Modern Building Services

34 MODERN BUILDING SERVICES SEPTEMBER 2021 I imagine most reading this article will be too young to remember Eddie Cochran’s 1960 hit Three Steps to Heaven, and many too young to recall Showaddywaddy’s cover version in 1975. Yet despite being 61 and 46 years old respectively both are available to listen to now - this very instant on pretty much any mobile device thanks to digital technology and the cloud-based music streaming services. Something I am sure Eddie Cochran’s family and Dave Bartram alike could never have imagined possible when reflecting on their respective chart successes all those years ago. A mildly interesting reminiscence but what does this have to do with building management systems (BMS)?Well, the shift from analogue to digital technology and cloud- based services has also happened in building controls and continues apace, but it is actually the theme of three steps that Eddie and Dave steered young men through in their lyrics that I wish to steal to guide building owners and operators through selecting and managing their building systems. Step 1. “You find a “system” to…” Ok, a system to love might be too much, but the initial choice of system is crucial, whether this be for a new building or a replacement of an ageing installation. Clients should first understand not only their present needs but also the needs they anticipate and plan for in the future and be sure systems that are being considered canmeet these needswith features and flexibility that can support themgoing forward. BMSs now incorporate farmore than the control of heating, cooling and ventilation plant. Often occupancy systems, people density, room booking, air qualitymanagement and a raft of lighting controls are now incorporated aswell as an array of analytical packageswhich ought to be considered. By comparison, would a vinyl turntable be required or even a CD player? I think it is doubtful either are needed today and nostalgia aside I cannot see any future purpose for these and I wouldn’t buy one just because I had records and CDs on the shelf. Similarly, wemust consider the use, application needs, and operation of our buildings going forward and not simply do what we have always done. To ensure the right choice is made there are some primary factors to include when shortlisting candidates. An open protocol system from a supplier who has an open route to market - this is essential to ensure not only choice of system but also a competitive choice of supply and will help to prevent any potential of later tie in to expensive spare parts and post occupancy servicing. The open protocol ensures flexibility and simplifies options to integratewith other building systems in a simple and cost- effective manner.The combination of these two open themes greatly supports the future proofing of the systemand protects the customer’s investment. Another essential consideration is security, with themajority of systems nowbenefiting fromthe speed and range of connectivity options that ITsystems provide, it is essential that our building control systems are designed, installed and indeed operated andmaintainedwith strong security inmind. Mymusic collection may have once been stored safely at home on shelves and in cupboards but now it is entirely online. I want to be sure those accounts are safe and accessible only to one those people I want to share it with. Graeme Rees , Vice President of the Building Controls Industry Association, gives a step-by-step guide on how building operators can select and manage their building management systems. FEATURE Three Steps to (BMS) Heaven