Technology
technology is an important point for those operating multiple care homes. This can now be done remotely over a number of different sites. Care homes are monitored in person 24-7, but for the manager or maintenance personnel who might only visit on occasions, remote checks of the system can now be made during periods away from the building.
This brings significant benefits in terms of maintenance. Knowing what the issue is beforehand means that a maintenance engineer is prepared before a site visit with the correct tools and spare parts. In the event of a breakdown in a care home’s heating in the middle of winter, for example, rectifying the situation as soon as possible is obviously vital. Intuitive online access can be available via desktop or smartphone, with installation achieved via plug and play, so system integrators, technicians and facility managers do not need engineering skills to set up, configure and operate systems. It is important that such interfaces can support a range of communication protocols to optimise connectivity (wired or wireless) – BACnet, LoRaWan, M-Bus, Modbus and KNX are all protocols used in BMS.
Wireless technology
The importance of open protocols introduces the role that wireless technology can play in modern BMS. The basic principle of wireless transmission is electromagnetism, with the wave passing from a transmitter to a receiver. While this principle is unchanged, one of
the biggest differences in, for example, a modern BMS, is the large chunks of information from potentially thousands of system devices which are sending and receiving information. That has resulted in a requirement for digital technologies with much higher bandwidth and quality of service (QoS). Wireless technologies offer a number
of advantages in controlling a care home environment to improve the comfort of those present. Wireless devices can save considerable time – potentially months – in installing cumbersome wiring and manual installation of sensors, actuators, controllers, lighting, switches, and other devices. This is a particular benefit when wiring routes are interrupted by obstacles such as windows, concrete and steel. Their flexibility enables easy retrofitting of building automation equipment given that there is no need to remove wiring of old devices. There are also benefits in terms of security. Existing wired standards for building automation often utilise analogue or unencrypted digital protocols, which can result in faulty signals and exposure to security risks. Conversely, modern wireless technologies such as KNX IoT over Thread use IPv6 communication with end-to-end encryption, with over-the-air updates to ensure easy and automatic transmission of security updates to all devices. Smooth connectivity is afforded by wireless systems, with next generation smart configuration capabilities which require minimal time and engineering expertise. Open interfaces allow seamless
integration into the cloud or existing BMS. Aesthetics are often a consideration for building interiors. Wireless devices such as room control units or sensors allow flexible placement, especially when mounting on glass or movable objects. They are also easily relocated if a building space is reconfigured to reflect changing needs. The flexibility of wireless also allows for a wide coverage of different applications. It can be deployed from small to large buildings, adaptable to many varied configurations, with the potential to expand across multiple buildings through the easy extension of the network.
Optimising the potential of BMS Digital transformation is one of the main drivers in the development of smart buildings. It is no longer the preserve of the hi-tech, multi-million pound skyscrapers but is now an option for much smaller operations. Scalable systems ensure that care homes, whatever their size, can benefit from optimised lighting, temperature, space usage, and air quality. Energy efficiency continues to be an important factor in the adoption of BMS, but in a care home, the contribution it can make to the comfort and wellbeing of the residents should never be underestimated.
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Ian Ellis
Ian Ellis is marketing manager at Siemens Buildings and has extensive experience working in the building management systems (BMS) and controls sector, including four years as President of the BCIA (Building Controls Industry Association). He holds a Masters Degree in Marketing and has written and presented extensively on the role that BMS can play in improving the performance of buildings and the wellbeing of their occupants.
July 2025
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