Your building automation system should check these boxes, otherwise your system integrations may be sub par
A building automation system (BAS) is a powerful tool that allows the user to control all operating systems in a commercial building from a single control point. Previously, all systems in large buildings including lighting, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and security systems were all controlled and monitored separately by individual operators. With automation, we are now able to see the operating efficiency of each system, easily identify any malfunctions, and increase security. If you’ve switched to a fully automated building, keep reading to find out if your automation system is truly optimizing your commercial operations.
What are the Basics of Building Automation Systems?
There’s a reason building automation has become so popular—it makes operations easier and saves money
At a baseline, your BAS should be fast and secure.
When you install a building automation system, there are likely a few priorities you had in mind. For example, your outdated operating system could have made it difficult to detect plumbing problems or you might have had gaps in your security system. To ensure your system has solved these issues and is working properly, let’s take a look at some of the hallmarks of a powerful automation system.
- Operating speed – Your BAS system should work well within your network capabilities.
- Security – Your system should be up to date with the latest cybersecurity measures.
- Data storage – The BAS should be able to store relevant information without issue.
- Direct Communication – The system should clearly communicate with building supervisors to minimize failure points
- Data modeling – The system needs to gather and learn from modeled data.
What are Some of the Improvements You Should Expect with Building Automation Systems?
If your automation system isn’t improving your business, you may need to make some alterations or further integrations
You could run into problems with some of your operating systems if your BAS isn’t fully integrated.
Now that we know the basics of how your building automation system should perform, let’s find out some of the improvements you should notice after installation. If you are not seeing improvements in these categories, you’ll likely need to overhaul your current operating system.
Lower Energy Costs
A major reason why many businesses decide to automate their commercial spaces is because automation is a long term money saving opportunity. The more out of date your operating systems, the more power they will use over newer, more energy efficient operating systems. Your system can also adapt based on usage, meaning that your building can optimize each standalone operating system as it learns from the collected data points. For example, eventually your HVAC system will learn which times of the day require the most heating and cooling as opposed to an individual setting a thermostat.
Streamlined Maintenance
As we mentioned briefly before, a building automation system makes maintenance much easier and much less expensive. Your automated system should be able to detect potential failure points in your building. Once these points are detected, you can call a technician in for preventative maintenance rather than once the system is already down.
Improved Indoor Comfort
Not only should your BAS system reduce energy usage and maintenance costs, you should also experience a more comfortable working environment. Using a variety of heating and lighting sensors, the building can automatically control your HVAC and lighting system to adapt during the day. That means no more late nights with staff working in the darkness!
Increased Security Options
A BAS system is capable of increasing security through a number of integrations. First, you can automate your building’s locks. Automated locks means that you can lock or unlock doors from a mobile device. This is especially important for on-site workers locking up for the night. Should there be any lapses in security — like leaving a door unlocked — they can be remedied remotely.
Building automation systems are also perfect for security cameras and outdoor lights that can help deter burglars. Motion detectors integrated into your BAS detect movement, which then triggers your security cameras and lights to turn on. These security tools made possible by BAS technology are invaluable for large commercial spaces.
Overall, your BAS system should improve efficiency and make your space more comfortable and easy to operate. Your system should also be able to learn, improve, and optimize all of your operating systems. If your system isn’t making these improvements, or is only making some of them, you should take another look at your automation system. Make sure that it’s fully integrated into your operating systems and is up to date. You can even take a look at the analytics to make sure that you aren’t missing any underlying issues with your individual systems. Once you’ve identified and fixed the problem, you can start saving energy and optimizing your business with a building automation system.