When Everything Is Connected – Security Is Essential

Written by Cube Controls. Posted in Blog, Latest News

In a world where everything is connected, it’s more important than ever to have reliable security measures for your building management system. Whether you manage a high-profile building or are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, hackers are increasingly targeting these systems, compromising data with potentially disastrous consequences. That’s why it’s essential to have security measures in place that keep your system safe and secure.

The Importance of BMS Security

A BMS is a wide-reaching digital system connecting various parts of your building. But as building management systems have become increasingly more complex, to deal with the IoT demands of a modern-day building, their interconnectedness has made them more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. As such, it’s essential to employ robust security measures to protect your BMS from hackers or harmful software.

Some of the most common security threats to a building management system include:

• Malware: A cyber attack in the form of software that is specifically designed to damage or disable a computer system. Malware can be used to delete files, infect systems with viruses, or even take complete control of a system.


• Ransomware: A type of malware that invades your system and encrypts data, ransomware takes the added step of demanding a financial ransom be paid in order to get your system back online. Not only can this underhand tactic remove your access to important data, but even if you do pay the ransom, there’s no guarantee you’ll be given back full control.


• Denial of Service (DoS) attacks: These attacks aim to overload a system with requests so that it can no longer function properly. This is usually done by flooding the system with traffic or requests or by controlling devices connected to the system and using them to send requests. DoS attacks can cause your system to be down for an extended time, causing significant disruptions.


• Data breaches: A data breach occurs when there is unauthorised access to company files. Depending on how your building management system is being used, a data breach could lead to the loss of sensitive data or the exposure of confidential information.

While these risks aren’t reserved for building management systems alone and are, in fact, much more commonplace across main operations such as office computer systems, the BMS is a possible route of infection.

With this in mind, much like you would protect your PC using antivirus software, it’s essential to have a reliable security measure that can protect your building management system from vulnerabilities.

How To Improve The Cybersecurity of your Building Management System

If one part of your BMS system is compromised, it can have a ripple effect that affects the entire system. That’s why it’s so important that your BMS has an adequate level of security protection. The best defence against cyber attacks is multi-pronged, using a variety of security features to prevent unauthorised access to your system. Here are a few tips that are easy to implement and that, together, create a barricade against malicious activity:

Keep Your System Up To Date

By keeping your system up to date, you can help to avoid security gaps from appearing within your BMS. This includes updating the software, firmware, and drivers for all devices that are connected to your building management system. We recommend scheduling regular updates and undertaking checks to ensure they are installed correctly.

Use Strong Passwords

All too often, people use weak passwords that can be easily compromised. A hacking program can crack a ten-digit lowercase password in as little as one hour, but add a number, symbol and uppercase letter, and your new password would take five years to crack. When it comes to your BMS, passwords are not a place to cut corners. Use a strong password that uses a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters for ultimate protection.

Carefully Manage BMS Networks And Access

While the BMS itself may not be the main target of a cyber attacker, gaining access to the BMS network could facilitate an incursion into a client’s systems.

As BMS and IoT continue to converge, the likelihood of the BMS network being connected to the enterprise IT at some point increases. This makes the relatively unguarded BMS networks ever more attractive as possible attack vectors.

Managing physical network access and security will help prevent this occurring.

Use A Firewall

Firewalls are by no means the impenetrable layer of protection they once were, but they do offer an additional layer of security, filtering unauthorised access to your system. Firewalls can also help monitor and control the traffic going in and out of your network, a useful tool for analysing untoward activity.

Protect Your Building Management System Today

As you can see, there are many steps that you can take to improve the cybersecurity of your building management system. But you’re also not alone in protecting your system from harm.

The team at Cube Controls is on-hand to support you with all your security needs, from maintaining your building management system with updates, to incorporating additional security features. Don’t let the security of your BMS be an afterthought, protect your buildings and the companies operating within them with a cohesive approach to cybersecurity.

Speak to a member of the team today to find out more about BMS Security solutions.

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The difference between a bespoke design and off the shelf BMS

Written by Cube Controls. Posted in Blog, Latest News

To keep their business running, companies frequently use a complex mix of add-ons and packages that sit alongside a Building Management System (BMS), many of which don’t interact in an intuitive way with the building’s BMS. This is hardly surprising because technology has advanced tremendously in recent years and has outstripped typical BMS installations. Yet, many building owners continue to invest time, energy and resources into these disparate systems instead of creating a harmonious building solution.

