By Eamonn Ryan
There is a shift towards smarter, cloud-connected solutions that can seamlessly integrate smaller systems to a centralised Building Management System (BMS) more flexibly and cost-effectively.
Ivan Potter, founder and CEO of i4 Group and MD of iLED. © RACA Journal
The BMS landscape has shifted towards more integration and comfort in spaces, where systems manage everything from HVAC to security and lighting. Global BMS providers have focused heavily on comprehensive, large-scale systems that serve high-demand environments like hospitals, commercial buildings and factories. These companies offer sophisticated systems designed to control plantrooms and large building systems, often requiring extensive infrastructure and specialised skills.
iLED’s role in Edge applications for BMS
Ivan Potter, founder and CEO of i4 Group and MD of iLED says the global trend in the HVAC controls market is to provide advanced functionality for BMS while prioritising its user-friendliness and cost-effectiveness. The trend is to improve the built environment experience by connecting people through intelligent building solutions using forward-thinking technologies. Here we can think of apps on mobile devices to facilitate parking and visitor bookings; checking canteen menus and number of customers in the space; or checking the building carbon footprint and seeing the result of changing the room setpoint.
One of the standout features of this emerging trend in controls is its IoT-enabled capabilities. Potter explains that these new products will enable easy integration with cloud-based services, transforming traditional BMS systems into modern, connected platforms. “With the rise of IoT, we can now expose data to cloud databases, making it easier to analyse plant performance and compare data across various locations,” he notes.
The flip side of this easier access is heightened cyber-security risk, explains Potter. “As IoT devices become more ubiquitous, the risks associated with cybersecurity grow, particularly with the potential for hacking attempts with facility managers potentially losing control of a building. However, new controllers also come equipped with advanced security features designed to protect systems from vulnerabilities. The new generation of controllers has been designed with built-in security layers based on internationally accepted practices,” Potter explains. This robust security infrastructure will allow businesses to take advantage of IoT’s benefits while mitigating the risks of cyber threats.
HVAC technology plays a key role in enhancing energy efficiency and cost reduction across commercial buildings. Usertrmk on Freepik
The shift towards cloud-connected systems is expected to have a significant impact on the way BMS operates. Unlike traditional systems, where data remains isolated within the plant room, the new iteration of controllers can connect directly to the cloud via IP, offering real-time monitoring and remote management capabilities. This integration is key to unlocking the full potential of BMS, including energy management, asset tracking and even AI-powered data analysis.
“The future of BMS is all about connectivity and big data,” Potter says. “By connecting systems to the cloud, businesses can gain valuable insights into their operations and make more informed decisions, whether it’s for occupant comfort, energy optimisation or asset management.”
Within this global scene – where leading product brands from industry giants dominate the traditional, large-scale BMS markets – iLED is carving out a distinct niche that plays a crucial role in bridging gaps left by these major players by including these often overlooked ‘edge’ solutions where simplicity, flexibility and cost-efficiency are essential says Potter.
These ‘edge’ applications are crucial to more localised or add-on operations, such as water storage tanks, solar panels or even remote oxygen plants for hospitals. Edge systems often lack the infrastructure required to seamlessly connect to the larger BMS networks. Here, iLED steps in to provide a cost-effective solution with its locally developed eZiControl solution.
Take, for instance, the increasing need for monitoring smaller systems in areas like South Africa, where water shortages are prompting many facilities to install water storage tanks and solar panels. These systems do not form part of the BMS and often cannot be easily integrated. iLED’s innovation focuses on creating devices that allow such small systems to easily connect and report data back to the BMS or cloud database. The company produces compact, flexible controllers with just a fraction of the processing power and cost of traditional BMS equipment. These devices, with as few as eight input/output points, can communicate using Wi-Fi or cellular technology to push data into the cloud, providing a simpler and more affordable solution for smaller-scale needs.
One of the most significant barriers in IoT implementation, especially in regions like South Africa, is the shortage of skilled labour. Wavebreakmedia_micro on Freepik
Simplifying implementation
Potter notes that one of the most significant barriers in IoT implementation, especially in regions like South Africa, is the shortage of skilled labour to install and configure complex systems. Large BMS systems require certified installers with years of experience, and the training to become proficient can take weeks. iLED tackles this challenge head-on by designing products that are simple to configure and use, even for less experienced technicians. Their devices can be set up using a desktop app, and online training resources like YouTube videos make it easy for anyone to get started. This approach allows for getting the data to the cloud where the BMS experts can integrate the data into the larger BMS systems if required.
For example, iLED’s new product line (presented in the FRIGAIR section this issue), featuring small, programmable input/output controllers, eliminates the need for specialised certification. Electricians or novice BMS technicians can easily install and configure devices like water tank level sensors or small air conditioning units, without having to undergo extensive training. This approach empowers more people to enter the BMS industry while addressing the skill shortage problem.
New displays and controls are being designed to simplify the data visualisation process, allowing non-engineers to install and implement the technology. With an emphasis on affordability, these devices will offer a seamless user experience while providing real-time insights into plant operations.
“iLED’s approach to BMS is all about connecting the dots that the bigger players miss. By focusing on edge data solutions and offering affordable, flexible products for smaller systems, iLED is changing the way businesses think about building management. The company is not trying to compete with the big players but rather providing an essential layer of connectivity that helps facilities manage their operations more effectively.”
eZi-COM Io range. Supplied by iLED
The future of HVAC: connected with ZIEHL-ABEGG
Supplied by ZIEHL-ABEGG
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