Abstract:
Management of facilities has become a complex task involving multitudes of disciplines. With increased
awareness for efficient building operation, building owners and operators are looking for means to reduce
the operational cost and to ensure the proper functionality of buildings and building services. To manage an
organisation in an effective and cost-efficient way, these systems can be integrated into a single interface
control solution called Integrated / Intelligent Building Management System (IBMS). Hence, in an intelligent
building, IBMS acts as a complete information delivery system that monitors and controls a variety of
mechanical and electrical systems and equipment such as such as lighting, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV),
access control, fire detection, air conditioning, water management, elevator management, cark park
management, etc. at an optimal level of efficiency. However, building systems and the equipment for the
IBMSs should be carefully selected as those components have major contribution towards the overall
performance of an IBMS. Hence, this research was carried out with the aim of investigating the factors that
should be considered in selecting systems and equipment for IBMSs. A comprehensive literature survey, a
preliminary survey and case study method was adopted to achieve the aim of the research. The required data
were collected through semi structured interviews conducted among IBMS contractors of selected cases. The
collected data were analysed, using code based content analysis. According to the findings, ‘higher
efficiency’, ‘cost, ‘improved safety’ and ‘enhanced reliability’ are the four major factors that should be
considered in system and equipment selection. With the high demand and awareness of IBMS, it is fast
becoming a part of facilities management and operational strategy in the organisations. Therefore, the
careful consideration of above selection factors in designing would ensure the maximum performance of
the IBMS.
Citation:
Madhurangi, M.V.D., Rajini, P.A.D., Fernando, C.S.P.K., & Samarakoon, S.B.R.G.K. (2014). Equipment selection factors of integrated building management systems (IBMSs) in Sri Lanka. In Y.G. Sandanayake, N.G. Fernando & G.I. Karunasena (Eds.), Sustainability and development in built environment: the way forward (pp. 213-220). Ceylon Institute of Builders. https://ciobwcs.com/downloads/WCS2014-Proceedings.pdf