The cost of maintaining and operating legacy systems has been estimated to account for as much as 60-80% of a company’s IT expenditure. These systems become harder to maintain as users move on or retire, leaving those new to the business with a collection of outdated tools, some of which have since shifted to the cloud – the ensuing mismatch becomes a digital transformation roadblock.

When it comes to migrating a legacy building management system, or installing a bespoke BMS from scratch, many UK building owners and managers are missing a fantastic opportunity.

Not All BMS Systems Are Created Equal

Automation of a BMS (Building Management System) is assumed to result in enhanced performance – after all, that’s what makes your building a Smart Building, right?

While a correctly designed BMS will make your building more efficient, resulting in a healthier atmosphere and, as a result, a more productive workforce, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The suitability of the design and the ongoing maintenance of its programming are critical to your BMS’s performance.

When it comes to these systems, the technology is only as good as the person who designs, installs and maintains it. This is why a bespoke BMS system far outweighs a standard BMS in terms of efficiency, as it is tailored specifically to your building.

Upgrading your Building Management System

According to a survey conducted by the Department of Energy in the United States, an improperly configured BMS can waste up to 20% of a building’s energy. And, with rising energy costs, this is more an important consideration than ever before. With so many outdated and poorly configured BMS systems in the UK, it’s time to ask whether yours could benefit from an upgrade.

The first consideration in determining whether to upgrade or replace your system is to discern whether or not your outdated Building Management System is actually a problem. While the advances in technology and new array of features may be tempting, the reality could well be that your BMS is still performing perfectly for your team’s needs.

That being said, as your BMS ages, some genuine issues may arise. You may notice its performance deteriorating and not performing as expected by the users. Whether in terms of heating, cooling, or the amount of automation anticipated, this may prompt you to call in the experts.

Another significant disadvantage of an ageing BMS is that it may be proprietary. Proprietary BMSs have communication protocols unique to the maker or manufacturers and don’t allow integration with other manufacturers. This can cause a lot of headaches if the proprietor doesn’t offer the specific add-ons you’re looking for or, worse yet, goes out of business.

Bespoke Integrations or Standard BMS: Your Options

There are three main options when it comes to your Building Management System.

Your first option is to do nothing at all. Your BMS may be getting on in years, but if it still serves its purpose, there’s no reason it can’t be kept in good order with regular maintenance and servicing.

The second approach introduces a new layer to your existing system to address any issues – creating a hybrid system. This is a fantastic option when cost and efficiency carry equal weight, as it allows us to upgrade your BMS without having to completely replace it. However, for particularly old and outdated systems, you may want to consider the final option. After all, your system is only as good as its weakest link.

The final option is for us to replace your BMS from the ground up. A complete BMS replacement is more costly upfront but offers better longevity as it leaves you with a fully modernised system. Cost-benefit analysis usually shows that a bespoke BMS system built specifically for your building is a good option for the long-term.

Replacing your BMS: Standard or Bespoke?

A standard, off-the-shelf Building Management System User Interface will offer you a set of core services, whether or not you need or want all of the functions. If you’re looking for a specific add-in or something slightly different from the norm, you may have to opt for a more expensive BMS package, forcing you to pay for a handful more features, only one of which you actually need.

By purchasing a bespoke BMS system through Cube Controls, you invest in a unit specific to your building, tailoring the services and features to meet your needs. After taking the brief from you on-site, our BMS design engineers will investigate the best course of action to create a cost-effective, efficient package that gives you relevant insight specific to your building.

As the system is designed from scratch, we have the ability to update or redesign your system in the future, should your needs change.

Exploring Bespoke BMS Options

When you meet with your Cube Controls consultant, they will help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of various options since there may be one that is better suited to your requirements.

We’ll also talk you through the ROI, a critical concept when deciding on the right system for your building. Choosing the lowest priced option may seem enticing, but a BMS that can be easily adjusted and maintained will save you money in the long term by offering the flexibility to transform and rearrange the way your building operates.

Dealing with an old BMS requires a company with the specialism to design your perfect solution. Contact our sales team today to learn how Cube Controls could resolve your ageing BMS issues.

