For several decades, smart building technology has been working to connect intelligent operational components—like HVAC, lighting, water supply, and fire emergency systems—within facilities. By integrating these components, this technology has helped facility management (FM) professionals in their efforts to monitor energy consumption and improve efficiency for their organizations.
While older approaches appealed to early adopters, some facility managers (fms) have been reluctant to embrace legacy systems despite the attractiveness of their energy conservation claims. Despite these claims, many fms struggle to justify the cost of smart building systems even if the systems can provide new ways to improve profitability through energy efficiency.
Since the latest generation of Building Energy Management Systems (BEMs) can now collect and analyze energy data, they make an even more compelling case for fms who must show a tangible return on investment (ROI) for their efficiency endeavors. And yet, “Many customers are still unaware of the existence and capabilities of BEMs. Even those who may be aware of BEMs technology and who have energy management processes in place may be skeptical of the ability of a BEMs to create additional energy savings opportunities,” according to the Navigant Research Leaderboard Report: Building Energy Management Systems.
The power of modern BEMs can combine with the Internet of Things (IoT) to give fms the game-changing opportunity to provide integrated solutions that maximize operational and energy efficiency, enhance innovation, develop remote services, and create valuable insights for their organizations. In fact, IoT is on the verge of breaking new ground as market participants turn the spotlight on flexible, secured, and cost-effective cloud-based applications that will convert building data into a true decision-making platform.
With the integration of IoT and cloud-based approaches of today, BEMs can bridge the gap between information and operational technology in building automation systems. The Navigant report notes: “Cloud-based, or software as a service (SaaS), platforms can be updated more readily than energy management systems of the past,” so instead of simply monitoring energy usage, fms will be able to respond quickly and use BEMs to become proactive energy asset managers within the organization.
For more on how to use BEMs as an energy management tool, fms can request a copy of the full Navigant Research Leaderboard Report: Building Energy Management Systems-Assessment of Strategy and Execution for 14 Building Energy Management System Vendors by clicking this link.
