One of the most frequently asked questions for the Switch team is: “How is the Switch Platform different from a BMS?” The short answer is that the Switch Platform tends to complement a BMS by enhancing its functionality through operational analysis and control. The longer answer is far more interesting, however.
A Building Management System, or Building Automation System (BAS), uses a building network and the microprocessors within building devices and systems, integrating HVAC, lighting, security systems and much more in virtually every major building in the world. The BMS represents a massive leap forward in building technology, making every digital device in a commercial portfolio potentially visible and controllable from a remote location.
Unfortunately however, BMSs are commonly miscalibrated, causing huge inefficiencies. Technology Infrastructure estimates that a poorly calibrated BMS can create an additional 20% in energy usage alone, amounting to 8% of the total energy used in the U.S.
Building systems generate massive amounts of data and a BMS will typically present these in a complex, impractical way. This is because many buildings have a large number of proprietary interfaces, making it difficult for building managers to gather and analyze building performance data to make strategic decisions. Worse still, facilities managers often have no way of knowing comprehensively which devices are connected to their building networks without a time-consuming and costly one-off network audit.
A typical BMS also can’t integrate work orders, communicate building issues and their solutions to internal and external stakeholders, or apply data analytics and cloud technology to a high volume of IoT devices and mechanical systems. BMSs often tend to lack scalability; proprietary devices and firmware mean that building owners can be limited to doing business with a small set of vendors.
The Switch Platform is a software layer that connects to building systems, devices, third party systems and IoT edge devices for improved asset management across a portfolio. The Switch Platform combines high quality data to create a single source of truth, aggregating valuable data into one easy-to-understand dashboard that provides full visibility into operational performance to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Switch Automation’s architecture links building devices, OEM systems and utility or other data sources to the cloud. The Platform is ‘hardware agnostic,’ meaning it is scalable, integrating numerous BMS vendors as well as Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to provide a consistent view across all systems. Switch IoT appliances, file import wizards and a Switch API all enable existing and new sources of data to be rapidly collected and analyzed.
Where there is no BMS, for example in a retail branch or smaller building, the Switch Platform has the hardware and software capabilities to serve as a fully functioning smart building management system (though we primarily are used as a software layer that combines with a pre-existing BMS). The Switch Platform may be controlled from a web browser and automation logic can be configured in the cloud, then stored and executed on the appliance. While BMS solutions typically support only one or two of the following capabilities, Switch does them all to deliver a comprehensive solution:
Switch Dx³ scans and identifies connected building systems at regular, scheduled intervals, displaying device firmware versions, integration ports and protocols and identifies potential network security threats. This first step establishes smart building readiness and provides a solid foundation for building performance benchmarking and optimization.
Talk to a smart building expert to learn more about how Switch helps portfolio managers reach their sustainability goals.
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As climate change intensifies, the urgency to act on one of our biggest levers—energy use in commercial and retail buildings—has never been clearer. Every kilowatt saved is a step closer to sustainability, slashing greenhouse gas emissions while moving us toward essential climate goals. Whether you’re overseeing a retail portfolio or managing a single commercial space, boosting energy efficiency doesn’t just cut costs—it creates healthier, more comfortable spaces for everyone. Now is the time to act.
Smart building technology is constantly evolving and improving, and there are several trends that are expected to take center stage in 2023.
When it comes to being a building owner or operator, you have a lot to balance.
Switch team had the pleasure of participating in the Blueprint 2022 in Las Vegas last September, convening with the industry's thought leaders and key companies
Switch celebrates Wear It Purple Day 2022—an international movement of expression, celebration and support.
A good building management app helps commercial property managers streamline operations, save time and cut costs. Select the right one by following these tips.
As climate change intensifies, the urgency to act on one of our biggest levers—energy use in commercial and retail buildings—has never been clearer. Every kilowatt saved is a step closer to sustainability, slashing greenhouse gas emissions while moving us toward essential climate goals. Whether you’re overseeing a retail portfolio or managing a single commercial space, boosting energy efficiency doesn’t just cut costs—it creates healthier, more comfortable spaces for everyone. Now is the time to act.
Smart building technology is constantly evolving and improving, and there are several trends that are expected to take center stage in 2023.
When it comes to being a building owner or operator, you have a lot to balance.