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Why every building manager needs a cloud based BMS interface

Written by Cube Controls. Posted in Blog, Latest News

Advances in technology have revolutionised the way that businesses in the UK operate, but the real estate industry has been slower to experience the benefit. While automated Building Management Systems (BMS) are now integrated into the majority of new developments, controlling aspects such as heating, ventilation, security access and lighting, their applications are limited by the amount of data held at any one time and local onsite use only.

With the introduction of cloud based BMS systems, all that is set to change.

What Is A Cloud Based BMS?

You’re already familiar with the general functionality of a BMS, but you may not be familiar with the terminology of a “cloud based BMS system”. So, what makes this interface different? And how can it help you as a business manager?

In most buildings, the BMS runs from a number of control devices to a simple PC based server or proprietary software suite in a back office. Just as emails were once run through a company’s own on-site server, this style of BMS is increasingly becoming obsolete as it struggles to keep up with growing demand. So, more recently, building managers have been moving their systems and servers to data centres, again, just like we once did with emails. But again, with technology quickly outpacing server capabilities this system is struggling to keep up.

Instead, like so many other aspects of our technological lives, the future of building management lies in the cloud. With practically unlimited storage, a cloud based BMS can handle vast quantities of building management system data, improving the leverage and scalability that it brings with it.

Cloud Based BMS Interfaces Offer Centralised Control

At present, the majority of BMS systems are in owner-occupied buildings, but the update to cloud based BMS interfaces represents the largest opportunities for building managers overseeing multiple properties.

While the traditional BMS system could only be accessed on-site, moving to the cloud allows building managers to run multiple sites simultaneously and from any location. Building managers can securely access their buildings from anywhere and via any device – BMS in your pocket!

Depending on the system that best suits your needs, many cloud services, such as that offered by Priva, include streamlined features for easy client control and energy management, allowing landlords and building managers alike to monitor and make adjustments as needed. Client focused dashboards are easily created, displaying the system information just how the client likes it and in a way that can be uniform for all buildings.

Achieve Ultimate Efficiency With Cloud Based BMS

The superior data allowance in a cloud based BMS system not only allows building managers to expand their IoT capabilities but also improves flexibility of access and analytical power.

Cloud based BMS interfaces allow the user to access the building’s IoT from any internet-enabled device securely and from any location. With all data obtainable digitally, landlords and building managers can monitor and control things like metering, lighting and HVAC from practically anywhere. Priva’s Digital Services cloud will also allow 3rd party API integration so other energy apps and booking systems can be fully integrated, for example, making one single cohesive system.

It’s also possible to see data in real-time, revealing significant metrics and trends as they happen. And, with expanded storage capacity, analytics can be run on huge collections of data, identifying new ways to use energy more efficiently and reduce costs.

Remote Support For Stress-Free Building Management

By utilising a cloud based BMS system, there is no longer a need for a dedicated computer on each site, nor is there a need for callouts in case of technical problems or issues in reporting. Instead, BMS experts such as Cube Controls can be given permission to access your system remotely and support you with any problems as they arise.

With remote support, you can not only manage your building from any location but also find, troubleshoot, and resolve problems from a mobile device.

Upgrading To A Cloud Based BMS Interface

Every building has its own set of systems, and the process of getting them right begins with the first design concept. A control system that is underperforming isn’t just inefficient; it has a negative impact on the environment and, more often than not, will be costing you money. Installing the best system from the start is always preferable to modifying it afterwards.

That being said, many building owners weren’t aware of cloud based BMS interfaces at the time they designed their systems, and in these cases, there’s no better time than the present to book an upgrade. With just a few software changes, we can modernise most existing BMS systems to operate through the cloud. This is the type of alteration where the benefits can easily outweigh the costs.

Your Cube consultant will work with you to understand the needs of your building, including the level of security protection required. Our BMS engineers have extensive experience with both new and existing systems, as well as the various integration requirements. We believe in the benefits of “hybrid systems,” which seamlessly combine the best features from several equipment ranges and manufacturers to create a personalised design that is more than the sum of its parts.

And, if you’re starting entirely from scratch, we can design a bespoke cloud based BMS solution that meets your current needs, while keeping your options open for the future.

Are you ready to modernise the way you manage properties? Speak to a member of the Cube Controls team today.

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What happens when a building owner speaks to a BMS consultant?

Written by Cube Controls. Posted in Blog, Latest News

If a building owner has chosen to approach a BMS consultant, they are already making a sound choice.

