In large-scale factories—especially those in electronics, pharmaceutical, and high-tech industries—energy costs and the stability of MEP systems directly impact production efficiency. Continuous control of parameters such as temperature, humidity, equipment status, and energy consumption is no longer merely supportive, but a mandatory operational requirement.

A BMS (Building Management System) is a tool that enables factories to centrally monitor technical infrastructure, track operational performance, and detect early deviations that could increase energy consumption or cause production disruptions.

What is a BMS system?

In industrial factories, a BMS (building management system) is a centralized monitoring and control system for technical infrastructure such as HVAC, electrical systems, water supply and drainage, fire protection systems, and other auxiliary systems. Through the BMS, the technical team can monitor equipment status, key operating parameters, and receive alerts when abnormalities occur.

It is important to clearly distinguish that a BMS does not participate in controlling production lines and does not replace PLC or SCADA systems of production machinery. A BMS operates at the infrastructure management level, supporting the operation and maintenance of the factory’s MEPl systems.

Image: CIM

Factories that should implement a BMS

A BMS delivers clear benefits for factories with high environmental control requirements. In electronics factories, cleanrooms, or production lines sensitive to temperature and humidity, continuous monitoring of environmental parameters is essential to ensure product quality. A BMS enables real-time tracking of these parameters and provides early warnings when deviations exceed permissible thresholds.

For factories operating multiple MEP systems simultaneously, a BMS simplifies management. As the number of AHUs, chillers, substations, pumps, and auxiliary equipment increases, manual inspection of each system becomes inefficient and prone to oversight. A BMS consolidates operational status into a unified interface, helping technicians grasp the overall condition of the infrastructure.

For factories operating multiple shifts or 24/7, a BMS supports continuous monitoring beyond office hours. Real-time alerts help detect issues early and shorten response times, thereby minimizing impacts on production.

BMS system at Power Plus Technology Factory designed and installed by DELCO

Factories that may not need a BMS yet

For small-scale factories with a limited number of MEP systems and stable operating models, deploying a comprehensive BMS may not deliver proportional benefits. In such cases, localized or semi-automated monitoring solutions combined with clear operating procedures can still effectively meet technical management needs.

A suitable approach is to accurately assess system complexity and the technical team’s operating capacity, rather than viewing a BMS as a mandatory requirement for every factory.

Benefits of applying a BMS system

When designed to match operational needs, a BMS enables technical teams to visually monitor system status, detect abnormalities early, and maintain operational data for root-cause analysis. Stored operational data also supports maintenance planning, energy optimization, and long-term stability of technical infrastructure.

More importantly, a BMS helps shift operations from reactive troubleshooting to proactive control, especially for factories requiring high continuity.

From a practical implementation perspective, the effectiveness of a BMS largely depends on how it is designed and integrated from the MEP design stage, rather than being added in a fragmented manner after factory operation has begun. Defining the appropriate monitoring scope, selecting systems for integration, and considering operational and energy factors from the outset allows a BMS to deliver clearer value in real-world use.

BMS system at Dainese Vietnam Factory

With the advantage of proprietary technology platforms combined with extensive experience in MEP design and construction for industrial factories, DELCO approaches BMS with selective integration, focusing on control points that directly impact operations and energy consumption. This approach has been applied across multiple projects such as Power Plus Technology, Dainese, GS Vietnam, etc., with BMS systems designed in alignment with HVAC, electrical, and related technical infrastructure.

By monitoring actual loads, adjusting operating modes based on usage conditions, and tracking system performance over time, DELCO’s BMS solutions help factories optimize operational strategies, reduce electricity consumption, and simplify technical management. During operation, these systems have received positive feedback from clients, particularly regarding stability, ease of use, and long-term cost-saving effectiveness.