Building management systems, sometimes referred to as building automation systems or BMS’, are computer-based systems that monitor the electrical and mechanical equipment that operates within a building. This includes heating, lighting and ventilation – all key elements that allow for the smooth running of a building’s use. Building management systems help regulate the environment within a building by allowing ease of access to all individual contributing systems. A computerised system that allows access to a BMS will often display schematic diagrams that show the layout of a building and the connections/crossovers between its individual electrical and mechanical systems – as well as the building management system as a whole.
Installing an effective building management system can pose a range of cost benefits. BMS software can give a user access to information regarding usage patterns and demand within a property, providing building managers with insights that may facilitate less energy wastage – offering both environmental and financial incentives for their installation. Within a workplace environment, a building automation system can also offer benefits such as improved staff wellbeing and productivity.
Some building management systems even allow operators to access and alter settings from any location using a mobile or electronic device.
This blog from MFM Group outlines the importance of building management systems, paying attention to a number of individual aspects of HVAC systems and building management. Reference will also be made to the range of building management services available with MFM Group.
Heating
Providing a warm, hospitable environment for employees to work within is a legal requirement for any UK employer, regardless of size or sector. Heating systems such as those available through MFM Group work to keep buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter. MFM offers a wide range of heating systems ranging from gas and oil heating systems, to under floor heating and natural energy heating systems.
The type of heating system best suited to your building depends on a variety of factors such as size and existing insulation. The cost efficiency of heating systems can be easily impacted if the environment they are used within allows heat to be lost quickly. A building’s purpose for use can also heavily influence which heating system is best suited for use within its BMS. For example, in buildings such as offices, employees often spend the majority of their time in a small number of select locations. As a result, this particular building management system might only heat essential areas, requiring only a more condensed heating service.
From this explanation, it is immediately identifiable that building management systems not only play a vital role in maintaining a property’s environment, but it can also make a substantial impact on the overall cost efficiency of a business.
MFM Group acknowledges the range of challenges that can be encountered when selecting a suitable and cost-effective heating system. A full overview of different types of heating can he found here.
Lighting
Incorporating an efficient lighting control system into your BMS poses a host of benefits, some being less obvious than others. Not only does a high-quality lighting control system effectively illuminate a building, it can also have a significant impact on the operational efficiency and safety of workforces within a space. A poorly lit space poses issues for health and safety regardless of a building’s purpose for use.
In addition, the incorporation of a lighting system into building management software reduces the manual effort required to manage a building’s light fixtures. A large building with many subdivisions can be time consuming to illuminate by hand without incorporation into a larger BMS.
Lighting systems often cover emergency lighting in addition to general use lighting. Emergency lighting and illuminated signs play a vital role in building safety procedures in the event of a power failure and/or emergency.
Ventilation
Industrial ventilation systems work alongside other BMS components (such as heating), to maintain a healthy, hospitable environment within a building. Keeping the air that circulates within a building fresh and free from harmful fumes is vital for the wellbeing of those who utilise a space. The most central advantage of ventilation is that it improves air quality within a space. Keeping air clean and flowing reduces potential risk to user health by inhalation of stale or polluted air.
A building management system that incorporates ventilation also helps a property adhere to laws and regulations surrounding building safety. Failing to install appropriate ventilation systems can result in a building operator being served with an enforcement notice.
More information about ventilation systems can be found in this helpful blog – ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Industrial Ventilation Systems’.
Building Management Systems with MFM Group
Finding the right building management system for you can be challenging. However, with assistance from our expert team at MFM group, finding the perfect building management system for your premises needn’t be a cause for concern. For more information about the services on offer or to talk to a member of our team, simply contact us today.