BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (BMS)

A Building Management System (BMS) is a computer-based control system installed in buildings that controls and monitors the building’s mechanical and electrical equipment such as ventilation, lighting, power systems, fire systems, and security systems. A BMS consists of software and hardware; the software program, usually configured in a hierarchical manner, can be proprietary, using such protocols as C-bus, Profibus, and so on. Vendors are also producing BMS's that integrate using Internet protocols and open standards such as DeviceNet, SOAP,XML,BACnet,LonWorks and Modbus

A BMS is most common in a large building. Its core function is to manage the environment within the building and may control temperature, carbon dioxide levels and humidity within a building. As a core function in most BMS systems, it controls heating and cooling, manages the systems that distribute this air throughout the building (for example by operating fans or opening/closing dampers), and then locally controls the mixture of heating and cooling to achieve the desired room temperature. A secondary function sometimes is to monitor the level of human-generated CO2, mixing in outside air with waste air to increase the amount of oxygen while also minimising heat/cooling losses.

BMS System normally comprises

• Power Systems
• Illumination system
• Electric power control system
• Heating,Ventilation and Air-conditioning HVAC System
• Security and observation system
• Magnetic card and access system
• Fire alarm System
• Lifts,elevators etc.
• Plumbing system
• Burglar alarms
• Other engineering systems
• Trace Heating

Benefits of BMS

Building tenant/occupants

• Good control of internal comfort conditions
• Possibility of individual room control
• Increased staff productivity
• Effective monitoring and targeting of energy consumption
• Improved plant reliability and life
• Effective response to HVAC-related complaints
• Save time and money during the maintenance

Building owner

• Higher rental value
• Flexibility on change of building use
• Individual tenant billing for services facilities manager
• Central or remote control and monitoring of building
• Increased level of comfort and time saving

Maintenance Companies

• Ease of information availability problem diagnostics.
• Computerized maintenance scheduling
• Effective use of maintenance staff
• Early detection of problems
• More satisfied occupants