Many building owners, by default, look to an M&E consultant without speaking to a specialist designer. While the M&E consultants know what they need the heating and ventilation to do, they rarely know the full capabilities of what a good BMS can offer.

Therefore, when a client makes an appointment with one of our consultants, we already know we are with someone who has a vision for the right solution for their building.

Here we guide you through the conversation you will enjoy with our BMS consultant. Going in prepared may help you have some of the answers ready for the points we raise with you.

What do you need the BMS to achieve?

The first question we ask is the most important. Your BMS is a tool that helps make your building serve your needs and increase opportunities for your business to flourish.

By considering how you would want your building to perform, from security to lighting to heating to air conditioning, you can communicate your ideal solution. You don’t need to know the ins and outs of what a BMS can do for you; our consultant will have all that information to hand. It is an idea of how you would love your building to perform to maximise the work undertaken within it.

Do you know the benefits and possibilities of a BMS?

It might be that you are not fully aware of the full specification of your BMS. Most people use a BMS like their mobile phone, and only a small percentage of the features of the better BMS products might be used.

Your BMS consultant will spend time exploring the different benefits and possibilities of potential BMS options for your commercial building. Even older legacy systems have facilities and options that client’s often aren’t aware of.

Are you open to alternative solutions?

It is quite common for clients to come to us and ask for the same system because it has worked for them before. It is usual for a customer to fear change to new possibilities. Your consultant will explore the pros and cons of many solutions, as there may be one that is better suited to your needs.

Being open to alternatives is important because the BMS runs the HVAC and lighting within your commercial building and will be responsible for cost-effective energy use by your business.

The concept of return on investment is a crucial one. Choosing the cheapest option might feel appealing but not offer the best returns. Your building will be altered and restack throughout its life, and choosing a BMS that can be easily reconfigured, is how you will save even more money in the future.

Are you open to challenging your end client?

Many customers who speak to a BMS consultant are contractors within a chain and not the end user paying the bills. Therefore, your BMS consultant will ask you to challenge the expectations of this end client and raise their expectations of what is possible in a BMS system. It might even be wise to bring the BMS consultant and the end client together, so nothing is lost in translation when it comes to purchasing one of the most important components of your commercial building.

Skilled BMS consultants

Cube Controls prides itself in offering a bespoke design consultation on your BMS. Our mission is to find the right product for each client, meeting all the needs they know of and some they didn’t realise they had.

Contact Cube Controls today to book your appointment with our BMS consultants.

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How ransomware attacks work and how to protect your building

Written by Cube Controls. Posted in Blog, Latest News

As the world becomes more connected via the internet, the sophistication of criminals keeps pace. Ransomware is a means of gaining access to your devices and then locking them. The attack usually encrypts all the data stored on any system, making it impossible to read any files. Paying the ransom does not guarantee that the decryption key is provided to you or that your systems will be fully returned to working order. Consequently, your best route to protection is prevention.

Are you a potential target for ransomware attacks?

It might be easy to assume that your business is too small or too easily overlooked to become a victim of such a cyber-attack. These criminals will likely target people who have the funds and will urgently need to pay larger ransoms. An example here is the attack on the Colonial Pipeline in 2021 that would have shut down fuel delivery across large parts of America.

However, this does not discount other targets, as it might be that those with smaller security teams are likely to offer a quicker win. Equally, if you are a law firm or other organisation that holds sensitive data, you might be more of a lucrative target than others.

If you have a BMS that uses many devices connected by the Internet of Things, you are also highly susceptible to attack as there are many points of entry. Ransomware that takes control over the physical infrastructure of your commercial enterprise is obviously particularly disabling to your business.

How to protect yourself from an attack from ransomware.

The level of concern regarding ransomware and commercial infrastructure is signalled by the creation of initiatives across the UK, US, and other developed western countries to counter the threat. Governments and private enterprises are coming together to formulate a cohesive response.

However, realistically, it is down to every enterprise to secure their BMS and other connected systems from attack. Technologies are available to offer some resilience from attack, although these are mostly IT oriented solutions not intended for BMS defense. It also requires a continuous commitment from BMS manufacturers to continue to upgrade these security systems, learning quicker than the criminals in blocking pathways into the system.

While it would be easy for BMS designers, manufacturers, and installers to believe that security is the business of another department, security is everyone’s business. It would also be wrong for BMS professionals to ignore this threat when critical infrastructure has been perceived as an easy target by criminals worldwide.

