requested data based on the mapped at least one data value to the software operation;
• executing the software operation using a processor to generate at least a portion of a display graphic on a display, the appearance of the portion of the display graphic corresponding at least in part to the mapped at least one data value.