Managing a building is a lot more difficult than it sounds. Whether it’s filing a maintenance request, managing a building’s security systems or filing a maintenance, building managers have to juggle multiple systems at once and at any given time.
At the same time, the slightest misstep or technical issue can be a domino effect since almost every system in a building impacts another.
A change in a building’s temperature, for instance, might impact humidity, energy consumption, or even occupant comfort, making it difficult to diagnose an issue and find the root cause of a problem.
Building automation systems (BAS) have become effective solutions for building managers to diagnose and resolve building issues by solving siloed operations.
What is a building Automation System (BAS)?
Building Automation Systems (BMS), always known as Building Management Systems or Building Energy Management Systems, are software-based systems used to control and monitor a building's various systems.
The platforms manage electrical equipment like heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and security systems, allowing building managers to control and monitor various systems within a building from a unified control panel.
BAS relies on sensors throughout the building that collect data on factors like temperature, humidity, occupancy, and energy usage. These sensors include thermostats that control room temperature, occupancy sensors to control lighting, humidity sensors and fire and smoke detectors.
A BAS can then process data from this system and make adjustments to optimize building performance based on pre-defined parameters or real-time conditions.
This makes them popular for building owners and operators seeking to improve the efficiency and sustainability of their buildings, allowing them to create a more comfortable and secure environment for tenants.
Types of building automation systems
1. HVAC Control Systems
HVAC control systems focus on optimizing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems within a building to achieve optimal comfort for the tenant. It consists of an outdoor unit which houses the condenser and compressor, and an indoor unit which contains the evaporator and blower fan.
When integrated into a BAS, they contribute significantly to creating energy-efficient, comfortable, and productive building environments. Investing in an HVAC system is a wise decision that will make your home or business more comfortable and energy-efficient for many years to come.
2. Lighting Control Systems
Lighting control systems manage and optimize lighting based on various factors such as occupancy, daylight levels, time of day, and specific user preferences. They allow users to set customized scenes tailored to their specific needs, whether it be for a movie night or an important presentation.
Lighting automation systems can save energy by automatically turning off lights when they are not needed and reducing electricity costs in the long run, making them increasingly popular for building managers looking to improve convenience and comfort while also cutting energy costs.
3. Security and Access Control Systems
Security and access control systems are integral components of building automation that safeguard people, property, and assets. They regulate entry and exit to specific areas, monitor for unauthorized access, and provide real-time alerts in case of security breaches.
An automated system can also help reduce the time and resources spent on manual security tasks, freeing up personnel for more strategic initiatives. With the proper implementation, security automation systems can greatly improve an organization’s overall security post
4. Energy Management Systems (EMS)
Energy Management Systems (EMS) are sophisticated software platforms designed to optimize energy consumption within a building or facility. They collect, analyze, and manage energy data to identify areas of inefficiency and implement strategies to reduce energy waste and costs.
TEMS transforms energy consumption from a passive expense into an active asset, enabling businesses and building owners to achieve substantial energy savings and environmental benefits.
5. Fire and Life Safety Systems
Fire and life safety systems are designed to protect human life and property from fire and other emergencies. These systems integrate various components to detect, alert, and control fire, while also facilitating safe evacuation.
Some examples of fire and life safety systems include fire detection and alarm systems, sprinklers, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, and public address systems, which operate in tandem to provide early warning of an emergency, guide occupants to safe exits and control fire spread.
Best building automation systems (BAS) for 2024
There are many different types of BAS available, from small, standalone systems for small offices to large, enterprise-wide systems built to manage multiple locations.
In this list, we’re counting down ten of the best building automation systems on the market in 2024 based on their popularity with users and effectiveness in streamlining building operations.
Bosch Building Integration System
Bosch Building Integration System (BIS) is a powerful building automation system that manages different Bosch security subsystems like access control, video surveillance, fire alarm, public address or intrusion systems. The platform offers a toolbox” to allow integration with third-party applications via open standards and Software Development Kits (SDK), along with an Access Engine (ACE) software which is a complete access control system within the BIS. This allows it to encompass all the essential features of any standalone access control system, plus a wide range of optional enhancements to make it easier for building managers to control different systems simultaneously.
Bosch has a range of building automation systems designed to transform buildings and surroundings of the future into vibrant, attractive and sustainable places. With over 3000 installations integrating 10 million detectors worldwide Bosch's building automation software is the flagship product for managing different security systems in one place. It’s also an incredibly scalable solution from medium-sized projects up to large distributed enterprise systems with servers across the globe. By choosing Bosch, building owners and managers can expect a system that not only enhances building performance but also contributes to a more sustainable future.
