Choosing a BMS and access control system

July 2002 Access Control & Identity Management

Many businesses are faced with the decision of choosing a building management system (BMS) and security system. However, there are certain criteria that might not seem that critical initially but are paramount when considering that system lifecycle costs are only realised after installation.

Neil Cameron, controls division manager at Johnson Controls, highlights the considerations when choosing or upgrading a BMS and access control solution and how future costs may be limited through forward thinking and planning.

There is a great misconception among business and building owners that a sophisticated access control solution is able to handle many aspects of building management. This is supported by claims from various access control manufacturers; however, it is not necessarily so when delving a little deeper into inter-functionality issues.

Fundamentally, there are different requirements between access control and BMS systems, just as a home and storeroom have different design parameters. An access control system operates on a different platform to BMS as it uses a secure database where realtime data is not emphasised. The values are essentially limited to binary values or states, which is the order of the day for an access control solution.

BMS on the other hand focuses on analog values; trending; PID control algorithms; energy management and integration with many airconditioning processes; and lighting and electrical processors, all operating on a realtime basis with closed loop control algorithms and time-sensitive deterministic data being the focus. Put simply, this is to ensure the building operates intelligently and optimally, ultimately saving energy costs.

Accommodating for future growth

Most successful access control systems operate independently of BMS due to different operation requirements. It is common practise to have a separate access control system that has the ability to share strategic information with a BMS in order to make automated decisions and share alarm monitoring and graphical displays. Even though the differences between both systems are vast, they share one common element - data. However, not every access control or BMS solution is geared for sharing of data, which necessitates a degree of integration.

Future growth for these systems may be accommodated in two ways. Firstly, additional building functions can be incorporated by means of integration, which is generally only successful if tested and approved compatible products are used. Even so, this is sometimes difficult. Take HVAC control and monitoring for example. Typically, HVAC software takes years to be developed and compiled and the intended functionality can never be obtained with a few lines of code and driver development.

The most successful access control solutions have the ability to share strategic information with BMS. This is the second option for integrating the two systems. So how is this done?

Supported protocols are the key to this level of integration, making the data available across both systems and allowing one system to 'connect' to another.

The most important protocol is BACnet. This protocol allows sharing of information from system to system, eliminating the requirement for additional hardware or software. Developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), BACnet is emerging as a global standard. Yet many locally developed systems are unable to conform to any standard protocol.

Another protocol at the forefront is LonWorks. More limited in functionality than BACnet, LonWorks operates on the device level and allows dissimilar devices and controllers to operate over a common network.

However, it is not necessary to only use standard protocols as it makes the initial installation a costly exercise. It can make more sense to ensure the system has the ability to 'grow' with the company through the functionality to add other devices as and when the need arises.

Another option is to communicate to other proprietary or open protocols.

For example, take fire panels that use low-level proprietary protocols specific to each manufacturer, where existing drivers can reduce costs and time constraints. If the manufacturer has available drivers that are already developed, this prevents research and development (R&D) as well as teething problems and we are all aware of the headaches involved with R&D and beta testing.

Another advantage of utilising standard and open protocols also allows for one network infrastructure to be utilised. Controllers, both access control and BMS, should connect onto an Ethernet TCP/IP network, eliminating the cost for a separate network infrastructure. There are many benefits to this architecture.

Training is necessary on one system only and alarms are not duplicated, ie: building alarms and access controls alarms are monitored on one system. A singular graphical user interface is another benefit, allowing the control room to locate faults quickly.

It may not be as simple as you first thought when selecting an access control and BMS solution. However, conducting thorough research and establishing these interoperability issues will ease the mounting costs and problems that occur once systems are installed.

For further details contact Neil Cameron, Johnson Controls on tel: 011 886 8997, or e-mail: [email protected]





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

The future of security: intelligent automation
Access Control & Identity Management AI & Data Analytics IoT & Automation
As the security landscape evolves, businesses are no longer looking for stand-alone solutions, they want connected, intelligent systems that automate, streamline, and protect.

Read more...
Smart automation is changing security
SA Technologies IntelliGuard Access Control & Identity Management
Security has come a long way from manual check-ins, logbooks, and standalone surveillance cameras. With the rise of intelligent automation, security is now faster, smarter, and more connected than ever.

Read more...
The future of security in South Africa
ATG Digital Access Control & Identity Management
Security technology is evolving rapidly, but is local innovation keeping pace? Some global players recognise the potential of South African products for international markets, but can our manufacturers and service providers thrive without external support?

Read more...
Integration enhances estate access control
Access Control & Identity Management
With one-third of residential burglaries starting at the front door, the continued seamless integration of Glovent’s estate management platform with Impro access control software is welcome news for estates.

Read more...
T&A in South Africa’s retail sector
ERS Biometrics Access Control & Identity Management
Using existing systems, ERSBio provides a practical and more cost-effective way for businesses to manage operations, reduce payroll mistakes, and enhance overall efficiency through innovative T&A processes.

Read more...
Navigating the complexities of privileged access management
Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management
Privileged Access Management and Identity Access Management are critical pillars of modern cybersecurity, designed to secure access to sensitive resources, enforce principles like least privilege, and implement just-in-time access controls.

Read more...
Paxton opens second experience centre
Paxton News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
Security technology manufacturer, Paxton, has opened a new experience centre in Cape Town on 12 February in partnership with its exclusive distributors, Reditron and Regal Security.

Read more...
DoorBell with built-in AI
Ajax Systems Access Control & Identity Management Products & Solutions Smart Home Automation
Ajax Systems has announced the release of Ajax DoorBell, which features built-in AI, an IR sensor, and app control, seamlessly integrating into the Ajax ecosystem to ensure efficiency and security confidence.

Read more...
Physical security evolving beyond security teams
ATG Digital Access Control & Identity Management
The landscape of physical security is undergoing a major shift. Traditionally, selecting access control and visitor management solutions fell squarely on the shoulders of security professionals, but today includes legal, IT, technical operations and more.

Read more...
A passwordless future?
Access Control & Identity Management
The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and with it comes the urgent need for more secure authentication methods. Passwords, once the cornerstone of online security, are now easy targets for cybercriminals.

Read more...