A building management system (BMS) is a computer-based control system that is designed and deployed to automate and monitor a particular building’s energy, security and operational components. The core function of the BMS is to manage the services that are necessary to ensure a safe and comfortable working environment. These services may include illumination, surveillance, access control, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), as well as other functions.
“Total control, flexibility, integration and inter-operability between systems are critical factors to consider when evaluating or developing a BMS.” Stanley Security Solutions’ facility convergence lead, Tim Timmins, explains the rationale behind this increasingly prevalent concept. “Conventional structures can be transformed into high-tech, dynamic organisations with the right combination of technology and comprehensive project support."
The intelligent building offers improved security, increased efficiency, reduced operating costs, greater returns and a considerable contribution to a sustainable environment. The ability to integrate all of the devices and equipment into a unified, centralised solution significantly enhances the bottom line, from both a financial and a labour-efficacy perspective.
More importantly, the safety and protection of building occupants is always critical and remains a top priority for organisations. A BMS that is capable of identifying and resolving issues before they become a threat to human lives is immeasurably valuable. Air quality monitoring, the management of fire detection equipment, elevator override control in times of emergencies and tracking of visitors all contribute to the wellbeing of building inhabitants, and form a core part of today’s BMS.
Stanley Security Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of parent company EOH, provides turnkey integrated electronic security solutions, including risk analysis, security assessments and vulnerability assessments. With its offering of tailored solutions, based on products like Tridium, Cardax, CCure, Bosch, Avigilon, Elite Dali lighting control etc, and through strategic partnerships with these key international suppliers, Stanley delivers a complete, integrated product range, supported by expert installation and professional service.
Through its certified partnership with Tridium, Stanley is able to unify and integrate multiple building technologies.
“The decision to partner with Tridium for middleware was based on three simple practicalities: a single, unified platform, ease of integration and compliance to open standards,” Timmins explains. “Our BMS is powered by Triduim’s core technology, the Java-based Niagara Framework. Niagara provides the software infrastructure to integrate diverse systems and devices, regardless of manufacturer or communication protocol, thereby reducing vendor lock-in and enhancing overall facility management.”
The system and device integration made possible by Niagara provides a unified platform that can easily be managed in real-time over the Internet using a standard Web browser.
The extensive functionality of this management system extends beyond the actual building into the parking area, the access gates, landscaping systems and exterior lighting. Niagara has been successfully applied in more than 170 000 instances in energy services, building automation and industrial automation markets in 45 countries around the world today.
“Intelligent buildings offer a vast array of opportunities and a persuasive argument for implementation. The value to building owners and facility management lies in simplicity and manageability,” Timmins concludes. “Stanley believes in the value and strength of local service delivery, but remains mindful of the power of global resources.”
For more information contact Stanley Security Solutions (EOH), +27 (0)11 844 3200, barbaram@stanley.co.za, www.stanley.co.za
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