Designing the best system

When you redevelop or build your new commercial space, it is tempting to buy an off-the-shelf BMS chosen by your architect. If you want security built into your premises, you are better off working with a team that specialises in BMS design. Cube Controls has worked with the UK Government on various BMS and IoT cyber research projects and stands at the forefront of cyber defense system design. As we design your BMS, we will be conscious of the many security issues that interconnectivity presents to your business.

While we are fully aware of the power of the IoT to make business more effective and efficient, we will always design systems that keep your business secure from criminal attacks. Contact Cube Controls to learn more about our full service.

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Improving the air we breathe

Written by Cube Controls. Posted in Blog, Latest News

It is December and the end of another year. It has been a tumultuous time for us all, and Cube Controls, as with other companies, has had to adapt to a new reality of working. Yet, more than ever, it is clear that the work we do is a vital cog in bringing safety back to the workplace. Here we review 2021 and look forward to 2022.

Our turbulent recent times

Since March 2020, when we first felt the impact of COVID-19 in the UK, the quality of the air we breathe has been paramount. As such, Cube Controls has continued to deploy sensor arrays within commercial buildings to monitor air quality and general occupancy levels. Paired with controlled air volume management, we have helped our clients provide good quality air for all parts of their building. Our ability to augment a BMS with a Smart Control layer has made this kind of control a reality for our customers.

With the continued impact of COVID-19, Smart building control has aided our clients in a safe return to work. With the Internet of Things connectivity, BMS ensures that the right number of people with the right air quality can work within a commercial building. This peace of mind is something that we barely knew we needed two years ago. Now, it is something that we can no longer take for granted.

Cube Controls not only protects against this current threat but we have also worked to provide future-proof BMSs. Previously incompatible IoT technology can now be integrated into buildings, increasing the level of control our clients have over safety management.

Into 2022

The challenges we face in the coming years are monumental. COP26 re-emphasised the need for global responsibility in response to the crisis affecting our environment. The policy commitment to Net Zero means we all need to take responsibility for our energy use and carbon emissions.

If you were to audit where your energy use and carbon emissions come from, you would find that your BMS is largely responsible. The heating, lighting, and cooling of your building accounts for a major portion of your energy consumption as an organisation.

While your BMS might currently be the cause of your high demand for Earth’s resources, it can also be the route to easily reducing your contribution to climate change. Right now, we have cloud-based environmental solutions, and building management systems are adapting to integrate with them. The hybrid system can deliver a genuine reduction in your energy usage, as well as logging the performance of your systems.

While our behaviours will change our energy consumption, the toolset now available to building managers for reducing their carbon production has never before been this varied and powerful – equipping them with all they need to reduce the carbon output of your premises. Cube Controls is at the forefront of integrating these systems into a solution tailored to the needs of our clients and the planet.

Taking responsibility

We are proud to be at the core of resolving some of the issues impacting our lives today. Both the air that we breathe and the quality of our environment can be controlled with the right integrations within your BMS.

Contact Cube Controls if we can help you manage your environment.

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Building Management Systems make it safe to work from the office

Written by Cube Controls. Posted in Blog, Latest News

The pandemic has changed the way we work. For a time, our workforce needed to work from home and connect using video conferencing software and other digital solutions. Such was the convenience of this working model; many people choose to continue working this way and avoid any potential risk of infection in the office.

While there are benefits to home-based working for many organisations, there is a need to entice employees back to the office for effectiveness and efficiency. Promoting a hybrid model is the ideal solution for most businesses, but encouraging people back into your commercial buildings may take some work. With the right choice of building management system, businesses can offer confidence that the workplace is safe.

Smart buildings to the rescue

During COVID lockdown, when most commercial buildings were forced to close, a building management system offered site managers the opportunity to control systems on site remotely. Without these controls, physical site visits would have been necessary.

Now, in a world where we are starting to live with COVID, building management systems can come to the rescue once more. Before, building management systems were largely used for security and energy management, but now new IoT technologies can make buildings safe for people returning to work. Such technologies include thermal imaging cameras to check people for a high temperature, occupancy monitoring systems to maintain safe distancing and control over HVAC systems to manage the airflow through the building.

