Introduction

Building management systems have been used to automate processes in buildings for approximately 20 years. In this industrial revolution, multiplexes are not an exception. Prior to then, driving constant manual behaviour in conventional building structures was difficult and resulted in issues like high energy costs, compliance issues, and asset damage. Unfortunately, these systems continue to work in pretty much the same manner today. Such outdated systems are expensive to implement, maintain, and upgrade due to their massive wiring. Most importantly, they fall short in some essential qualities like energy efficiency, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and remote asset management. 

In recent years, building automation has advanced significantly in places like shopping malls and multiplexes. The “Internet of Things,” or IoT, is the most important technological advancement driving this shift. In this blog, we’ll understand the benefits of a wireless building management system in a Multiplex. 

Features of BMS in a Multiplex

For the actual structure that the multiplex resides in, a building management system serves as “mission control.” Modern, more advanced building management systems can be operated from a computer dashboard, while basic systems have controls on an interface that resembles a more complex version of your home security system. Since the graphics and navigation are superior to a standalone device, a computer-based interface is typically more user-friendly. Whether the controls are located on your computer or another device, the interface has security features like password protection and the capacity to set daily or seasonal routines for the associated utilities or systems.

As was previously said, a BMS connects to numerous systems and sensors located throughout your building, and one major benefit is that you can operate all of these systems from a single interface. Typical features include:

Lighting: Building management systems include lighting control capabilities that allow for automated control of lighting systems based on occupancy, time of day, and energy efficiency goals. This can result in energy savings and improved comfort for building occupants.

HVAC: The BMS can be used to control heating, conditioning systems, and air handling systems. You can keep track of usage and receive notifications when HVAC systems require maintenance.

Fire Safety Systems: Sprinkler and fire safety systems can also be connected to the BMS, but exclusively for monitoring functions. The ideal location to manage emergency use of lifts, fire doors, and ventilation systems is still the fire alarm panel in the majority of buildings.

Benefits of using Wireless Building Management Systems in Multiplexes

Owners of commercial infrastructure, like multiplexes, are aware of how crucial it is to have viable facilities. In multiplexes, where there are multiple screens and a range of systems, including lighting, HVAC, and security, a wireless BMS can offer significant benefits. This section will discuss some of the benefits of using wireless BMS in multiplexes.

Increases the Overall Value

Nowadays, building management is vital as an increasing number of people value comfort above all else. Installing building management systems in multiplexes can significantly increase the overall value of the property by optimising energy efficiency, enhancing comfort for visitors, and improving safety and security. BMS technology allows for centralised control and monitoring of various building systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and security systems. 

This centralised control enables building operators to optimise energy consumption by adjusting HVAC and lighting settings according to occupancy levels and weather conditions. Therefore, by improving overall energy efficiency, comfort, safety, and security aspects, BMS  in multiplexes can enhance the overall visitor experience and increase the property’s market value.

Efficient Energy Usage

The biggest advantage that a multiplex owner gets from implementing a BMS for their structure is lower energy expenditures. The electrical and HVAC systems can be easily controlled and monitored by the building automation system, which makes it possible for these systems to function effectively and without interruption. As a result, it will cut down on energy use and increase energy bill savings. In other words, the lighting in the multiplex building uses a lot of energy, and much of it is squandered on unused spaces. When you use an automated lighting system, your business might save up to 30% annually on lighting expenses. The BMS uses a sophisticated network of sensors, scheduling tools, and occupancy controls to detect when a space is empty and automatically turn off the lighting. Scheduling can take into account both day and night time hours as well as locations outside your building, like ramps, walkways, car parks, garages, loading docks, etc.

One-stop Control Point

Furthermore, data from a range of linked devices and sensors can be continuously collected and analysed due to an integrated network of building management and analytics solutions. These consist of: air quality monitors,  HVAC management, and luminaire controls. When sensors and devices are combined with a building analytics platform, a fully controlled, efficient system is produced that can: Prioritise the alarms, find and fix issues that could otherwise go unnoticed, take action before repairs are necessary or systems fail avert upcoming inefficiencies to avoid operational bottlenecks, failures, and dysfunctions.

HVAC Optimization

Air conditioning and smoke control are essential when multiplexes and stores are connected. Many business buildings depend on mechanical and electrical systems to ensure comfort and maintain operations. This comprises your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system as well as fire suppression, security, lighting, and other systems. Each of these systems must be managed separately, which adds unnecessary complexity to the building’s overall management. 

