Episode Description:
Facility managers are expected to do more than ever. Your role now includes managing complex systems, reducing risk, and making decisions that impact the entire organization. This episode outlines what you need to understand to stay effective and relevant.
Building automation systems are evolving. They are no longer just tools for comfort control. They are critical assets for energy management, compliance, cybersecurity, and long-term planning. If your approach hasn't changed, it's time to catch up.
Key topics in this episode:
- How building automation systems have become strategic assets
- Common vulnerabilities that expose BAS to cybersecurity threats
- The growing use of cloud-based systems and what to evaluate before adoption
- Risks of vendor lock-in and how to maintain system flexibility
- Using analytics to support planning, upgrades, and performance tracking
This episode is for professionals who want to lead building performance, not just maintain it.
Click here to download or listen to this episode now.Podcast Video
What Facility Managers Must Know About Building Automation Systems in 2025
Building automation systems (BAS) are no longer just about keeping buildings comfortable. They are now central to operational strategy, energy management, compliance, and risk mitigation. In 2025, facility managers are expected to lead conversations around BAS, not just support them. This post outlines what today’s professionals must understand to manage these systems effectively and make informed decisions that benefit the entire organization.
BAS Is More Than HVAC
Historically, BAS focused on HVAC control and indoor air quality. Today, the scope is broader. A modern BAS connects to lighting, access control, fire safety, and energy metering. These systems gather data used for operational planning, budgeting, and compliance with energy regulations. Facility managers must now view BAS as a tool for decision-making, not just automation.
Integration and Outcomes
Most facilities use multiple systems and vendors. Managers need to understand how different platforms integrate and how to plan for phased upgrades. Integration strategies should align with performance goals, whether they involve reducing energy consumption, improving occupant comfort, or meeting regulatory benchmarks. Success is now measured by outcomes, not just uptime.
Cybersecurity as a Core Responsibility
BAS platforms have become targets for cyberattacks. High-profile breaches, such as the Target incident, highlight the risks of weak passwords, outdated firmware, and unsecured access. Facility managers must enforce strong credential policies, segment networks, apply firmware updates, and conduct regular audits. Security is no longer optional. It is foundational.
Cloud-Based BAS and Remote Management
Cloud and hybrid BAS platforms offer benefits such as remote access, reduced IT maintenance, and scalability. However, they introduce new considerations. Managers must ask vendors about uptime reliability, data ownership, support terms, and governance. While cloud-based systems reduce local infrastructure demands, they also rely heavily on internet stability.
Open Protocols Prevent Vendor Lock-In
Open protocols like BACnet, Modbus, and MQTT are now standard. Avoiding proprietary systems gives facilities more flexibility in vendor selection and system upgrades. Managers should always verify that new projects and retrofits use open protocols and should request multiple bids to avoid pricing monopolies.
Data and Analytics Drive Performance
Facility managers must understand how to use trend logs, fault detection, and diagnostics. These tools identify problems early and support decisions about capital improvements. For example, repeated alerts from an aging chiller can help justify a replacement request. Data helps validate performance and support long-term investment.
Planning for Construction and Retrofits
Facility input is critical in the early stages of design. Managers should review control drawings, sequences, and point lists before systems are installed. They must advocate for full integration and verify that testing and balancing occur before final approval. Too often, key elements are left out because facility leaders are brought in too late.
Performance Metrics That Matter
Effective managers track:
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Average alarms per system and zone
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Energy costs per square foot
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Occupant comfort complaints by zone
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BAS uptime and network latency
These metrics support continuous improvement and inform resource allocation.
Maintenance and Documentation
Maintenance involves more than physical components. Managers must monitor controller health, apply firmware updates, test failovers, and back up databases regularly. Sensor calibration and cleaning are often overlooked but essential. Accurate, up-to-date documentation is also vital. Without it, troubleshooting and repairs take longer and increase risk.
Preparing for the Future
Emerging technologies like AI and digital twins are being used in large facilities. These tools simulate performance scenarios and predict failures before they happen. Facility managers need to understand how these technologies interact with BAS and prepare their teams for gradual adoption.
Taking Ownership
Facility managers should conduct audits of current BAS hardware and software, then build one, three, and five-year roadmaps. These plans should include energy goals, upgrade timelines, and equipment replacement cycles. Managers must align with IT, finance, and sustainability teams to ensure support and budget approval.
Training is essential. Whether through vendors or platforms like Smart Buildings Academy, staff must be equipped with the skills to manage modern systems. The BAS is the nervous system of the building. It must be understood, maintained, and optimized to support long-term success.
If you're leading a facility in 2025, your responsibilities are no longer just operational. They are strategic. The right knowledge and actions can improve performance, reduce costs, and protect your organization from risks. Building automation is no longer optional. It is essential.
For a deeper discussion and insights from the field, listen to this episode on the Smart Buildings Academy podcast.
