Learn how to connect your building management system (BMS) with smart devices and systems that can optimize your building's performance and user comfort.

BMS, SCADA, Smart buildings are part of smart cities. By defining I/O list at the beginning of the project we can anticipate all the input and outputs which should be part of BMS and SCADA system, example HVAC, Lighting, fire alarms, Elevators, Firefighting, ticketing systems specifically in railway systems and how we should control them. In railway systems SCADA should include Power supply systems to monitor them, signalling systems, Depot equipment, communication systems. with all above consideration we will have full control for the smart building and smart cities which will offer a good and quality life for people.

Protocol compatibility is the first thing that comes to mind when integration is needed between BMS and smart building technologies. While this is a positive sign, it's not enough. Message structure & Data formatting should be aligned, and the availability of APIs and drivers should be confirmed in devices and platforms. After all theoretical factors are confirmed, we can conduct interoperability testing to ensure they can be integrated in practical settings. And remember, you can always get support from the product vendor for additional guidance and assurance.

How can you integrate BMS with smart building technologies?

Smart buildings are transforming the construction industry with their potential to improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort, security, and sustainability. But how can you integrate smart building technologies with your existing building management system (BMS)? In this article, you will learn some of the benefits, challenges, and solutions for creating a seamless connection between your BMS and smart devices.

1 What is BMS?

BMS stands for building management system, which is a software-based platform that controls and monitors various aspects of a building's performance, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, fire, security, and access. A BMS can help you optimize your building's operations, reduce costs, enhance safety, and comply with regulations.

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Khaled Daher

General Manager - Railway Installation at CAF | Lecturer in Smart Cities Management | Global Expert in Smart Mobility | Top 10 Mobility Industry Creator Worldwide (Favikon)
(edited)
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BMS, SCADA, Smart buildings are part of smart cities. By defining I/O list at the beginning of the project we can anticipate all the input and outputs which should be part of BMS and SCADA system, example HVAC, Lighting, fire alarms, Elevators, Firefighting, ticketing systems specifically in railway systems and how we should control them. In railway systems SCADA should include Power supply systems to monitor them, signalling systems, Depot equipment, communication systems. with all above consideration we will have full control for the smart building and smart cities which will offer a good and quality life for people.

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Prateek singh

SYNCHRO 4D & Project wise - Sales Engineer@Bentley Systems | IND | SEA | 4D BIM | 5D BIM | Digital Construction
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One Digital Asset including Design , Construction & Asset management . Building Management System approach can be Digital twin i.e right from Design phase we have a proper 3DBIM Model ( Including Building Meta data ) then enrich same design model with proper Time & Cost information ( 4D & 5D ) & once construction phase ends & its Handover to Client . Client should be able to get sensor reports & even the installed equipment warranty / AMC should be available within that Digital twin Model .

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2 What are smart building technologies?

Smart building technologies are devices and systems that use sensors, data, and automation to adjust and optimize the building's conditions and functions according to the needs and preferences of the occupants and the environment. Some examples of smart building technologies are smart thermostats, smart lighting, smart locks, smart cameras, smart meters, and smart speakers. Smart building technologies can enhance the user experience, increase productivity, save energy, and provide insights and feedback.

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3 Why integrate BMS with smart building technologies?

Integrating BMS with smart building technologies can create a more intelligent, responsive, and adaptive building that can deliver better outcomes for the owners, managers, and users. The benefits of this integration include improved efficiency, increased comfort, enhanced security, and greater flexibility. For instance, combining the data and control capabilities of BMS and smart devices can optimize energy consumption and performance of building systems and devices, while tailoring settings and services to the individual and collective needs of occupants can improve their comfort. Furthermore, integrating security and access systems can monitor and protect the building from unauthorized access or emergencies. Finally, enabling communication between BMS and smart devices can adapt the building to changing conditions and offer more options to users.

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4 What are the challenges of integration?

Integrating BMS with smart building technologies can be challenging due to compatibility issues, complexity, and cost. Not all BMS and smart devices use the same protocols, standards, and interfaces to communicate and exchange data, making it difficult to ensure their functionality and interoperability. The more devices and systems you connect to your BMS, the more complex it becomes to manage and maintain them. You may need to invest in new devices, systems, software, hardware, network, installation, training, and maintenance for integration. Furthermore, there may be significant upfront and ongoing costs associated with the integration process.

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Farah Jariri, LEED GAⓇ

BMS Sales Engineer - Electrical Design - ABET - SEO Content writer
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Protocol compatibility is the first thing that comes to mind when integration is needed between BMS and smart building technologies. While this is a positive sign, it's not enough. Message structure & Data formatting should be aligned, and the availability of APIs and drivers should be confirmed in devices and platforms. After all theoretical factors are confirmed, we can conduct interoperability testing to ensure they can be integrated in practical settings. And remember, you can always get support from the product vendor for additional guidance and assurance.

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5 How can you integrate BMS with smart building technologies?

When integrating BMS with smart building technologies, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best approach depends on your goals, needs, budget, and existing infrastructure. Generally, you should assess your current situation and identify capabilities, limitations, and gaps. Additionally, you must define objectives and expectations for the integration, and measure your baseline performance and costs. Depending on resources available, you can choose different levels of integration for BMS and smart devices. A basic level would be to connect devices through a common network or protocol to monitor and control from the BMS interface. An advanced level would be to use a middleware platform or application that aggregates, analyzes, and optimizes data and functions of BMS and smart devices. After choosing the integration level and solution, implementation and testing should take place in a pilot project or small scale before rolling out to the entire building or portfolio. It is important to verify functionality, compatibility, reliability, security of the integration as well as troubleshoot any issues or errors. Finally, compare data collected from the integrated system versus baseline system to evaluate performance benefits and costs of the integration.

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Noora Siba'a

BIM Consultant at Turner & Townsend | Master of Science in Construction Management
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Seamless integration of BMS with advanced smart building technology offers significant advantages, particularly when the integration is extensive. This high level of integration provides superior asset control and leads to improved outcomes. In my experience, heavily investing in standalone smart building technologies that are not integrated into facility management systems may not yield a satisfactory return on the initial investment.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you integrate BMS with smart building technologies?

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4

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1 What is BMS?

2 What are smart building technologies?

3 Why integrate BMS with smart building technologies?

4 What are the challenges of integration?

5 How can you integrate BMS with smart building technologies?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Construction Management

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How can you integrate BMS with smart building technologies?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 What is BMS?

2 What are smart building technologies?

3 Why integrate BMS with smart building technologies?

4 What are the challenges of integration?

5 How can you integrate BMS with smart building technologies?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Construction Management

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