Cisco Smart Building Solutions
Cisco Smart Building Solutions transforms buildings into smart buildings using connected experiences built and powered by innovative, user-centric technology. The platform makes it easy to create the building experiences that tenants enjoy, helping building managers design safe, inviting spaces while also reducing operating expenses and capital expenditures. It feeds data-driven automated controls that track and respond to building resource needs, occupancy limits, and power usage to help you limit costs and maximize profits or even cut your building’s carbon emissions. You’ll reduce operating expenses by using less energy with connected heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), security, and occupancy systems. And you can even cut your building’s carbon emissions by swapping in energy-efficient PoE. Best of all, you’ll be providing safe, inviting workplaces ideal for hot-desking, collaboration, and training.
Cisco Smart Building Solutions delivers a holistic approach to building management. Combining cutting-edge technology with deep industry expertise, the platform enables building managers to achieve their sustainability goals, improve operational efficiency, and create exceptional occupant experiences. By combining cutting-edge technology with deep industry expertise, Cisco empowers organizations to achieve their sustainability goals, improve operational efficiency, and create exceptional occupant experiences.
Emerson
Emerson is a global leader in technology and engineering solutions, and its building automation systems are a prime example of its expertise. Designed to optimize building performance, the company offers a variety of building automation systems that maintain comfortable and healthy building environments while significantly reducing energy and other operating costs. Its facility controls, for instance, enable building managers to monitor HVAC-R, lighting, and other systems across the enterprise, while its ProAct™ Monitoring keeps an eye on comfort, sustainability and brand promise, optimizing efficiencies by scrutinizing HVAC, refrigeration, lighting and other critical systems.
What sets Emerson's building automation systems apart is their comprehensive approach and advanced technology. Their systems are designed to not only control building functions but also optimize energy efficiency, enhance occupant comfort, and improve overall building performance. At the same time, the company’s commitment to research and development has positioned it as a leader in the building automation industry and its systems are widely adopted across various sectors, including commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, and industrial complexes. By combining advanced technology with a deep understanding of building systems, Emerson has created solutions that deliver tangible benefits to building owners and occupants.
Bajaj Electricals
Bajaj Electricals has solidified its position as a frontrunner in the building automation industry through strategic partnerships with global leaders like Delta Controls and Securiton. The company’s building automation and control system (BACS) portfolio offers a complete range of field devices, controllers, and an integrated building management system (BMS) that sets new standards for technology, efficiency and user-friendliness. Each of these systems is equipped with advanced energy monitoring and control features, helping building owners reduce energy consumption and costs.
Bajaj has been recognized as the leader in Data Center Solutions with more than 100 successful installations in 4 years and a dozen of Tier-III data centres across all With unique, simple and redundant open technology, BMS provides up-time performance guarantees and specializes in customer delight backed-up with service excellence. Bajaj's deep understanding of the Indian market and its commitment to innovation have also resulted in a system that is well-suited to the specific needs of Indian buildings. Their focus on energy efficiency and sustainability aligns with the country's growing emphasis on green building practices.
Utopi ESG
Utopi ESG simplifies the complexities of data acquisition, temperature control and resident engagement with a powerful building automation system designed to decarbonise the multi-tenant real estate sector, for the benefit of people, planet, and profit. The company’s low-cost, low-disruption solution provides actionable insights that create positive behaviour change amongst residents while delivering reduced energy consumption, proven ROI and climate-conscious places to live. Transforming building performance through actionable data collection and analysis to improve asset-level certifications and ESG reporting, it reduces energy costs for residents, leading to higher occupancy rates, reduced carbon emissions and a clear return on investment.
The Utopi BMS technology platform is dedicated to improving ESG performance across your portfolio and increasing its value. The SaaS platform collects, analyzes, and presents data in an easy-to-digest form on a convenient dashboard, collects data directly from utility meters and API integrations, and applies context to easy-to-understand dashboards. Utopi has also designed and manufactured a visually appealing multi-sensor to collect a complement of crucial environmental variables, along with third-party sub-metering using the UK’s DDC Smart Metering data infrastructure.
MRI Software
Founded in 1971, MRI Software is a property technology and building automation veteran that boasts powerful solutions designed to save valuable time, enhance manager-occupier relationships, and future-proof your property business. Featuring AI-driven data management and automated workflows, the platform makes it easy to monitor and manage all building systems from a single dashboard, providing a comprehensive overview of operations. You can optimize energy consumption through intelligent controls, leverage data analytics to anticipate equipment failures, and even enhance tenant satisfaction through features like online amenity booking, access control, and maintenance requests. MRI also implement robust security measures, including access control, visitor management, and emergency response protocols to keep buildings safe. It also seamlessly connects with other property management software and third-party systems to provide a holistic approach to building management.
MRI offers a comprehensive building automation platform that addresses the diverse needs of property managers, from small buildings to large portfolios. And with a strong presence in the real estate industry, the company understands the unique challenges and requirements of property managers and continuously invests in research and development to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the market. This industry expertise, paired with MRIs powerful features for automating building management, makes MRI Software a top choice for optimizing building performance, reducing costs, and enhancing tenant satisfaction.
