BMS

A building management system (BMS), otherwise known as a building automation system (BAS), is a computer-based control system installed in buildings that controls and monitors the building's mechanical and electrical equipment such as ventilation, lighting, power systems, fire systems, and security systems.

In addition to controlling the building's internal environment, BMS systems are sometimes linked to access control (turnstiles and access doors controlling who is allowed access and egress to the building) or other security systems such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) and motion detectors. Fire alarm systems and elevators are also sometimes linked to a BMS for monitoring. In case a fire is detected then only the fire alarm panel could close dampers in the ventilation system to stop smoke spreading, shut down air handlers, start smoke evacuation fans, and send all the elevators to the ground floor and park them to prevent people from using them.

A list of systems that can be monitored or controlled by a BMS are shown below:

• Illumination (lighting) control
• Electric power control
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
• Security and observation
• Access control
• Fire alarm system
• Lifts, elevators etc.
• Closed-circuit television (CCTV)
• Other engineering systems
• Control Panel
• PA system
• Alarm Monitor
• Security Automation