Why Do You Need a Building Management System (BMS)?
A modern building has a maze of ventilation, heating, light, and security systems running behind the scenes. Keeping it all in check can feel like a never-ending job, with worries about everything from a flickering bulb to a full-blown meltdown lurking around every corner.
This is where Building Management Systems (BMS) come in. Acting as all-in-one control centres, they provide unparalleled monitoring and control over midsize to large buildings. Whether you own an office or a block of flats, a BMS is an upgrade worth investing in.
The team at Asbury have been working with BMS for years. Read our guide below to find out what they are, what they control, and why your building needs one!
What Is a Building Management System?
A BMS, also called a Building Automation System (BAS), is a computer system that acts like the brain of a building. It monitors and controls a variety of electrical and mechanical systems, automating tasks to save energy, improve comfort, and reduce the need for manual intervention.
What Does a Building Management System Control?
A BMS oversees various systems to keep things running smoothly, comfortably, and safely. While the specific features may differ, here’s a glimpse into what a BMS typically handles:
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): This is one of a BMS’s core functions. It automatically adjusts HVAC systems based on how many people are present and the weather outside, maximising comfort and energy savings.
- Lighting: A BMS can manage lighting systems, automatically dimming them based on natural light and who’s around. This translates to major savings on your electricity bill.
- Security: Some BMS systems can connect to your security system, allowing you to remotely monitor things like access control, alarms, and even CCTV footage.
- Fire Safety: Some BMS systems can even interface with fire safety systems, keeping an eye on smoke detectors and sprinklers. If needed, it can trigger alarms or even evacuation procedures.
Some BMS systems can go even further and manage things like:
- Lifts
- Water management systems
- Building automation systems like sun blinds or irrigation
On top of these functionalities, BMS actively scans for potential faults throughout all systems. If it detects an issue, it can send an alert directly to the building owner or remote management company to let them know repairs might be needed.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Building Management System?
A BMS comes with plenty of advantages for both building owners and occupants. Here are some of the key benefits:
- A BMS automates systems to optimise efficiency. This can easily translate to a 25% reduction in energy use for a mid-sized building, meaning lower utility bills and a lighter carbon footprint.
- BMS keeps the temperature, humidity, and air quality just right, creating a healthy, comfortable, and productive environment for everyone inside. It can also manage your security systems, adding an extra layer of peace of mind.
- By constantly monitoring your building’s systems, a BMS can catch minor issues before they snowball into major problems. This means fewer emergency repairs and less downtime for your business.
- A BMS collects swathes of information on energy use, occupancy, and equipment performance. These insights can help you identify areas for improvement and make smarter decisions about your building’s operations.
While the upfront cost of installing a BMS might seem high, the long-term benefits and ROI are undeniable. You’ll see savings on energy bills, improved efficiency, and happier occupants, making it a worthwhile investment for any building owner or manager.
Upgrade Your Building With a Custom Building Management System From Asbury
Is your commercial building due for a smarter approach? Look no further than a BMS from Asbury!
Here’s what we offer:
- Using our decades of experience, we’ll design and install a BMS solution that seamlessly integrates with your existing systems.
- We’ll optimise its settings for peak efficiency, keeping your building comfortable and saving you money on energy bills.
- Our 24/7 remote monitoring lets us proactively address issues before they disrupt your operations. We can even make adjustments remotely to minimise downtime.
- If on-site repairs are needed, our Gas Safe Registered engineers are ready to tackle the problem quickly and without fuss.
No matter the age or brand of your current building systems, we can create a unified solution that works for you. Get a free quote online or call us on 01202 745189 today!
