Glossary · Automation fundamentals, platforms and components
Building automation
Also known as: Building automation and control systems (BACS), Building management system (BMS)
German: Gebäudeautomation
In building services engineering, building automation is the automatic monitoring, control and optimization of building systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, shading and access control. ISO 16484 covers building automation and control systems (BACS).
- Automation components
- Standards
In one sentence
Building automation monitors and controls HVAC, lighting, shading and access systems in buildings; ISO 16484 covers these systems.
Example
The building automation system lowers ventilation rates in empty meeting rooms, based on occupancy sensors and schedules.
How it applies
- Engineering: Building automation is typically structured into field level (sensors, actuators), automation level (controllers) and management level (building management software), linked by protocols such as BACnet, LonWorks, KNX or Modbus.
- Operation: Energy monitoring and optimized schedules are major drivers; see Energy efficiency.
- Security: Building systems are often connected to IT networks and remote service, so segmentation and access control matter.
- Documentation: Provide point lists, control strategy descriptions and user instructions for facility staff. Changes after handover should be documented so the control strategy stays traceable.
Building automation vs. industrial automation
Both use controllers, sensors and networks, but building automation handles slower processes, spans large areas and is operated by facility staff rather than production operators. Protocols and standards differ, though industrial Ethernet and OPC UA increasingly appear in both.