What is a Building Management System?

Table of Contents (TOC):

• Introduction to Building Management System (BMS)
• How does a BMS Works
• The key benefits of BMS
• Is BMS Engineering a Good Career?
• Upskilling Courses for BMS Professionals in 2025
• Conclusions
• Bonus Points 

Introduction to Building Management System (BMS)

Building Managers have a monumental task ahead of them. They are responsible for overseeing the functioning of the several systems that keep the building hospitable. This includes HVAC Management, Lights, Energy, Humidity, Security Systems, Elevator Systems, Fire Alarm Systems, Fault Detection, etc. 

Individually inspecting and maintaining these building-wide systems regularly can become a cumbersome task. This is where Building Management Systems (BMS) come into play. These are advanced control systems that help Building Managers oversee the status of the mechanical and electrical functionalities of a building.

How does a BMS work?

The modern BMS has the following three parts:

• The Sensors, Actuators & Controllers

  • Smart sensors across the building collect data and record any anomalies or variations in expected data readings. 
  • Controllers take note of the variations in the data readings and tell the Actuators the corrective action to be taken. 
  • Actuators follow the Controllers’ insights to address the anomalies and variations in the data readings. 

• The BMS Software

  • This software has in-built databases to store the data recorded by the Sensors. 
  • It also performs analytical functions on the recorded data to unearth new insights. 
  • Some newer BMS softwares are also equipped with Machine Learning capabilities for more advanced predictive and descriptive analytics.

• The User Interface

  • This is the BMS Interface that Building Managers and other personnel use to interact with the system. 
  • They can access this Interface through PC or Mobile devices, allowing them to oversee facility management and maintenance remotely. 
  • They can also automate and schedule maintenance and other tasks, while also receiving alerts in case of any anomalies or dangers in the building. 

The harmonious interaction between these three core components is what makes a Building Management System efficient. So what are the key advantages of installing a BMS?

The Key Benefits of BMS

• BMS takes us closer to Greener Buildings:

Building Management Systems help the facility become more energy efficient, lower its carbon footprint, and reduce energy bills. For example, if a BMS finds lights to be on in empty corridors or floors, it may suggest the installation of smart lights which can be triggered only when someone is present in the area. 

• BMS offers a better Living Experience:

When an efficient and automated system alerts the Building Manager and Maintenance Staff regularly, occupants are free from having to contact them whenever an issue arises. The monitoring and control systems in a BMS also ensure optimal living conditions, like maintaining temperature or humidity levels. 

• BMS assists the Building Manager & Staff:

Thanks to the BMS’ real-time data monitoring & alert systems, Building Managers can take the appropriate corrective actions faster than before. The ability to schedule routine maintenance tasks will also help the Building Staff stay productive and minimise downtime. The Mobile-friendly User Interface also helps Building Managers observe the facility remotely. 

• BMS helps ensure Regulatory Compliance:

As more stringent laws and regulations on energy consumption, carbon footprints, and building maintenance emerge, a BMS can automate these conditions and help ensure regulatory compliance. This protects the legal interests and positions of the Building Owners, Managers, and Maintenance Staff while ensuring a comfortable environment for Tenants. 

As Building Management Softwares and Smart Building Solutions gain larger acceptance, the Building Automation Industry grows – and so does the demand for passionate BMS Engineers. 

Is BMS Engineering a Good Career?

A BMS Engineer is tasked with the designing, development, installation, and maintenance of custom Building Management Systems for various kinds of buildings. They are involved in developing the user interfaces, software, hardware, and graphics of BMS. Their primary responsibilities include:

• Designing custom BMS for different clientele as per building requirements, such as for a medical facility versus a high-rise corporate building. 
• Maintaining the BMS after integration into the building, including running tests, identifying any issues, creating and implementing software updates, etc. 
• Ensuring that the BMS adheres to regulations, including Building Codes, to avoid legal repercussions. 

While no specific qualifications exist for being a BMS Engineer, having an academic background in Engineering (Software, Computer Science, Applied Physics, Electrical or Mechanical), Programming, Software Development, and Building Automation Industries is helpful. Ideal BMS Engineers possess the right blend of technical and soft skills, including communication, collaboration, attention to detail, adaptability, innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills. 

Is BMS engineering a good career? It is slated to rise in demand, with the growing popularity of Building Management Systems and increasingly stringent Building, Construction, and Environmental Regulations. If you believe you have the technical aptitude and the soft skills needed to thrive as a BMS Engineer, then it is certainly worthwhile to explore this career path. 

Upskilling Courses for BMS Professionals in 2025

If you are interested in pursuing a future in BMS Engineering, or you simply want to explore the domain a bit, UniAthena’s Free Learning Short Courses are for you. Our Building Management Offerings are free to learn, 100% online, and self-paced – perfect for the Learner on a budget and tight schedule. It is packed with actionable insights that can guide your performance. 

Here are our top recommendations:

• Basics of Buildings and Construction Works:

  • Benefits: 100% Online Delivery, Free Learning Access & Self-Paced

  • Topics Covered: This course introduces learners to types of Buildings, Energy Conservation strategies in Buildings, along with costs, design factors, and parts of a Building. 

  • Learning Duration: 4-6 hours

• Basics of Air Distribution System in Buildings:

  • Benefits: 100% Online Delivery, Free Learning Access & Self-Paced

  • Topics Covered: This course explores Air Handling Units, Air Distribution System Design, Air Distribution Ductwork, Indoor Air Quality and Heating Systems in Buildings. 

  • Learning Duration: 4-6 hours

• Basics of Heat, Ventilation and Air conditioning (HVAC) Systems in Buildings:

  • Benefits: 100% Online Delivery, Free Learning Access & Self-Paced

  • Topics Covered: The Course offers a beginner-friendly glimpse into HVAC Systems, including Air Conditioning Systems, Heat Pumps, Water Chillers and Condensers. 

  • Learning Duration: 4-6 hours

• Executive Diploma In Building Services Engineering Management:

  • Benefits: 100% Online Delivery, Free Learning Access & Self-Paced

  • Topics Covered: This course introduces Learners to the main components of a Building, along with HVAC Systems, Air Distribution Systems, Fire Safety Systems, Vertical Transport Systems, Plumbing, Electrical, and Security Systems.

  • Learning Duration: 2-3 weeks

Conclusions

This blog offers an introduction to Building Management Systems, a helpful tool that makes the oversight and maintenance of Buildings easier than ever before. The blog details the main parts of a BMS, the key benefits of a BMS, and the skills and qualifications needed to pursue a career in BMS Engineering. Finally, we listed our top recommendations for aspiring BMS Engineers who wish to upskill affordably and flexibly. 

Bonus Points:

• BMS is expected to become a routine part of Building Maintenance, especially with the advent of Smart Buildings and Smart Cities. 
• The potential to integrate the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity applications into BMS opens exciting avenues for future development. 

Sources:

• https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/bms-engineer#:~:text=Considering%20a%20career%20as%20a,design%20stages%20of%20building%20construction
• https://www.beebryte.com/6-advantages-of-a-building-management-system-bms/ 
• https://www.cim.io/blog/what-is-a-building-management-system#Advantages%20of%20a%20BMS%20System