The integration of elevator systems into the broader building automation and control system (BACS) infrastructure, enabling coordinated management of lift traffic, energy, HVAC, access control, and emergency response.
Full Definition
A fully integrated elevator-BACS configuration allows the BMS to receive real-time elevator data (position, load, fault status, energy consumption) and send commands (fire recall, burglar lockout, destination dispatch modification for energy savings). Standards governing BACS integration include ISO 16484-5 (BACnet), EN 15232 (building energy performance classification), and ASHRAE 135. In smart buildings, elevator integration supports demand-response programmes by shifting peak traffic periods, dispatching cars based on occupancy sensor data, and shutting down redundant cars in a group during low-traffic periods. Digital twin environments can simulate elevator traffic to optimise group control parameters. The elevator controller must implement a BACS gateway (hardware or software) that maps elevator-specific variables to BACnet objects or equivalent. Security of this interface is governed by IEC 62443 (industrial cybersecurity).
