When you ask for the installation of a Building Management System (BMS), you will know you have the right design because you will forget it is there. Quietly, in the background, the different mechanical and electrical systems will hum away and provide the most productive environment.
How it tends to work
In the commercial sector, there is generally a top-down approach to building design. A mechanical and electrical (M&E) consultant will design the heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting requirements of your project. They will then understand that this needs to include a building management system and choose one that has the surface specifications to do the job.
While the BMS may work efficiently for the current needs of the building, there is no room for innovation. Your BMS needs to manage the design of the building at construction. Yet, it also needs to be capable of adapting to the future use of your space. You only need to look at the increasing possibilities of the Internet of Things to understand how technology can evolve your working practices.
How it should work
A better model when seeking intelligent design on any part of the project is the support of specialists who will offer the most relevant information. While an M&E consultant will have enough knowledge to select a tried and tested BMS that covers most bases, they do not have the specialist knowledge that will allow them to make smart and inventive design choices. This observation is in no way a criticism; it is an acknowledgement that BMS is a specific, specialised area of design and not part of the usual remit of this consultant.
Bringing in a specialist, such as Cube Controls, will make the following differences to your BMS design:
- Intelligent BMS designers will understand the nuances of the latest equipment releases from the UK’s leading BMS equipment suppliers.
- A BMS designer will have a detailed understanding of the different system architectures and their development, which will suit the use and design of the building.
- A BMS specialist will understand the pros and cons of the different control systems protocols and associated network design.
The best M&E consultants will seek the support of a specialist such as Cube Controls, as they will understand the client will benefit from a focused design service. The consultant will discuss the range of suitable design options and equipment choices and so ensure the success of the BMS. You want the design to maximise the energy efficiency of your building and to automate the building management processes. If your consultant doesn’t choose to work alongside a BMS design specialist, request that they do.
Your goal
A building management system shouldn’t be an afterthought. The BMS is a crucial component to any commercial building, as it allows for centralised management of the critical infrastructure equipment of your premises. Not only will the right system run efficiently and so save you money, but it will also keep you, your staff and your intellectual property secure.
If you would like to discuss the difference an intelligent BMS design could make to your commercial property, contact our sales team today.
