A Building Management System (BMS) is the central nervous system of a modern building. It monitors and controls the mechanical and electrical services - heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and other critical systems - from a single platform.
At its core, a BMS consists of three layers: field devices (sensors and actuators), controllers that process information and make decisions, and a supervisory level providing the user interface and data management.
The primary functions include maintaining occupant comfort, optimising energy consumption, providing alarm management, and recording operational data. A well-designed BMS balances these objectives automatically, intervening only when conditions fall outside acceptable parameters.
Modern systems have evolved significantly from their pneumatic predecessors. Today's BMS platforms use digital controllers communicating over standard protocols, offering precise control, remote access, and integration with other building systems. Despite these advances, the fundamental principles remain unchanged: measure, compare, and correct.
Whether you're responsible for a single building or a portfolio of properties, understanding BMS fundamentals is essential for effective facility management.