CTL-01 · Building control & integration

Building management systems (BMS) in Saudi Arabia

A BMS puts the building's air conditioning, lighting, power and water on one screen, runs them to a schedule, and tells the operator what has failed before the occupants notice.

HVAC and lighting controlEnergy and power monitoringBACnet, Modbus and KNXAlarms and reports

What a BMS monitors and controls

The BMS reads sensors and controls equipment across the building: chillers, air handling units, fan coils and ventilation; lighting by zone and schedule; electrical panels, generators and UPS status; water tanks and pumps; and the status of lifts and other plant. Operators see floor graphics, trends and alarms, and the system applies the schedules and setpoints automatically.

Open protocols, so the building is not locked to one supplier

We design on open standards: BACnet and Modbus for plant and controllers, and KNX where room-level control is on that standard. Equipment from different makers then works on one system and can be replaced or extended later. The points list, which defines every value the BMS reads or controls, is agreed before any controller is ordered, because it decides the cost and the usefulness of the system.

Where the value comes from

Air conditioning is the largest energy load in buildings in Saudi Arabia, so most savings come from running it only when and where it is needed, at sensible setpoints, and from finding faults such as a valve stuck open or a unit running all night. The BMS also gives the maintenance team a record of how the plant behaves, which turns complaints into data.

Our part, start to finish

What we do on this kind of project

We select the equipment to fit your site, not to clear a stock list. We design the system, install and commission it, and keep it working.

DESIGN

Design & consulting

Points list and control strategy with the MEP designer
Network architecture and controller selection
Operator graphics and alarm philosophy
Integration plan with security and power systems

BUILD

Installation

Controllers, sensors and field wiring
Programming of schedules, setpoints and sequences
Graphics, trends and reports
Point-to-point testing and commissioning

RUN

Maintenance

Seasonal setpoint and schedule review
Sensor calibration checks
Software backups and updates
Alarm and energy report review

Before you buy

Questions to settle first

These decide cost and performance more than the brand on the box. We work through them with you at survey stage.

Which systems must the BMS control, and which only monitor?
Is the building new, or an existing one being upgraded?
Do the chillers, panels and generators offer BACnet or Modbus?
Who will operate the BMS day to day?
Which reports does management need: energy, alarms, run hours?
Should tenants or departments be metered separately?

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a BMS and a smart home system?

The idea is the same at different scales. A smart home controls lighting, shades and climate in a residence; a BMS manages the central plant and services of a commercial or public building, with many more points and operators.

Can a BMS be added to an existing building?

Yes. We survey the existing plant and controls, connect what already has an open interface and add controllers and sensors where needed, usually in stages.

How much energy does a BMS save?

It depends on how the building runs today. Savings come from scheduling, setpoints and fault detection. We prefer to measure the current consumption first and state the opportunities found rather than quote a general percentage.

Works alongside

Related systems

BLD-07