Building Automation Systems Offer Real Time Data
June 25, 2012
Today’s tip from
Building Operating Management comes from Rita Tatum, contributing editor for the magazine: Thanks to advances in technology, building automation systems now offer real time data that can be of great value to facility managers.
In an economy built on speed and rapid response, real-time monitoring and Internet protocol (IP) capability are essential in a building automation system or energy management system (BAS/EMS). Alarms are faster and more detailed in today's systems. Knowing and being able to respond in seconds can correct potential problems before building occupants are aware anything’s amiss.
"Using a Web-based protocol, the BAS/EMS lets the facility manager know what's happening in seconds,” says Jack Althoff, owner of ProJeX, Inc. "System reports are generated so quickly and so often that they can actually be used as measuring tools for performance.”
Precision real-time information is an important tool for facility managers looking to purchase energy at the lowest cost. "One motivator is being able to go to the energy market with solid usage data in real time so you can get better deals on energy,” says Jim Sinopoli, managing principal, Smart Buildings.
The real-time capability of newer building automation systems and energy management systems improve building management in multiple ways. For instance, real-time capability is beneficial for companies wanting to take advantage of utility pricing. They provide better time-of-day use data, which can allow the facility manager to budget utility costs more accurately. New building automation systems and energy management systems offer another advantage that makes real-time capability even more valuable: They allow easier network expansions, crucial in many companies that are using enterprise-wide management systems.
"If the building has tenant meters, it's easier to separate loads," says Althoff.
This has been a
Building Operating Management Tip of the Day. Thanks for listening.
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