What is the primary purpose of a building automation system (BAS) alarm management strategy?

The primary purpose of a building automation system (BAS) alarm management strategy is to ensure that critical equipment malfunctions and system deviations are promptly identified, prioritized, and addressed to maintain optimal building performance, occupant comfort, and system reliability. A BAS is a computerized control system that monitors and manages a building's mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and security. An effective alarm management strategy filters nuisance alarms, prioritizes alarms based on severity and potential impact, and routes alarms to the appropriate personnel for timely response. For example, a high-temperature alarm in an operating room would be prioritized over a low-temperature alarm in an unoccupied storage area. Alarm management strategies also include features like alarm suppression, alarm shelving, and alarm documentation to improve the efficiency of maintenance and operations staff. A well-designed alarm management strategy prevents alarm overload, ensures that critical issues are not overlooked, and enables proactive maintenance to prevent equipment failures.