Building Managements System (BMS)

Building Managements System (BMS)

A basic BMS consists of software, a server with a database and smart sensors connected to an internet-capable network. Smart sensors and other smart building technology around the facility gather data and send it to the BMS, where it's stored in a database. Data is analyzed and reported via dashboards. If a sensor reports data that falls outside the predefined conditions, the BMS will send notifications. For example, a data center BMS might trigger an alarm when the temperature in a server rack exceeds acceptable limits or water has accumulated on the floor.

In most cases, a central BMS is required, with specialized management software linked to various sensors that monitor conditions in the building. The BMS uses wired or wireless networks to connect a variety of specialized sensors that capture performance data from various building controls. A large company might have multiple building management systems, such as ones to monitor specific manufacturing facilities and data centers, and others to monitor office buildings.