Building Automation Basics 

Today’s building automation systems combine high-tech equipment and procedures that enable businesses to monitor and control all the key systems at their various properties. These systems range from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to energy management systems and the building’s lighting controls.

The key goals of a sound building automation system strategy include:

• Enabling predictability in the operation of the different automated systems
• Monitoring and controlling the usage of energy and resources
• Reducing human error and minimizing the need for manual inputs after initial setup, as well as the ongoing commissioning of the system
• Reducing maintenance and operational costs
• Reducing overall utility and energy costs
• Supporting the comfort and work productivity of the building occupants

Interestingly enough, the right building automation system can lead to greater energy efficiency and therefore reduce the building's carbon footprint. Building Engineers and management will be able to graphically view their building’s energy costs, identifying areas for improvement. Additionally, with available cloud-based dashboards, you always have access to all the important metrics and KPIs for your building's automated systems. This capability gives a birdseye view of anything relevant going on within your buildings, all without having to visit the premises.

The best building automation systems provide a means for remotely reviewing indoor air quality (IAQ) and the capability to modify settings as needed. If you have a special event happening in one of your buildings, you can schedule the lighting or ventilation systems appropriately beforehand. You will be able to do these activities all from a dashboard on your smartphone or laptop.

Advanced automation systems can give you the ability to review and manage your entire building’s security via a smartphone app. CCTV cameras equipped with motion detection and analytics can make it nearly impossible for anyone to trespass or vandalize your building without being detected and recorded.

Three aspects of building automation to initially consider:

HVAC Automation

HVAC systems are the largest consumer of energy in your buildings. This is often because HVAC systems may be running continuously regardless of the changing occupancy or external climate. Having an automated HVAC system accommodates preset schedules while also allowing you to adjust it “on the fly.” Additionally, the systems constantly monitor and react to field sensor data, outside climate, sunlight, changing occupancy load, and much more.

Energy Management Solutions

These solutions will help you manage your facility and your costs by collecting energy usage data from the various system components in your buildings, compiling and storing that information to be displayed graphically – viewing either historical or real-time data. Having access to this critical building system information will inform you about your real energy costs, assist with managing budgets, control energy expenditures, and keep equipment running efficiently and properly maintained.

Lighting Automation

High-tech “smart” lighting control systems provide the ability to manage your building’s lighting via smartphone or web application. Systems include occupant detection as well as monitoring ambient light levels, automatically adjusting or dimming lighting accordingly to achieve proper light levels in the space.

Installing building automation systems will make retrofitting older buildings easier. Modern automation systems can interface with existing hardware within these older buildings, potentially reducing the need to make any major building structure changes.

Whatever your automation system needs are, Point Monitor can help create the solution that is most appropriate to achieve your goals. Simply click here and get started with learning more today!