Yardi Pulse
Yardi Pulse is a sophisticated building automation system designed to optimize energy consumption, enhance tenant comfort, and streamline building management. As part of Yardi Energy Solutions, it offers a comprehensive suite of tools tailored for both commercial and residential properties. At its core, Yardi Pulse provides real-time visibility into building performance, collecting and analyzing data from various systems like HVAC, lighting, and metering to offer actionable insights to optimize energy efficiency. Its Meter Insights gives you the visibility to improve building energy performance with interval meter data with timely alerts to notify you of issues as they happen. It also provides Portfolio-level benchmarking, tracking and reporting to help you identify and prioritize the most impactful savings opportunities, allowing building managers to lower costs without sacrificing tenant comfort.
Yardi Pulse Uniquely optimizes chiller plants and all air handling units in unison, reducing HVAC costs by up to 30%. The platform ensures a facility uses the minimum amount of energy required to satisfy heating and cooling loads without compromising occupant comfort, allowing managers to Promote Building performance of energy initiatives with a configurable public-facing dashboard. And by leveraging AI and machine learning, the system can automatically optimize building operations, resulting in significant cost savings compared to traditional building automation systems. Yardi's established reputation in the property management industry, coupled with Pulse's innovative features, positions it as one of the best building automation systems for building managers seeking to maximize efficiency and sustainability.
Siemens Desigo CC
Acting as a building’s technology backbone, Siemens Desigo CC is a powerful, open building management solution that revolutionizes occupant comfort, security and efficiency. As part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, the platform enables the transformation to self-adapting buildings, providing an open architecture to simplify technology integration and ensure adaptability to future requirements. You can also combine the power of Desigo CC with the strengths of the Siemens Building X cloud-based platform, allowing you to remotely and efficiently manage multiple Desigo CC sites and campuses via a secure connection – without complex VPN settings or intrusive network changes. You can also seamlessly scale and extend with dedicated Building X apps, such as Operations Manager, Energy Manager and 360° Viewer.
Unlike many other building automation systems on this list, Desigo CC is designed to work with buildings of all sizes. It comes in a smaller package known as Desigo CC Compact., offering unique breakthrough features from Desigo CC while focusing on specific functionalities required by small and medium-sized buildings. This means building owners only choose what they really need and can easily scale up, making building management simple and powerful at the same time. The open design of Desigo CCa also enables a global community of developers, solution partners, system integrators, facility managers and OEMs to interchange ideas, products and services to make building management easier. This community, paired with Desigo CC’s flexibility and range of features, makes it one of the best building automation systems available today.
BuildingLink
As the industry’s most trusted property management software, BuildingLink is a powerful building management system that helps property managers, developers, and condominium boards across the globe deliver a superior resident experience while streamlining maintenance and operations. Its Aware BuildingLink solution is designed to unlock building data and grant property managers the actionable insights needed to help reduce costs and improve the quality of life for residents and staff. The Aware line-up of IoT sensors includes leak detection, temperature and environmental monitoring, pipe Pressure Monitoring and more, providing property managers with the data, insight and notifications to monitor diagnostics and react to anomalies and alerts. All of these sensors are also fully integrated with BuildingLink for a seamless user experience.
BuildingLink is the ultimate solution for multifamily and HOA-associated building management. The company’s building automation system comes fully equipped with tools and features to streamline operations, including maintenance requests and concierge services. Each of BuildingLink’s IoT sensors is also simple to implement, cost-effective, and non-intrusive. Once a network is available, systems can be up and running in hours. By streamlining operations, improving communication, and enhancing resident satisfaction, BuildingLink has become a preferred choice for property managers seeking to elevate their building management practices
Honeywell Niagara Framework
Honeywell Niagara Framework is an industry-leading building automation system that provides a truly open platform to give your building tomorrow’s capabilities, today. Designed with building managers in mind, the platform makes it easy to enhance the enjoyment, comfort and energy efficiency of any building, whatever the type or size, with open, scalable, future-ready building automation systems. From buildings and data centers to manufacturing systems and smart cities, the Niagara Framework improves strategic decision-making, allowing for optimized performance and cost reductions that can help businesses be more competitive and more profitable. And with the release of WEBs-N4 software and the WEB-8000 series of controllers, the platform makes achieving operational excellence closer than ever before.
With nearly half a million instances worldwide, Niagara is quickly becoming the operating system of the connected building. Its open API, open distribution business model connection to cloud services and open protocol support gives you the freedom to choose how you work, what you build and with whom you partner. At the same, time, Niagara enables you to connect and control devices while normalizing, visualizing and analyzing data from nearly anywhere or anything. This makes it the go-to solution for building managers globally, and one of the best building automation systems available today.
