Towards integration [building automation systems]

There are broadly four main types of system which are being installed in modern buildings; energy management systems (EMS) for the monitoring and control of HEVAC plant; fire and security systems; communications systems; and business information systems. All of these are now microprocessor based and using similar technologies. It is acknowledged that the sharing of information between systems is desirable whereby individual systems complement each other to provide a more efficient and effective total solution