A building management system (BMS) is a computer-based control system installed in buildings that controls and monitors the building’s mechanical and electrical equipment. A BMS consists of software and hardware; the software program, also called the supervisory software, resides on one or more central processing units (CPUs), which are typically located in a direct connection with the controlled equipment.
The BMS hardware consists of input/output devices, such as sensors, switches, and controllers, connected to the CPUs via communication buses. The function of a BMS is to provide a centralized interface for monitoring and controlling all of the building’s mechanical and electrical equipment. This allows building operators to manage a large number of devices from a single location, and makes it possible to automate many of the tasks associated with managing a building.
A key feature of most BMS systems is the ability to integrate with other systems in the building, such as security systems, fire alarm systems, and energy management systems. This allows for greater coordination between different aspects of building operation, and can lead to significant improvements in energy efficiency.
