IoT and AI in Building Management Systems

What is Building Management System and how it works?

A building management system (BMS) or building automation and control system (BACS) is a computer-based system that integrates and controls the various systems of a building. It provides remote management and monitoring of systems such as building automation, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), lighting, security, fire alarm, and access control.

What is the purpose of a building management system?

The main purpose of this kind of systems is to increase the overall operating efficiency, comfort, and safety of the building, and to reduce energy consumption and operating costs. ‘In recent years the emphasis has moved towards integrating all a building’s systems via centralized building management systems (BMS) to provide a more intelligent approach to the facility management, safety and energy control in building management systems (IBMS).’ (1)

How does it work?

We can describe its operation in general with the following steps:

1) Data Collection: BMS gathers data using sensors around the building. These sensors take measurements of variables like temperature, humidity, occupancy of the room, and light levels.

2) Data Processing: BMS takes incoming data and analyzes it to determine the current state of the building and its trends. It decides what to do and executes the necessary actions.

3) Controlling: BMS sends control signals based on data analysis. For example, for adjusting the HVAC system’s cooling or heating setting BMS can convey signals or control lighting levels.

BMS offers a central interface via which building managers and operators can monitor and manage the systems in their buildings. This central monitoring is typically provided as a web-based control panel or computer workstation. They can get notifications and alarms, examine real-time data, and change system settings. With BMS you can manage and optimize energy. Operators can monitor trends in energy use, identify inefficiencies and implement energy-saving measures. BMS can optimize setpoints, plan equipment operations and change control strategies. In case of any problem, you can detect and fix the problem with the help of the system. ‘By means of artificial intelligence, the system is capable of assessing, diagnosing, and suggesting the best solution.’ (1) BMS constantly checks the functionality of the equipment and detects problems. It can generate maintenance notifications, monitor equipment uptime, and offer diagnostics to help find potential problems. BMS can interact with other data sources such as security systems, access control systems, weather predictions, and fire alarm systems.

The benefits of the building management system are providing efficient operation, control, and monitoring of a building which increases comfort, reduces energy consumption by, and makes facility management easier by centralizing all the data to be managed or monitored. It is not trivial to write that it must have smart solutions for energy management and efficiency with systems that allow automated and remote control. Discover the wireless and wired solutions by Next Industries for this type of application, capable of transmitting data even over long distances and in difficult environmental conditions.

(1) G. Clark, P. Mehta, Artificial intelligence and networking in integrated building management systems, Automation in Construction, Volume 6, Issues 5–6, 1997, Pages 481-498, ISSN 0926-5805, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0926-5805(97)00026-5.