The Top 7 Benefits of a BMS & DCIM Integration

Let’s delve into the relationship between Building Management Systems (BMS) and Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM). 

DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management) 

Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) encompasses a comprehensive process and suite of solutions that facilitate the tracking, monitoring, and management of IT assets (including hardware and software) as well as infrastructure components (such as racks, cooling units, and floor plans) within a data center. The primary objectives of DCIM are to optimize resource utilization, reduce operational costs, and enhance overall efficiency. Specifically, DCIM focuses on data and power utilization directly related to the data center environment. 

Moreover, DCIM plays a critical role in providing essential information to data center managers. It offers valuable measurements, timely alerts, and insights into equipment performance, empowering decision-makers. However, it’s essential to recognize that the data provided by DCIM requires thoughtful interpretation, effective translation, and proactive action to implement maintenance and improvement solutions effectively. 

BMS (Building Management System) 

Building Management Systems (BMS) are specifically designed to oversee and control various building elements, including security, power distribution, lighting, heating, and cooling. Their primary goal is to ensure occupant comfort and efficient building operations. However, achieving seamless integration between BMS and Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) isn’t always straightforward due to their distinct priorities and functionalities. Despite these challenges, there’s significant potential for collaboration, particularly in areas related to energy management. 

Compared to DCIM, BMS places greater emphasis on the mechanical and technical aspects of building systems. It handles security, power distribution, lighting, heating, and cooling. BMS often exerts more direct control over these mechanical systems through automatic operations. These operations can include physical access controls, surveillance, fire detection, economization modes, and even tasks like opening and closing valves. By bridging the gap between BMS and DCIM, organizations can achieve more holistic management and optimize both building and data center performance. A comprehensive management solution, such as Integrated Data Center Management (IDCM) can integrate the central interface for a multitude of benefits. 

How does DCIM and BMS integration work? 

Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) and Building Management Systems (BMS) share some common functions, such as monitoring power consumption, aiding in Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) calculations, and sending alerts. However, their true strength lies in their complementary abilities. 

DCIM primarily excels in providing detailed data related to the data center environment. On the other hand, BMS is adept at translating that data into actionable insights. When these two systems are integrated, the data provided by DCIM can be transformed into tangible actions and solutions. Practically, this integration often involves establishing automatic rules and sequences, optimizing the data center’s operations while minimizing the need for manual intervention. 

What are the top seven benefits of a DCIM and BMS integration? 

The integration of Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) and Building Management Systems (BMS) offers substantial benefits for data centers. Let’s explore these advantages in more detail: 

1) Enhanced Operational Management:
 

• The combination of DCIM and BMS provides a powerful synergy. DCIM collects detailed data about the data center’s infrastructure, including servers, cooling systems, power distribution, and environmental conditions. BMS, on the other hand, oversees various building elements such as security, lighting, and HVAC. 

• By integrating these systems, data center operators gain a holistic view. They can correlate information from DCIM (e.g., server temperatures, power consumption) with BMS data (e.g., HVAC performance, lighting schedules). This synergy enables informed decision-making and efficient management of critical systems. 

• For specialized IT functions within the data center, such as optimizing server placement or adjusting cooling parameters, this integrated approach is particularly valuable.
   

2) Planning Capacity:  

• The comprehensive data insights provided by DCIM and BMS enhance capacity planning. Operators can analyze historical trends, predict future demands, and allocate resources effectively. 

• Whether it’s adding new servers, adjusting cooling capacity, or planning for future expansions, the integrated system ensures a more accurate and proactive approach to capacity management.
   

3) Reduced Power Utilization:  

• Integration often leads to more efficient energy usage. By combining DCIM and BMS, operators can optimize power distribution, cooling, and lighting. 

• For example, real-time data from DCIM can inform BMS about server load, allowing dynamic adjustments to cooling systems. This fine-tuning minimizes energy waste and reduces overall power consumption.
   

4) Actionable Analytics: 

• The integrated system provides actionable insights through analytics and reporting. Operators can identify anomalies, track performance metrics, and address issues promptly. 

• Whether it’s detecting hotspots, identifying underutilized servers, or assessing energy efficiency, the combined data stream enables data-driven decision-making.
   

5) Component Complexity:  

• Data centers house a multitude of interconnected components: servers, switches, UPS units, chillers, and more. The integration of DCIM and BMS offers visibility into this complexity. 

• Operators can understand how these components interact, spot bottlenecks, and optimize their configuration. For instance, if a cooling unit fails, the integrated system can trigger alerts and guide maintenance teams to the affected area.
   

6) Long-Term Reliability:  

• Improved reliability is a key benefit. By monitoring both IT infrastructure (DCIM) and building systems (BMS), operators can proactively address issues before they escalate. 

• Predictive maintenance, early fault detection, and redundancy planning become more effective when these systems work together seamlessly.
   

7) Personnel Efficiency:  

• Daily operations become more efficient with integrated DCIM and BMS. Operators spend less time manually monitoring disparate systems. 

• Alerts, automated routines, and centralized dashboards streamline tasks. Whether it’s adjusting cooling parameters, responding to security incidents, or optimizing lighting schedules, personnel can focus on strategic management rather than routine checks. 

In summary, the integration of DCIM and BMS transforms data centers into smarter, more responsive environments, benefiting both operational efficiency and long-term reliability. 

Resources 

[Webinar] What is IDCM? Integrating BMS, DCIM, and ITOps (nlyte.com) 

Nlyte DCIM and BMS: Better Together [Video] | Nlyte 

The Emergence of Integrated Data Center Management (IDCM) | Nlyte 

Integrated Data Center Management Architectural Guide | Nlyte 

Click the Infographic to download the PDF version.