By: Mark Freeman, Offer Manager, Digital Buildings, Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric

There’s a lot to be said for vertical scalability. The ability to reproduce the benefits of a largescale installation in smaller setting is certainly a major plus point. Particularly if you consider all the R&D, implementation and usage hours that go into large projects.

A Building Management Systems (BMS) is a perfect example of how this mature and proven technology can translate in smaller applications and systems, and with all the benefits to boot. And it is growing marketplace. 

A study published by Verified Market Research says the BMS Market size was valued at USD 20 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 220 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 23.60% during the forecast period 2024-2030. 

One of the key drivers for this growth, notes the report, is urbanisation and population expansion which is leading to the development of commercial, residential, and institutional buildings. “This presents the potential for the deployment of BMS to manage complex building systems and operations.”

The South African marketplace

In South Africa, BMS undoubtedly offers important benefits to smaller scale deployments such as residential and retail development. For one and at its core, is the ability to centrally manage various building systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, security, and energy management. 

This integration streamlines energy consumption by optimising the use of available power sources such as the national grid and renewable energy from for example solar panels. And in a country where stable energy supply isn’t always a given, BMS can seamlessly shift between grid power and solar energy based on availability and cost. 

Looking at residential estates, here the BMS can manage energy flow between solar panels and battery storage systems, ensuring reliable energy for households. This, in turn, mitigates inefficient use such as producing energy-intensive and costly tasks like heating water when grid demand is high.

By implementing BMS, estate managers can ensure energy is consumed when most cost-effective, providing residents with more stable and affordable energy solutions.

As mentioned, a significant advantage of BMS technology is its scalability. Whether managing a small residential estate or a large retail complex, BMS can be tailored to fit specific needs.  

In the retail space

For small retailers, BMS provides control over non-critical loads, such as HVAC units and ovens, which can be automatically switched off during off-peak hours to reduce energy consumption. 

In the case of small bakeries or microbreweries, for example, BMS can control temperatures and equipment operation times, leading to significant cost savings. Indeed, by optimising energy usage, small retailers can lower operational expenses while maintaining consistent service levels. 

Another major plus is BMS’ ability to enhance both security and operational efficiency. In retail premises, the system can monitor and control security cameras, access points, and alarms, ensuring that stores remain secure after hours.  

This ability to remotely monitor and adjust building systems from a central control point also improves response times and minimises disruptions, which is particularly important for businesses operating in multiple locations.

Additionally, BMS provides valuable insights into building performance by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as temperature, pressure, and energy flow. Both retailers and estate managers can access detailed data, allowing them to troubleshoot issues quickly and improve operational efficiency. 

While the initial cost of implementing BMS can be a concern for small retailers or residential estates, many suppliers now offer scalable solutions that make the technology more affordable. Systems can be designed to fit smaller budgets without sacrificing essential functionality

BMS offers a future-proof solution for energy management, allowing businesses and estates to plan for long-term sustainability. It empowers homeowners, estate managers, and small retailers to optimise their operations in ways that were once reserved for large commercial buildings.  

Ultimately, by adopting BMS, South African businesses and communities can achieve resilience, reduce operational costs, and contribute to the country’s broader sustainability goals.