From nice-to-have to a must-have

Many of these technologies, which are brought together in a building management system, were thought to be luxuries. They were something that companies chose because they wanted to attract the best workforce using the best facilities. With the threat of a pandemic, there is every chance that some of these systems will be written into legislation. Governments around the world are looking for a suite of solutions for managing the threat of COVID-19, and determining the environment people work within is going to be one such measure.

Good building management has gone from being one of comfort and design to one of safety. The HVAC system, in particular, has become critically important when creating a healthy environment. The UK Government, through the HSE, have stated in the law that employers must make sure there’s an adequate supply of fresh air in enclosed areas in the workplace. In a recent white paper entitled Ventilation for Industrial Settings During COVID-19 Pandemic, the US government laid out the first sign of legislation, insisting there should be between 6 and 12 air changes per hour.

Building Management Systems – technology convergence

The future of building management system development is likely to see a greater convergence in technologies. The traditional security and energy management systems merged with the devices focused on managing the consequences of COVID-19. As our Cube Control designers scan the literature on the latest innovations, it is clear that future buildings will require a full suite of technologies to ensure workplace safety.

If you want to learn how a building management system can give confidence to your workers, contact us today. Cube Controls offers advice in BMS design, ensuring your employees feel safe to return to the office and drive your success through collaboration.

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Cloud-based building management systems of the future

Written by Cube Controls. Posted in Blog, Latest News

In a world where we expect everything to happen instantly and automatically, a building management system is an essential tool in the workplace. Businesses spend a lot of money looking to maximise opportunities. It makes sense to invest just a proportion of this investment in your commercial buildings, providing greater opportunity for a happier team who are more effective and use resources more efficiently.

Cloud-based building management systems will simplify your working life, making the workplace more accessible and more affordable, while also committing to reducing the use of the world’s resources.

Always remaining at the forefront of technological advancement, we are proud to say that Cube Controls is the first UK company to install an operational system in a trial to see how cloud-based AI systems could be the future of building control.

Why the future is cloud-based

Your building management system is likely to have much more potential than you are currently activating. Cube Controls is running the trial in cloud-based BMS to help clients maximise the use of these capabilities and so help to improve the well-being of personnel, while reducing the use of energy. A cloud-based system will help you use more practical applications of your BMS.

Imagine a scenario where you are halfway around the world and want to control the settings back at your commercial base. Using a cloud-based system, you can monitor and control your building from a PC or smart device from anywhere in the world.

When a business runs 24/7, it is useful to be able to use a BMS to oversee and control efficiency. This system is more than just a remote control for your commercial space, however.

A cloud-based BMS also provides high-level analytical reporting that is fully automated. The future of BMS saves you money, as you no longer need to hire 3rd party services to analyse the performance of your building. External auditing of your systems is an expense that can be avoided.

Taking BMS one step further

The future of cloud-based BMS is even more exciting. BMS has the capacity to learn – or more accurately – it can model environmental data several days into the future to automatically and continuously update settings.

The Cloud BMS service from Priva, called Priva Eco, has pushed the boundaries and created a smart layer that can be added to your BMS installation. This smart layer can monitor and adjust your building all day, every day, continuously.

Your current BMS is limited to the data that it senses directly. Priva Eco allows for greater learning capacity because it draws in data from multiple sources that has been carefully modelled and calculated, meaning your building constantly optimises conditions and maximises your energy savings.

Cube Controls has been excited to work in partnership with Priva, installing the Priva Eco system in two different locations within the UK.

Looking ahead

It makes sense to presume that cloud-based technology will become an essential facet of BMS. People want the efficiency of controlling settings from anywhere and not being forced to the locality to make essential changes or investigate problems. However, the ability to draw in data that models and calculates the best settings is an exciting innovation and one that Cube Control is delighted to be a part of.

Contact us today if you would like to learn more about cloud-based BMS systems and how Cube Controls is shaping the future.

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Redevelopment of commercial buildings and BMS

Written by Cube Controls. Posted in Blog, Latest News

When you undertake the redevelopment of your commercial buildings, you are likely looking to increase the value of your asset. You take your old and tired buildings and reinvent them and, in so doing, increase both the value of the property and utilise the space better for your business. Investing money in property is a serious undertaking, as ensuring a return is a fine balancing act. Commercial property can quickly become a money pit with little hope of the building being the asset you hoped.

Here we explore the many benefits of redevelopment and why installing the right Building Management Systems will enhance the return on your investment.

