On the outside, buildings may seem like unchanging structures, but on the inside a technological revolution is taking place. Powerful technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, and cloud computing are evolving in nearly every sector of the economy, and built spaces are no exception. Whether it's a new build or a retrofit, the digital transformation within facilities provides new levels of control and cost savings.
Complex systems working with edge devices and cloud-based applications make buildings safer and more comfortable for occupants. At the same time, these systems allow facility management teams to use their resources better, gain efficiencies, and increase sustainability, which ultimately reduces costs. A building’s many systems should seamlessly communicate across geographic locations, connect hardware and software, and reduce the amount of hands-on time facilities teams are spending on monitoring, tracking, and reporting on progress.
With the obvious benefits of building management systems (BMS), there is a wide variety of platforms, tools, and point solutions on the market. It can be confusing whether to jump all-in with a complete BMS or whether to build out a suite of separate applications as needed. Choosing a new BMS or upgrading an existing system requires a holistic approach to ensure expectations are met and that the system will continue to evolve. This article will cover a few of the often-overlooked elements of a BMS that deserve a moment of consideration before making a decision.
1. Cybersecurity
Overlooking the importance of cybersecurity in a BMS is akin to walking away from a property every night with the doors wide open. As buildings have become more digitized, facilities managers face “unique risks” related to BMS.
- There is often a lack of end-to-end network and cybersecurity monitoring/visibility in a BMS.
- There are usually multiple internet connections in buildings with no centralized control. When issues are discovered, network and device patches can be slow to roll out or there is a general lack of process to manage this contingency.
- Remote access technologies and processes can create vulnerabilities.
To have a secure building, your BMS should feature strong, multi-factor authentication and segmented networks that reduce unauthorized access. Look for a BMS that can offer remote real-time monitoring with automated alerts and end-to-end encryption. Security controls validation through third-party penetration testing is also a good idea. It's not science fiction to think that commercial buildings could become a vector for a cyber attack or even a bargaining chip in cases of ransomware.
2. Integrations with the Best Providers
The above concerns about cybersecurity highlight the need for the next consideration – selecting a BMS from an established vendor that will automatically integrate the best providers for the different functionality your site may require. For example, Microsoft Azure integration can provide cloud computing and a wide variety of physical, infrastructure, and operational controls. Apex Companies provides sustainability report assurance as well as third party data verification of various environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. These are just two examples of the kind of best-of-breed solutions that can expected from an established BMS platform.
With an investment as long-term as a commercial space, a splashy startup may not be the way to go. There might be many promises, but a BMS or point solution that doesn’t integrate with the best solutions on the market will ultimately leave you wishing your vendor was more mature. Look for reliable and proven partners for long-term investments like building portfolios.
3. A True BMS is Hardware and Software
So far, the concerns related to BMS have been software-related, but don’t forget about your hardware. AI, edge-to-cloud, and digital twins are all hot topics, but their computing power won't benefit much if they can’t collect data in real-time from edge devices. Controllers and sensors throughout buildings continually monitor, compile, and act on this data if they are part of your BMS. Anomalies and spikes in energy use for HVAC can be quickly identified before they become big problems or threats to the expensive systems within a facility. Still, that data won't be actionable if the HVAC can’t communicate bi-directionally with read-and-write capability with your BMS. A seamless bridge between hardware and software can achieve dramatic operational efficiency.
4. The Ongoing Relationship
This may not seem like a major concern unless you’re the one who is going to be interacting with the System Integrator (SI) when the BMS needs servicing. When committing to a BMS, a dedicated SI can be a key component that dictates how quickly your investment demonstrates ROI. A reliable SI is in your corner and understands every aspect of the BMS being installed. They can troubleshoot common scenarios and help a BMS reach its full potential with as little frustration as possible. Check out a few testimonials and reviews before settling on a BMS provider.
As organizational goals and legislation shift, it's important that your BMS can evolve as well. Having a full view of the entire building or a portfolio of buildings via a well-researched BMS can allow facility managers to visualize the entire ecosystem. Secure solutions that leverage best-of-breed partners, communicate seamlessly edge to cloud, and have built-in support teams will help ensure the BMS selected will install easily and empower facility teams.
