Expert Highlights Financial Gains of Integrated EPMS, BMS Solutions for Data Centers
With the explosion of AI, cloud computing, and data-driven technologies, data centers face mounting challenges to balance high performance with efficiency and cost control. In this rapidly evolving landscape, integrated Electrical Power Management Systems (EPMS) and Building Management Systems (BMS) are emerging as game-changers. Ben Selier, Vice President of Secure Power for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric, explores how these integrated solutions unlock significant financial wins for data centers in a recent Thought Leadership piece made available by the firm.
As energy efficiency gains plateau and demands for sustainability rise, data centers are turning to integrated EPMS and BMS solutions to optimize performance. “These systems, when unified with smart technology and IoT devices, enable seamless data management and real-time visibility into key operations,” says Selier.
The integration allows operators to monitor power usage, cooling efficiency, and other critical processes from a single interface. “This kind of streamlined oversight not only identifies opportunities for energy efficiency but also drives improvements that are otherwise challenging to achieve,” Selier explains.
Integrated EPMS and BMS solutions offer data centers measurable financial benefits. One such advantage is the ability to streamline design processes, which accelerates the time-to-market for new data centers. By reusing design templates and optimizing ordering processes, operators can bring facilities online faster, meeting customer demands more efficiently and generating revenue sooner.
These solutions also help minimize downtime and avoid costly SLA penalties. With real-time monitoring and predictive insights, data center managers can proactively address issues before they escalate. “Every minute of downtime can cost thousands, if not millions, but integrated systems empower operators to mitigate these risks effectively,” Selier emphasizes.
Operational efficiency is another key benefit. By automating labor-intensive tasks, integrated systems free up teams for strategic projects and enhance coordination among stakeholders. This not only reduces delays during data center builds but also saves organizations millions in the long term.
Energy cost savings are another significant outcome. Advanced EPMS and BMS solutions optimize power usage and cooling efficiency, allowing data centers to significantly reduce energy consumption. Intelligent monitoring and analytics help identify inefficiencies and implement energy-saving measures, lowering utility expenses over time.
Integrated systems also ensures sustainable growth by reducing long-term costs. Traditional EPMS and BMS solutions often fall short in today’s fast-evolving market. By adopting cutting-edge technology, data centers can reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and better manage energy consumption, securing revenue and competitiveness for the future.
Beyond financial gains, integrated EPMS and BMS solutions offer additional advantages, such as streamlined processes, standardized system designs, and enhanced security. Selier highlights Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure suite as a prime example, stating, “Our integrated hardware and software solutions enable faster deployments, better energy management, and reduced operational expenses, ensuring data centers remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.”
Looking ahead, integrated systems will play a pivotal role in meeting growing demands for faster compute and resilient operations. By optimizing energy usage and reducing operational costs, these solutions pave the way for a more efficient and sustainable data center landscape. “Integrated systems are the cornerstone of future-ready data centers,” Selier emphasizes in his closing remarks.