Building management systems (BMS) do, however, aid in streamlining the procedure. IoT is opening a new era of possibilities, making it easier to collaborate with sensors and strategies for the operational workflows of buildings. With IoT, especially with smart devices like fans, pumps, valves, and actuators, the configuration can be enhanced. IoT devices provide monitoring from anywhere and real-time alarms. You can observe and gather data if you have an internet connection. Real-time data enables rapid problem detection, and corrective measures can be carried out anywhere and without being present at the building. 

Ensures High Security

When facility automation systems are deployed in multiplexes, it offers cutting-edge technologies and methods that improve the security system in your building. It enables improved security of your assets, including real estate, company assets, and IT data. Additionally, building occupants will feel much safer than before. The system will aid in preventing theft and tampering by employees, as well as criminal activity and damage to your property. The access control feature in BMS will prevent access to any floors or areas that have been designated as restricted by the management personnel. Additionally, the system gives you control over visitor traffic inside your structure and guards against security breaches. Additionally, access control software records and retains information about every activity occurring both inside and outside of your building.

Reduces Downtime

For most businesses, including multiplexes, downtime is intolerable because it has a direct influence on sales, and they cannot afford to have building equipment fail. Being able to spot problems before they cause downtime is perhaps one of the most notable advantages of BMS. A BMS will automatically do a check on the systems it is integrated with. These checks can spot issues that require your attention and notify you of them. This provides you with plenty of time to address the problems before your equipment malfunctions. Additionally, it can track component life cycles, giving you the ability to schedule preventive maintenance appointments.

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Introduction

Security and protection against unauthorised access to systems by staff or outsiders is a crucial component of IT security. The data centre should, in fact, only be accessible to a limited number of personnel in order to minimise the risk of accidental harm and to avoid intentional manipulation or data leaks. It is crucial to keep data centres safe, but it is not always simple for corporations to do so. The number of devices that can access the data centre and its location are frequently determining factors. Access restrictions can enhance security in and around data centres, but businesses must also understand which level of access permissions are required.

Business continuity planning stipulates that the organisation’s IT and operational procedures must continue to operate in any emergency situations. The data centre should be capable of protecting your systems and data round the clock in this regard. Your carefully thought-out plans will have been in vain if the data centre fails simultaneously with potentially unfortunate happenings. It doesn’t matter if you want to establish your own data centre or hire a third-party supplier to handle it; data centre security standards are ultimately crucial. On that note, let’s talk about why access control is crucial in data centres to minimise risk and vulnerability.

Data Centre – Explained!

The physical facility where organisations store their essential software and data is called a data centre. A data centre’s architecture is based on a network of computing and storage resources that enables the delivery of shared applications and data. Any business that relies on a data centre for all or a portion of its activities should put in place a number of physical and network security measures to protect the data centre’s data against theft, loss, and unauthorised data alterations. Today, almost no business can operate without using some sort of technology. The majority of businesses have switched from paper to digital, and the majority of their data is now kept on computers rather than filing cabinets. As a result, every company requires a system to guarantee the security and safety of the data in its data centres.

Data Centre Security

As already said, a data centre is a location where data is kept, usually on servers. It may be situated nearby, at a different location, or be run by a different vendor. However, security procedures need to be in place to avoid breaches regardless of where the data centre is situated. Data centres are frequently the target of hackers since they house all of the company’s essential information. Controls that restrict access to the data centre are employed to prevent cybersecurity breaches. These rules restrict access to all devices as well as the actual location of the data centre.

Best practices for data centre security cover everything a company does to control access to everything from physical assets to the controls that oversee them. However, a risk assessment should be carried out before a corporation begins limiting access to data centres and putting in place the necessary safeguards. A risk assessment is a useful tool that aids companies in adhering to cybersecurity laws. Additionally, it will assist businesses in identifying current and potential risks to the data centre. Risks that frequently target data centres include,

• Attacks involving Denial of Service (DoS)
• A breach of protected or confidential information
• Identity fraud
• Data theft or manipulation
• Unauthorised use of network resources and access

A risk assessment will find holes that hackers might exploit in addition to threats. The following are some frequently occurring data centre security flaws:

• Unauthorised Accesses
• Poorly implemented software and/or security procedures
• Inaccurate data system configuration
• Unsecure cybersecurity architecture 
• Insufficient physical or environmental access controls
• Critical systems’ lack of redundancy

It will be simpler to determine which controls and restrictions are required if you are aware of these shortcomings. To reduce cybersecurity threats, companies can use a range of access control procedures, which brings us to our next topic of discussion: Access Control System.

Access Control System

In any business, an access control system controls employee admission and exit, visitor management, as well as ensures the security of resources that they can see or use. An access control system makes sure that a person’s identity matches the records and that they have the right access to the organisation’s data by using authorization and identification. In general, access control systems give companies protection and control by granting them access to particular parts of the facility at specific times and dates.

