Sections
1. What type of data does CIM collect?
CIM's PEAK Platform integrates with building control systems and sensors and can collect data from both Building Management Systems (BMS) (e.g. HVAC, lighting, indoor air quality, sub-metering) and third party providers and APIs (e.g. utility metering and weather stations). CIM requires your BMS system to be BACnet/ IP compatible or support automated CSV exports.
2. How does CIM collect data?
CIM collects BMS data via a plug-and-play gateway device ('BACER') into the BMS local network system and continues to collect data from controllers during outbound internet disruption. Third party data is collected and combined with BMS data via API, web connection methods, scheduled CSV extracts and more. All data is securely stored in the cloud and exportable via the online PEAK Platform via CSV and API methods.
Below is a high-level network diagram depicting a typical deployment.
3. Overview of CIM data acquisition device
CIM's 'BACER' unit is a small headless micro PC installed on a building's equipment Building Automation Control (BAC) network to gather BMS data at regular intervals for automated fault detection and analysis.
Physically, the Linux box measures approximately 105 x 105 x 65mm with no keyboard, mouse or monitor required (headless). Running Ubuntu server 16.04, connectivity wise BAER supports multiple NICs and Wi-Fi.
The device should be installed in the same subnet as the existing BMS server, allowing it to see the same BACnet network trace as the BMS, typically over UDP port 47808. As well as BAC network access, BACER also requires outbound access to establish a secure VPN session to CIM's PEAK Platform infrastructure.
Service | IP | Port | Protocol | Note |
BACnet | Local Subnet | 47808 (UDP) by default but may be configured differently from site to site | BACnet/IP | |
Secure VPN | 52.62.160.42 | 443 | SSL | vpn.cimenviro.com |
Secure VPN | 54.206.44.254 | 443 | SSL | vpn2.cimenviro.com |
DNS | 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 or DNS servers provided by site | 53 | DNS | Used to resolve vpn.cimenviro.com |
The BACER's MAC address can be supplied to clients if required for added network security. Contact CIM technical support.
4. Information CIM requires for integration
CIM requires the following information to begin integration of your building. Onboarding steps are self-serve and can be performed using your online PEAK account.
BMS IP Configuration - forward-able IP instructions for your BMS contractor or IT team to complete to enable configuration of your CIM BACER device
BMS View Only Access - Share view only access to your BMS to allow CIM to digitise equipment and normalise BMS points for cloud upload and automated fault detection and analysis
Utility Meter Letter of Authority - FM to upload signed letter to permit utility provider to send data to CIM
5. What is BACnet?
BACnet stands for Building Automation and Control networks. BACnet is a data communication protocol developed by ASHRAE. Its purpose is to standardize communications between building automation devices from different manufacturers, allowing data to be shared and equipment to work together easily.
BACnet is the world's most popular building communication protocol with a global market share exceeding 60% (higher in developed countries).
6. CSV Automated Extraction
For non-BACnet/IP compatible sites, PEAK Platform has the capability of ingesting data via automated CSV extractions via email from the BMS/EMS Server (this can be setup by your BMS/EMS technician).
To confirm if your CSV data is compatible for PEAK to ingest please email the details below to engineering@cim.io
BMS/EMS Vendor Type (e.g Optergy, Siemens Apogee, Schneider Electric, Resource Advisor)
Attach Sample CSV (File needs to include Date/Time, point name, Point value)