Manufacturing companies are prioritizing sustainability. Eco-friendly practices can both optimize resources and improve energy efficiency, but only if professional teams have the latest technology. Installing a building management system (BMS) can give company leaders more accurate data to improve their sustainability strategies. These tools will reduce the company’s environmental footprint by achieving key objectives with informed reporting.
How Do Smart Building Management Systems Optimize Manufacturing Sustainability?
Installing a BMS takes time. Company owners may be interested in investing the effort and energy once they understand the benefits a BMS could produce.
They Reduce Energy Usage
Any company’s BMS manages Internet of Things devices. They connect to provide real-time data, including information drawn from energy sources. An advanced BMS can reduce HVAC energy usage by 13.4%-24.9% because it automatically adjusts operations as needed, especially during peak hours. Facility managers can reduce strain on the local electric grid if a BMS minimizes the building’s consumption by temporarily modifying operations.
Teams Gain Accurate Reporting
Reporting helps teams review the effects of their sustainable strategies and revise their plans as needed. A BMS can create those reports after a single request from authorized users. The system collects continuous data and stores it for those moments.
Company leaders can immediately review their water consumption, energy usage and material waste according to their selected filters. Tools can help companies meet environmental regulations or adjust predictive maintenance routines based on the results.
BMS Programs Provide Instant Control
Environmental goals may be easier to achieve with accurate monitoring and additional control. A BMS lets authorized users check in on whatever machinery it monitors. Teams can use the system to understand aspects such as their water usage and least efficient practices, based on recent data.
They may also use predictive maintenance to improve facility waste. If a BMS recommends ongoing maintenance strategies for manufacturing equipment, the machinery can remain at peak efficiency and minimize the waste that was formerly a standard part of production.
How Much Can Smart Buildings Reduce Energy Consumption Compared to Conventional Buildings?
Teams may be most interested in reducing their company’s energy usage. Utility bills are a substantial part of a manufacturing facility’s ongoing expenses. If professionals invest in a BMS, they will give their facility the smart tool necessary to make progress on sustainable goals.
Smart buildings can reduce their energy usage by 27.3% if they have an internet-connected learning system. The percentage could rise for teams that learn how to optimize their BMS tools and settings.
How Do Smart Systems Benefit Businesses?
Adding smart devices to a large-scale facility can support eco-friendly goals. Company owners should consider whether they would benefit from common BMS outcomes, such as:
- Task automation and additional data-driven insights drawn from recent, accurate reporting
- Improved workplace safety due to the BMS adjusting equipment and making preventive maintenance recommendations
- Better energy, waste and resource management that meets sustainability goals
- Increased revenue flow with lower long-term utility bills
- Building-specific recommendations to tailor strategies and get better results
Investing in a BMS can generate numerous positive results for manufacturing sites across industries. The customization options help teams achieve their new goals, particularly in terms of reducing their environmental footprints.
What Does Predictive Maintenance Identify?
Predictive maintenance is a critical benefit. A BMS monitors equipment operation and catches potential mechanical faults before they happen. The system may send an alert if overheating might compromise a piece of equipment and injure employees.
A BMS also monitors electrical units through predictive maintenance. The technology understands when drops or spikes in power consumption occur and responds by adjusting the equipment’s operations. Predictive algorithms become more accurate as they accumulate data over time, making this a continually improving feature. Employees can feel safe around high-voltage machinery without worrying about power surges affecting their safety or job functions.
Air quality is another concern for many manufacturing facility teams. A BMS can connect to air quality sensors and alert authorized users when higher levels of volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide occur. Everyone can clear the area and solve the issue according to company policy before employees potentially breathe dangerous pollutants.
Tips for Using a BMS
Adding a BMS to a large-scale building requires a strategy. Workplace leaders can prepare for their integration by setting goals specific to their teams and considering the following tips.
1. Outline Primary Objectives
Everyone should understand their top goals in using a BMS. Are company owners interested in reducing energy costs or improving employee safety? They may want better data to strengthen the company’s sustainability reputation. Any selected goal also needs key performance indicators (KPIs). Team members can measure their ongoing success with the BMS if they understand what KPIs to use when determining the success or failure of their ongoing strategies.
2. Compare Manufacturer Options
Numerous companies make BMS products for manufacturing teams. Industry leaders should compare their options depending on their desired experience. They may select a BMS that is scalable because their company is in a growth phase. They could also prefer a BMS that works with the range of equipment in their diverse facility. Contacting vendors for consultations and asking questions will guide professional teams to the best BMS for their daily operations.
3. Create a Plan With IT Experts
Any company’s in-house or outsourced IT team should be part of the BMS selection process. They will inform company leaders of the benefits of each option, allowing them to decide which one may best work with their existing network. The IT department will also help with integration as needed. If the vendor handles integration independently, IT professionals can communicate with the marketing department to send BMS guidelines to all involved employees when the time comes.
Understand the Benefits of Smart Building Management Systems
Adding a BMS to a manufacturing facility can help companies reach sustainable goals. If team leaders know how to adjust the BMS settings according to their individual objectives and KPIs, they may achieve them more effectively.
