In addition to occupant comfort, a data center BMS platform also needs to optimize various operations to maintain server uptime. The ever-growing dependence on online data can put a strain on the physical demands needed to maintain uptime. A building management system for data centers can easily meet the strict criteria, all while providing numerous financial and sustainability benefits to stakeholders.

A data center BMS setup doesn’t connect to the data center itself, so bad actors might not use it as a means of accessing the sensitive data stored within the servers. However, the BMS does use various forms of network communication to monitor and respond to changes in building temperature, water flow, and even personnel access. Ensure that security measures are in place to prevent hackers from taking advantage of this weak point.

The scale and redundancies built into a BMS system can have an effect on a data center’s tier rating. A Tier 1 data center runs the risk of outages or power failures due to a basic BMS system in place that is meant to automate basic processes. However, a Tier 4 data center, used by financial institutions, energy suppliers, and high-end tech companies, has multiple redundancies across various parts of the system, including cooling, power, and network parts that meet strict requirements.

A BMS is separate from a DCIM. The former is a system designed to monitor and control the structure that houses the data center. It deals with HVAC, lighting, access, and other building-related systems. A DCIM, or data center infrastructure management system, is focused on monitoring and operating the data center itself. It looks at various metrics, including power usage, server uptime, and overall data capacity, to find ways to optimize data center performance.