A building management system (BMS) is a control system that can be used to monitor and manage the mechanical, electrical and electromechanical systems and services in a facility. Such services include power; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); physical access control; fire safety systems; water pumps; elevators; and lights.
A BMS is also called a building automation system or computerized maintenance management system. These systems collect data from around a building or facility and monitor it for any abnormalities. If the data falls outside the predetermined ranges, indicating possible problems, the system sends an alert to building or equipment managers.
Depending on the system, BMS software can be installed as a standalone application or integrated with other monitoring programs. More advanced BMS applications monitor and manage a range of building services across multiple platforms and protocols. They provide facility administrators with a single, shared view of the facility's operations.
A basic BMS consists of software, a server with a database and smart sensors connected to an internet-capable network. Smart sensors and other smart building technology around the facility gather data and send it to the BMS, where it's stored in a database. Data is analyzed and reported via dashboards. If a sensor reports data that falls outside the predefined conditions, the BMS will send notifications. For example, a data center BMS might trigger an alarm when the temperature in a server rack exceeds acceptable limits or water has accumulated on the floor.
In most cases, a central BMS is required, with specialized management software linked to various sensors that monitor conditions in the building. The BMS uses wired or wireless networks to connect a variety of specialized sensors that capture performance data from various building controls. A large company might have multiple building management systems, such as ones to monitor specific manufacturing facilities and data centers, and others to monitor office buildings.
The BMS sensors monitor a variety of building functions, including the following:
There are a number of reasons to use a BMS, including the following:
The best time to select the right BMS is when a new building is being planned or an existing building is being redesigned and renovated. It's important to optimize the layout and configuration of sensors and the network infrastructure to efficiently collect data.
Managers of existing buildings with a BMS in place should regularly review the system, its operation and its various sensors to ensure they're working properly and providing timely and useful data. In situations where an existing building is the candidate for a BMS -- perhaps an older building being renovated -- multiple issues must be examined before a system is installed. Ask the following questions:
Subpar internal facilities that aren't compliant with local building codes will likely need to be replaced. All the above criteria must be brought up to code in an older building before installing a building management system.
Internet of things (IoT) devices are an important enhancement to building management systems. For example, smart sensors can not only signal out-of-normal conditions, but they might also provide suggested remedies for the circumstances.
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is likely to be an essential component of current and future BMS applications. For example, if a condition triggers an alert, the AI function could quickly research similar events by searching the internet, and then provide recommended steps to address the condition. AI-enhanced IoT devices are likely to be a key part of the future advancement of BMS technology.
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17 Apr 2024