The way buildings are controlled and managed has evolved significantly in recent years. Technologies developed over the past two decades enable facility managers to leverage smart software and hardware systems for building automation — essentially, Building Management 2.0.
This allows building managers not only to perform tasks more easily and quickly but also to gain better insights into operating costs and energy consumption. This is particularly advantageous in terms of sustainability and compliance with regulations like ESG and CSRD.
However, this modern development in building management systems (BMS) was primarily designed for large buildings. Due to the relatively high costs and complexity of digital building systems, as well as the way they are managed, small buildings have often been overlooked in the world of BMS. That is now changing with the integration of Micro-Building Management Systems!
In this article, we explore trends in intelligent building management and highlight the differences between a BMS and a Micro-BMS. As a trusted facility management partner with over 16 years of experience, Sescom is here to assist you with installing a Micro-BMS.
What is a BMS (Building Management System)?
A BMS is a customized, digital, and automated building management system developed for a specific project. Building plans, layouts, and floor plans are tailored to the project to facilitate the navigation and visualization of various subsystems such as ventilation. Additionally, detailed graphics and diagnostics enable effective troubleshooting.
The tools of a BMS are designed to create complex databases and provide graphics and controls specific to the project solution. Over the years, significant effort has gone into optimizing these tools to make them more efficient and productive.
Modern building management systems integrate multiple subsystems in connected buildings, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, energy, and security, into a smart BMS. These systems support multiple databases and seamlessly connect devices from different manufacturers. For example, a motion sensor for the lighting system can communicate with the HVAC system to adjust the temperature setpoint to a comfortable level.
Why Choose a Micro-BMS (Micro Building Management System)?
A significant portion of energy consumption in urban areas comes from non-residential buildings. While large facilities like industrial complexes benefit from a BMS, smaller buildings — such as retail stores — can also gain advantages.
Instead of maintaining separate controls for lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, which require installation and maintenance by various providers, these systems can now be unified into a single Micro-BMS.
Through internet connectivity, data from individual systems can be viewed on a single dashboard, with some systems offering remote control capabilities. Maintenance is simplified, requiring only one service provider, which enhances communication, speed, and efficiency for repairs and upkeep.
The main reasons for implementing a Micro-BMS are:
1. To improve the operational efficiency of buildings.
2. To meet legal requirements for enhancing energy efficiency and achieving climate goals.
What is a Micro-BMS?
Traditional building management systems (macro-BMS) have historically been custom solutions for large, multi-story buildings or complex projects. However, many small and medium-sized buildings can now benefit from a Micro-BMS, providing better control over operations and energy efficiency tracking.
The basic system uses a step-by-step setup wizard to configure the software, automating much of the project through plug-and-play functionality. This means installation can be achieved with modular, expandable devices (e.g., sensors) and at a lower cost since a completely new system is not required.
Although smaller buildings have fewer installations and devices, multiple systems still need integration. Open protocols simplify the connection of these subsystems. Device templates can combine protocols and metadata to facilitate the inclusion of smart devices in the solution.
Components of a Micro-BMS
A Micro-BMS features pre-designed dashboards containing widgets, graphics, and maps to present key data to facility managers clearly.
Simplified navigation is enabled through an overarching view with hyperlinks, offering additional information about each subsystem. Moreover, specific equipment, such as heating, air conditioning, or building access systems, can be controlled directly from the dashboard.
A Micro-BMS helps automate smaller, less complex buildings, ensuring more efficient building management processes. This saves time, reduces costs, and minimizes staffing requirements.
Benefits of a Micro-BMS
1. Energy Insights: Identify deviations in energy consumption across EU branches early.
2. Remote HVAC Control: Ensure compliance with energy consumption guidelines.
3. Proactive Maintenance: Detect HVAC faults before they escalate into major issues.
4. Data Collection: Reduce total cost of ownership (TCO), prevent failures, gain operational insights, and plan timely upgrades.
Sescom: Your Micro-BMS Partner for Robust Building Management
Are you ready to enhance your facility management and leverage the benefits of a Micro-BMS? Our engineers will create a customized success plan for you. Modules can be added flexibly, adapting the system to your needs.
Steps for Micro-BMS Installation with Sescom:
1. Select two branches for comparison — one with the newest HVAC system and one with the oldest.
2. Install BMS modules.
3. Assess the technical condition of the older HVAC system.
4. Analyze energy consumption over a week to identify potential savings.
5. Provide recommendations for future HVAC standards and remote control capabilities.
Contact us with key details about your branch and requirements. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Request your project proposal today!