Elements of Access Control System

One of the best essential security mechanisms, such as physical security, information security, data security, etc., comprises the access control system. Entry control is used in a variety of settings, from closely guarded government buildings to controlling access at private residences. Consequently, it’s important to comprehend the foundational ideas of security. The following are the three essential components of access control systems:

Identification: Access control plays a crucial function in the accurate identification of a person in order to guarantee the security of any form. Image capture, thumbprinting, video surveillance, facial detection, identity cards, and other methods of identification are all possible. To grant access to a user, the access control system compares data entered with data kept in memory.

Authentication: It’s crucial to confirm the data gathered before granting someone access. The person who accesses the information must be authorised to do so. A login and password that are linked together must be verified, as must matching fingerprints, face details, smartcards, etc.

Authorization: Authorization occurs when the access control system compares the entered information to the stored information. If the data does not match, quick action is done with the aid of an alarm system or by sending a notification to the security unit. The authority is given to an individual to access the facility or any information.

Furthermore, the physical keys’ restrictions can be removed by an access control system, giving an organisation more control. Additionally, an electronic access system will enable you to authorise certain people to enter particular regions of your institution. It mostly aids in managing the following significant security aspects:

• Who has the appropriate access? The access control system can control the building’s or information’s access. For instance, you might want some private documents in a room to be accessible exclusively to senior managers.

• What ports are they able to access? For some individuals, there can be some limitations on where they can go. As a result, the access control system only enables certain people to enter particular doors or rooms. For instance, you may want only specific lab staff to have access to chemicals stored in a cabinet.

• What hours are they permitted access? Some locations’ accessibility can be adjusted based on the time. The access control system can assist in controlling when individual employees are granted entry to a particular location. You might, for instance, only permit young staff access during their scheduled shifts, while senior employees are free to enter the building whenever they like.

• How and when are they permitted access? Access to a certain region may be restricted based on predetermined criteria. For instance, a visiting technician is only permitted if they can produce their credentials.

Best Practices For Implementing Access Controls in Data Centres

Prior to adopting access controls, businesses must take the data centre tier into account; there are totally four tiers of ranking. Based on how much information a corporation handles, it is categorised in this way. Businesses in Tier 1 and 2 data centres are generally smaller and less complex whereas Tiers 3 and 4 are bigger and more complicated. Their infrastructure is more redundant than that of smaller businesses. This indicates that more advanced cybersecurity measures are needed for managing and safeguarding the data of higher-tier enterprises. There are basic access restrictions that are applicable to all enterprises regardless of their size, even though the level of cybersecurity required will vary based on the size of the data centre.

Multiple Levels of Cybersecurity

It is crucial that each component of data centre security communicates well with others and with other components. This will offer a layered security system that is more challenging for hackers to penetrate. Layered security implies that before hackers can access any data, they must get past a number of barriers. Even if one layer fails to deter a hacker, there are still likely to be others that can stop the possible breach.

Access and Permission Lists 

Everybody who is permitted to handle data should be automatically added to an access list. This holds true for all companies, including those that utilise external data centres. Not everyone at a third-party location needs access to the data in order to do their work. Every company should adhere to the “zero trust” cybersecurity ethics. Its name is exactly what it means: “zero trust.” Anything involving Non-Public Protected Information (NPPI) needs to be treated with suspicion. This covers all data transfers and operations. The access lists ought to be updated often. Employee turnover is common—companies can avoid breaches and errors caused by staff members who aren’t allowed to handle NPPI by maintaining these lists.

Video Surveillance

The importance of video monitoring is being recognised by more businesses. The ability to continuously monitor the data centre will help to both identify and stop certain illegal access. All exterior and internal access points should be guarded by closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs). The cameras ought to have zoom, tilt, and pan capabilities. The video should be digitally saved and backed up.

Secure Access Points 

Implementing strong access controls is crucial in maintaining the security of data centres. One of the best practices for achieving this goal is the use of secure access points. Secure access points refer to the physical and logical entry points into the data centre where access control measures are put in place to ensure that only authorised personnel are granted entry. This could involve the use of biometric authentication systems, smart cards, key fobs, or a combination of these technologies. By controlling who has access to the data centre, organisations can reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorised access to sensitive information. In addition, by logging and auditing access attempts, organisations can detect and respond to any suspicious activities.

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Introduction

When it comes to treating and caring for individuals or patients, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare institutions play a critical part in society. However, maintaining patient health and comfort requires careful management of various factors, including cleanliness in every room. Given the constant flow of patients, hospitals must prioritise the cleanliness of their facilities to prevent the spread of infections. So how do you maintain clean air for each patient when everyone is breathing the same air? The key to the solution is effective HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) management system design.

