Strategic Focus: The Future Of The BMS In The Age Of IoT

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Executive Summary

This report provides facilities executives with an overview of the evolution of building management systems (BMSs), given the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT). Supported by 17 interviews with systems integrators and technology vendors, our research finds that the IoT is revitalising the value of the BMS and extending it to support new usage scenarios. Internet-connected BMSs capture more granular data, run more sophisticated control strategies and support smart maintenance. Facilities managers need to plan for an increasingly complex building IoT ecosystem, where the BMS is one of several systems producing building intelligence. The report also sets out five smart strategies that facilities executives should use to upgrade their existing BMSs to work effectively in an IoT ecosystem.

Table of contents

BMS Solutions Are Becoming More Digitally Compatible  
Early-Generation BMSs Provided Limited Interoperability
BMS Innovation Centres On An Open Approach And Building Analytics

The IoT Will Unlock New Value From Incumbent BMS Solutions  
The BMS Will Maintain Its Controller Role In The Emerging IoT Ecosystem
IoT-Enabled BMSs Provide Value Across A Wide Range Of Usage Scenarios
Multiple Vendors Are Vying To Own The Building Analytics Layer
Driving Value With IoT Presents New Challenges For Facilities Managers

Five Smart Strategies To Upgrade Your BMS In An Age Of IoT

Table of figures

Figure 1. Four Horizons Of Innovation In The BMS Market 
Figure 2. Functionality Improvements Of A Fully Actualized IoT-Enabled BMS 
Figure 3. Eight Features Of An IoT-Enabled BMS
Figure 4. Emerging Use Cases Servicing Long-Term Strategic Drivers 
Figure 5. The BMS As A Component Of An Expanding IoT And Software Ecosystem 

About the authors

Dayann Charles

Manager, Advisory Services
Dayann is a Manager in the Verdantix Advisory Services team. He has led a wide variety of consulting projects across all the Verdantix practices, with a particular focus on ESG, Net Zero & Climate Risk and Smart Building engagements. Projects delivered encompass market/product analysis and strategy, acquisition scans, competitive analysis and corporate strategy engagements. Dayann joined Verdantix in early 2020, following a period as a business and technology consultant at IBM. He holds an MEng in Engineering (Mechanical) with Business Finance from University College London.

Susan Clarke

Research Director

Susan leads the Verdantix Smart Buildings practice. Her current research agenda focuses on software solutions for real estate management including integrated workplace management systems and IoT platforms for buildings. Her research expertise also includes a broad range of energy management technologies and energy services. Susan has eight years of experience in technology research. She holds a MSc from the University of London in Sustainable Development.

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