In the not too distant future, the systems that manage the temperature, lighting, and power in buildings will have more in common with Smartphones and IOT enabled devices than they do with traditional building automation systems. Modern buildings are already using a variety of technologies to manage heating and cooling, water consumption, and more. This transition to a more advanced approach to Building Management Systems (BMS) represents more than just a technological shift.  This technological shift shows how open, universally-connected systems are becoming the future of BMS Systems and the Internet of Things (IoT).

IIOT Enabled – Modern Building Management Systems

The incremental changes that BMS companies have made

do not go far enough. The future of BMS is in IT. A modern management system employs a server with a database, has an IP address, uses advanced analytics software applications, and are connected to an IT network, making building management part of the IIOT world. These systems are becoming more complex because buildings themselves have become more complex. Some modern buildings incorporate systems that harvest rainwater. Other buildings have sun tracking systems to help manage light and temperature.

Research firm ABI Research projects says that more than 8 million Building Management Systems will incorporate some form of IIoT devices, application, or service by 2020. These systems will use sensors and actuators throughout the building that will enable the technologies to optimize building management based on changing factors, such as the structure’s occupancy, depending on the time of day.

IIoT technologies will allow building management technology to evolve from operating as unconnected systems. Instead, these systems will operate as a part of a broader and smarter network. These buildings are incorporating lighting systems and HVAC equipment that connect to the Internet. These connected systems collect and share data, then analyze the data in order to optimize and predict various operations of a building.

The arrival of the IIOT will definitely influence building automation. The IIOT trend will, over a period of years, redistribute the intelligence within a building. Traditionally, the building automation system held the smarts. But the current direction will eventually take much of the smarts out of the building automation system, placing intelligence instead at the device level and in the cloud analytics platforms. With the ability to gather and analyse data from IIOT sensor networks, the management will be able to make informed decisions on how best to reduce energy consumption and operating costs.

Fully integrated, IoT-enabled BMS

In sharp contrast, a CRE company’s IoT-enabled systems can be fully integrated BMS, allowing higher-order cost, productivity, and revenue benefits with a deep customer and data focus. It can leverage one infrastructure to operate all building management solutions and require minimal to no manual involvement. Internet Protocol or IP-enabled devices can facilitate intelligent decision making by automating point decisions and enhancing strategic insights; this allows data to automatically flow all the way around the Information Value Loop without manual interaction, enabling quick action on the data and creating new value for companies.

• More open communication at device level integrated storage and analysis of diverse information on common platforms including cloud
• Minimal to no manual involvement
• Intelligent decision making as IP-enabled devices result in automated point decisions and enhanced point decisions and enhanced strategic insights
• Leveraging one infrastructure to operate all BMS solutions
• Full integration into ERP asset management and predictive analytical solutions
• Full sustainability program with supportive analytics

At Anglo African, our automation solutions are based on intelligent installation system that meets the highest requirements for applications in modern building control. KNX technology (http://www.knx.org) is accepted as the world’s first open standard for the control of all types of intelligent buildings – industrial, commercial or residential. Our solutions are for new and existing buildings and is extendible/adaptable to new needs.

Are you looking to improve the efficiency of your business . Learn how Anglo African team can help you to implement an automation strategy for your enterprise needs. The Anglo African team is fully committed to helping you in achieving your  new vision to drive operations to the fullest potential. For specific queries, get in touch with Navin by calling on: 2331636 or via e-mail at navin.mautbar@infosystems.mu