In fact, IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) problems can exacerbate allergies and other respiratory problems, resulting in flare-ups and sensitivities. This is true for any type of public facility, but it is particularly important for healthcare institutions since they may receive patients with weakened health, where staff members and patients both need to be safeguarded from infections, and where sensitive procedures might be carried out. Having said that, in this blog, we will discuss what an HVAC management system is and why HVAC management systems are very critical in hospital spaces.

HVAC Management System – Explained!

The term HVAC management refers to the system that manages various HVAC systems used for heating, cooling, and transporting air between the interior and outdoor spaces in all kinds of buildings. These are the systems that keep you comfortable and warm in the winter and cool and energised in the summer. Additionally, these are the devices that maintain comfortable humidity levels and clean indoor air to keep you healthy.

HVAC management systems are used to provide comfortable environments anywhere from single-family homes to submarines. These systems, which are gaining popularity in new buildings, utilise outside air to offer excellent indoor air quality. The replacement or exchange of air within a space is represented by the V in HVAC or ventilation. This improves indoor air quality by removing moisture, smoke, smells, warmth, dirt, airborne bacteria, carbon dioxide, and other gases, as well as maintaining temperature and resupplying oxygen.

In addition, the primary functions of an HVAC management system are interconnected, particularly when it comes to producing comfortable temperatures and appropriate indoor air quality. To understand the working of an HVAC management system, one should be familiar with the air return, exhaust outlets, filters, ducts, outdoor units, electrical elements, compressors, coils, and blowers, which are the nine components of the HVAC management system.

HVAC Management System in Hospital Spaces

Smart HVAC management systems are becoming more and more popular in medical settings. For hospitals to maintain good indoor air quality (IAQ), and to ensure healthy, safe, and appropriate indoor thermal conditions (i.e. temperature, humidity, air quality, and airflow) for hospital staff and patients, efficient HVAC systems are essential. 

In other words, the HVAC system is responsible for controlling and regulating the temperature, humidity, and air quality within the hospital building to minimise the spread of infections and provide a safe and comfortable environment. The HVAC management system should also have the ability to isolate contaminated air and prevent it from spreading to other areas of the building. Additionally, the system should be regularly maintained and serviced to ensure its efficient operation and to prevent breakdowns.

Why are HVAC systems crucial for the Hospital Environment?

Allows for contaminated air filtration

The hospital environment might be full of allergens and pollution. For those who are at risk and those who are recuperating, this poses a serious threat. An HVAC management system, therefore, uses air filters to keep dust and allergens out of hospitals. In addition, it is always advised to choose HVAC equipment with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorbing) filters. They are capable of filtering objects as small as 0.3 microns. This is quite advantageous for hospitals that have a separate wing for contagious patients. It maintains appropriate ventilation and airflow while preventing the spread of airborne illnesses to neighbouring locations.

Offers comfort

Consider feeling overheated and stuffy when taking a nap in your hospital room following surgery. That certainly doesn’t sound comfortable, is it? The HVAC management systems are used for this purpose. Their main goal is to increase the comfort of the employees, patients, and everyone else inside. Sometimes patients will feel anxious even if the humidity simply rises. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain the right temperature, humidity, and air quality. And the HVAC systems are the only method to do that effectively and with lower operating expenses.

Promotes Healing

Healing is a challenging process. The healing process is heavily influenced by both the mental and physical components. Recovery at a hospital with inadequate ventilation can be quite upsetting for many people. Some people do not feel comfortable in an environment that is very humid. The process of physical healing is also impacted by heat. Therefore, HVAC management systems that can regulate ventilation, temperature, humidity, and air quality are crucial for hospitals.

Prolongs the life of the equipment

The use of HVAC management systems in medical spaces can help prolong the life of medical and laboratory equipment that requires the use of cold chambers. By linking the HVAC management system to a modular cleanroom, facility managers can regulate the temperature in different areas of the building, such as MRI-equipped rooms, to ensure that the equipment is maintained at the appropriate temperature. This is crucial because if the equipment is used at higher temperatures, it can suffer significant damage, which can pose a risk to patients. Therefore, the use of HVAC management systems is important in maintaining the quality of hospital services by ensuring that the equipment is properly maintained and functioning.

Conserves energy

Energy use in hospitals is higher than in many commercial office buildings. For the majority of the day, they have large machines like MRI, CT, and other devices operating at maximum efficiency. Therefore, it’s crucial to cut expenditures wherever you can. In hospitals, that is made possible via an HVAC management system. One can simply install a central unit that spreads its air conditioning throughout several rooms as opposed to installing individual air conditioning units for each room.

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