Distech Controls connected building solutions manager, Joel Desire, explains how to avoid blind spots when upgrading or selecting a Building Management System (BMS).
Buildings, whether long-established structures or new construction, have benefited from the rapid advances of several technologies in recent years.
Artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), wirelessly connected hardware and actuators, and edge-to-cloud processing are all harnessed to make buildings more efficient, comfortable, and safer.
Facility managers who leverage these tools have many choices in the market, whether they’re deciding to add capabilities to an existing BMS or are just starting to incorporate digital technologies.
New point solutions are continually emerging that address single issues in building management. Still, when facilities managers deploy one-off applications to address one need at a time, they often miss the centralized control and benefits of an actual BMS.
Most commercial buildings comprise several complex systems: heating, ventilation, air conditioning and purification, security, lighting, fire protection, and more. Having a full view of the entire building or a portfolio of buildings via a cloud-connected dashboard allows facility managers to visualize the whole ecosystem, efficiently upgrading and deploying new applications to extend hardware and controller lifecycles.
A holistic approach to choosing a BMS or upgrading an older platform requires examining how these systems will communicate and considering other aspects that are not always top of mind but are equally important.
Cybersecurity protection, analog support, customer service, and vendor expertise are as essential to a fully optimized BMS as managing core building systems. Here are some areas to consider when choosing a BMS:
Protecting assets
As buildings become more digitized and connected, opportunities for a breach multiply too. To fully secure one’s building, a comprehensive BMS should feature robust and multi-factor authentication and segmented networks that reduce unauthorized access.
A BMS that supports one’s cybersecurity team by identifying and monitoring all current technology will be a valuable partner. A system programmed to detect and automatically respond to any threats is more effective at guarding data and stopping breaches.
Remote real-time monitoring with automated alerts and end-to-end encryption should be considered to create more secure systems/buildings.
Analog and digital
Remember, a BMS is not just a platform for the digital functions of a building’s systems. While AI, edge-to-cloud, and digital twins require serious computing power and provide a virtual view of a building, hardware is the other half of the equation.
Controllers, actuators, and sensors continually monitor, compile, and act on data. How well they communicate with and connect to a software platform makes the difference in dramatic operational efficiency. Full benefits are achieved with a seamless bridge between hardware and software.
Customer service
The general rule for a BMS’s lifespan is seven to 10 years, so choosing a product to fit a specific building’s current needs requires an eye to the future.
A dedicated customer success manager can help a facility team get the new BMS system up and running efficiently and quickly. An expert vendor manager is also a critical component that dictates how fast the investment demonstrates ROI.
As organizational goals and legislation shift, it's essential that a BMS has the ability to change as well. Look for a provider with a track record of innovation and technological evolution. Going with an established company committed to helping you get the most out of your BMS long-term is crucial beyond the technology itself.
Long-term reliability
Every BMS will take a different proprietary approach to solving building automation issues. A platform built on field-tested technology that integrates with established brands will ensure best practices are in place.
The benefit of implementing a full BMS over a collection of point solutions is that these systems often already leverage the best providers for specific needs.
Microsoft Azure for cloud computing and Apex for data assurance are just a few examples of the best-of-breed solutions that can be included in an established BMS platform.
Flash-in-the-pan startups may make big promises, but will they be here to support your team over the next few years? A reliable and proven partner can be a more prudent choice for long-term investments like building portfolios.
Today’s commercial buildings are transforming as they become increasingly digitized and automated. A comprehensive BMS system that communicates across platforms, the cloud, and the edge systems uplifts static built environments into entities that are smarter, safer, more energy efficient, and easier to operate.
A 360-degree view of what a building or a portfolio of structures needs will offer unprecedented levels of control and cost savings. Choosing a new BMS or upgrading an existing system requires a holistic approach to ensure expectations are met and that the system will continue to evolve with future innovation.