Building Operating System (BOS): Intelligent and Connected Building Management
What is a BOS?
A Building Operating System (BOS) is a technological platform that enables centralized management of building operations using connected devices and real-time data. It provides an integrated approach to monitor, control, and optimize energy performance, security, comfort, and maintenance of buildings.
Implementing a BOS involves several steps. Firstly, sensors need to be installed in the building to collect relevant data. These sensors can include devices for measuring energy consumption, temperature, humidity, air quality, surveillance cameras, fire detectors, access systems, and more.
Next, these sensors are connected to a central system that aggregates and analyzes the data in real-time. This can be achieved through an IoT (Internet of Things) infrastructure using standard communication protocols such as MQTT or RESTful API. The central system can be hosted on-site or in the cloud, depending on user preferences and requirements.
Once the data is collected and analyzed, the BOS provides a user-friendly interface to visualize real-time information. Users can access a customized dashboard that presents key data and performance indicators of the building. They can also receive notifications in case of anomalies or critical situations.
Use cases
An example of implementing a BOS could be in an office building. Temperature and brightness sensors could be installed in each room to automatically adjust heating, air conditioning, and lighting based on needs. Presence sensors could be used to detect vacant spaces and optimize the utilization of meeting rooms. Energy consumption data could be collected to identify energy-saving opportunities and track long-term performance.
In the hospitality industry, a BOS could be utilized to monitor and control air conditioning, lighting, and security systems in each room. It could also be integrated with a reservation management system to automate check-in and check-out processes for guests, automatically adjusting room conditions based on individual preferences.
In the healthcare sector, a BOS can play a crucial role in ensuring optimal conditions in hospitals and care centers. It can monitor real-time temperature, humidity, pressure, and air quality levels in sensitive areas such as operating rooms and laboratories. Alarms can be triggered in case of exceeding critical thresholds, ensuring the safety of patients and medical staff.
