Building Management Systems (BMS) allows management teams to take control of the property and enhance the asset in a number of ways. By optimizing the care, use and maintenance of buildings, a property’s value is either maintained, or more often, boosted.
Buildings are more than simple walls, floors and ceilings. They also include multiple systems and equipment that are designed to enhance the lives of their occupants. Plumbing, electrical systems, lifts, pumps and HVAC are just a few of the standard equipment found in apartment buildings across the world. Building management systems are designed to keep these working in tip-top condition, with minimal effort.
#1 Equipment registers in Building Management Systems (BMS)
It’s not enough to have a simple list of all the systems and structures contained within a building. Each piece of equipment also has its own manufacturing manuals, instructions for use and directions for maintenance. This information is almost as important as the equipment itself.
Asset registers are a core aspect of any BMS. They allow all of your building equipment and systems to be recorded along with all documentation related to their care and management. Not only are these records required for the management of buildings, but they are also mandatory when handing over completed buildings to new owners.
Digital equipment registers are a fast and simple way to keep crucial building information together. They also provide the basis for building preventative maintenance schedules and management protocols so buildings are able to perform as intended.
#2 Building maintenance schedules
Taking care of the equipment and systems contained within a building enhances its value and also reduces its running costs. By carrying out regular preventative maintenance, less time and money is lost on repairs, replacements and compensation for lost facilities.
Using an asset register and associated documentation for guidance, building management systems can store maintenance schedules. Clever BMSs like BuildingLink can even send reminders to management teams or pre-approved tradespeople to make sure maintenance is taken care of as recommended in equipment guidelines.
Records of maintenance schedules and confirmation of completed works can also be stored in comprehensive building management systems. If equipment ever breaks down, a clear record of its maintenance and management is easily accessed for claiming warranties.
#3 Records of compliance
It’s not enough to schedule work on your building’s systems and ensure that work is carried out. Some aspects of a building’s systems and equipment – electrical circuits and lift repairs for example – can only be taken care of by approved vendors and certified contractors. If these regulations aren’t adhered to, the building won’t pass regular audits and the sale of lots can be jeopardised.
A BMS can support schedules of maintenance and provide an indelible record of all relevant insurances, compliance certifications for contractors and workers’ compensation records. There’s no need to worry about paper records getting mislaid or destroyed. A BMS links relevant information together so finding compliance documents and certificates of insurance when you need them is simple. Cloud storage makes sure everything is accessible when needed.
These essential aspects of building management are easier and more reliable with a BMS. Even the best managers have fallible memories, file storage systems for documentation can get damaged or become so disorganised it becomes impossible to find things when you need them.
A robust building management system ensures the right information is stored, followed and recorded. Get in touch today for a tailored demonstration of BuildingLink’s Building Management System to see how we can improve your property’s value.