Rejuvenates the area

Being the first to move to redevelop an area provides added benefits to the properties around. You are taking an area that might not have seen much footfall and inviting your customers and clients into the district. As a result of your work, the value of other buildings will increase too. The first-mover advantage comes with a higher potential return on the risk of your investment. However, for a time, the security of your property will be high in your mind. The facelift you give to your building and the buzz you create could attract more than just the attention of purchasers.

The work done in Brighton, for instance, has been dramatic. Cube Controls has worked to install systems in commercial properties that are completely able to fulfill the potential of the area. The right Brighton BMS design gives developers the peace of mind needed, with controls allowing the monitoring of their asset from afar. And, by editing and deploying the full power of a client’s BMS a building can be divided into multi-tenant zones complete with automatic energy billing.

Protects the environment

Choosing to redevelop commercial buildings is an ethical choice. It is sometimes easier and cheaper to develop out of town on a new greenfield site. However, this adds to the loss of natural habitats and leaves dilapidated buildings demolished and sent to landfills.

When choosing to redevelop, you can continue your commitment to protecting the environment with the installation of a quality BMS. A smart system helps you control the air quality and temperature within the building and reduces utility usage.

Creates jobs

Creating jobs and inviting people into a building to work together is a challenge in a post-COVID world. We are more conscious than ever of the potential pitfalls of investment in large commercial properties that could lie dormant for months. However, a redeveloped property in a run-down environment can power the local economy and help a community back to its feet.

Here, the right BMS system is essential; controlling the airflow and air quality in the building can be done through a central control. Your building can respond to the needs of the inhabitants, even when the world throws a curveball, such as a pandemic.

Redeveloping commercial buildings comes with many financial and ethical benefits. The rewards are high, even if the risks feel steep too. However, hiring a designer to create the perfect BMS for your building will do much to maximise the return on investment.

If you are interested in integrating a BMS into the redevelopment of your commercial space, contact us today. Cube Controls offers the best design advice for each building.

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Specialist BMS designers can see the future

Written by Cube Controls. Posted in Blog, Latest News

The office used to be pretty standard, right? Desks arranged in close proximity, and building management was little more than opening a window or arguing over a thermostat setting. Times have changed, and the work environment is now seen as a dynamic partner in the team’s productivity. The office building management system has evolved as an essential tool in managing the workspace and the Internet of Things, a crucial component in the whole organisation.

Is the future bright for you?

Technological advancement is a significant opportunity for facilities managers; it is also a potential hurdle. A well-designed BMS can equip facilities managers with the toolkit to efficiently and effectively manage the space into the future. The right Building Management System (BMS) can provide the highest level of functionality for years, even decades, as the controls can evolve and update with the advances that come through.

However, the rapid pace of change can make the wrong BMS obsolete in the next five years. Choose the wrong unit, and you could find yourself needing a replacement sooner than you would desire.

Seeing into the future

Managing this rapid pace of change takes expertise and specialist knowledge of the sector. When you are building your new commercial buildings or refitting the old ones, it is easy to rely on the general knowledge of the architect and his team when choosing controls. However, an off-the-shelf unit could leave you with a hefty bill in the future when updates in technology do not configure with your BMS.

An expert designing building management systems will talk to you about the use of your building and your hopes for its performance. They will have a far-sighted view of the sector, understanding what innovations and updates will likely benefit you as the technology evolves, as does your business.

When it comes to choosing your BMS, an expert designer will come with an integration-first mentality. In other words, there will be a core design that looks to run the building through a single control system and then literally “plug-in” new components as they come to market. The focus will be on future functionality and how the building can become more intelligent and efficient.

How do specialist BMS designers see the future?

When something is your speciality, you can focus all your attention on the trends and developments in this one area. There are few sectors where it is more essential to have this specialist understanding than in BMS design. Suddenly, the siloed systems within a building are integrated into a central control – as facilities technology, information technology, and specialist functionality converge into one system.

With the single-minded focus on BMS, the expert designer can see how systems can intersect and free up systems from the barriers that existed before. With the improvement in communication and environment, the boost to employee productivity and workflow justifies any investment.

Hiring a specialist designer such as Cube Controls is a sure way of future-proofing your facilities. When technology changes this quickly, you need to hire someone who can see into this future with clarity and decisiveness. Contact us today to see how we can help your office building management system evolve into the future.

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