Over the past decade, the building automation industry has undergone a remarkable transformation. From simple scheduling tools to intelligent platforms capable of analysing data, predicting performance, and optimising energy usage, buildings today operate in a far more connected and responsive way than they did ten years ago.
As Setpoint Solutions reflects on the period between 2016 and 2026, the shift in technology, expectations, and expertise highlights how the industry and the team behind it have evolved.
Looking Back: What Did Building Automation Look Like in 2016?
In 2016, building automation systems were largely rule-based and operated in isolated silos. Heating, ventilation, lighting, and security systems often ran on separate platforms with limited interaction between them. Automation typically meant simple schedules, for example, turning heating on at a set time each morning, rather than intelligent optimisation based on real-time conditions.
Over the past decade, that model has evolved into integrated, data-driven ecosystems. Modern building management platforms now bring multiple building systems together into a single operational interface, enabling facility managers to oversee HVAC, lighting, security, and energy usage in one place. Machine learning and predictive analytics have further enhanced automation by allowing systems to respond dynamically to factors such as occupancy, weather conditions, and energy pricing.
Wireless IoT sensors have also transformed the way buildings gather and use data. Instead of relying on extensive wiring, modern systems deploy networks of sensors monitoring everything from air quality and CO₂ levels to desk occupancy and equipment performance. Combined with digital twin technology, virtual models that replicate building systems, this allows operators to simulate changes and predict maintenance requirements before issues occur.
Another significant shift has been the improvement in remote connectivity. Systems now commonly allow engineers and facility teams to securely access building management systems from offsite locations, improving response times and enabling better integration with third-party devices and protocols such as BACnet.
Insights combined from Glyn Benson – Contracts Manager, Setpoint Wellington, and Göran Persson.
Products & Innovation: Which Technologies Have Had the Biggest Impact?
One of the most significant shifts in the industry has not necessarily been a complete reinvention of technology, but rather a change in how building systems are perceived and used. Hardware has certainly improved, devices are faster, smaller, and more accurate, yet the core functionality of building management systems has remained relatively consistent.
What has changed dramatically is the focus on energy performance. Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) are now recognised not just as tools for occupant comfort but as critical components in reducing operational costs and carbon footprints.
In New Zealand, the industry has historically prioritised comfort over efficiency, but that balance is shifting. As energy prices rise and sustainability goals become more important, efficient system configuration and optimisation are becoming central to building operations.
Sam Hazlett points to analytics-driven platforms such as CopperTree Analytics’ Kaizen as one of the most transformative developments in the industry. These platforms extend the capability of traditional building management systems by analysing operational data continuously and identifying inefficiencies that would otherwise remain hidden.
By combining Energy Information Systems with automated Fault Detection and Diagnostics, tools like Kaizen enable building operators to detect control issues, identify emerging faults, and optimise energy performance over time. Rather than relying on periodic commissioning or reactive maintenance, facilities teams can now maintain ongoing performance optimisation through continuous data analysis.
Cloud-based processing enables advanced analytics while the core building control remains on-site, balancing operational reliability with powerful data insights. This approach represents a shift toward ongoing commissioning and lifecycle performance management for modern buildings.
Building & Performance: How Have Client Expectations Changed?
Paul Esler and the Setpoint Wellington Team
Expectations around building management systems have increased significantly over the past decade. Clients now expect seamless system performance, fast access to operational data, and user-friendly interfaces accessible from web browsers and mobile devices.
Construction timelines have also become tighter, while the complexity of building systems has increased. Greater integration with third-party systems and the rise of multiple communication protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, and KNX have expanded the capabilities of building automation.
The BMS is no longer a standalone tool used occasionally in a plant room. Instead, it has become a widely accessed operational platform used by multiple stakeholders across a building.
Mo Ahsan – BMS Engineer, Setpoint Christchurch
Mo Ahsan has seen a major shift in how building owners and consultants perceive the role of the BMS. In the past, it was largely viewed as a scheduling tool for HVAC and lighting systems. Today, it is expected to support preventive maintenance, real-time energy optimisation, and compliance with sustainability frameworks such as Green Star.
Trend data, equipment monitoring, and multi-protocol integration now provide valuable insight into building performance. As buildings become increasingly connected, the BMS is evolving into the central operational layer that unifies building systems and enables smarter decision-making.
People & Capability: How Has the Setpoint Team Evolved?
Nilesh Sharma – Branch Manager, Setpoint Wellington
As buildings have become more intelligent, the Setpoint team has expanded its expertise to support increasingly integrated systems. Modern projects now involve complex platforms combining HVAC, lighting, energy metering, and advanced analytics into a single operational environment.
Projects such as Te Ngaengae Pool (Naenae Aquatic Centre) and H2O Xtream Pools demonstrate the scale and sophistication of modern building automation. These facilities rely on integrated systems that manage environmental conditions, water services, and energy efficiency through unified BMS platforms.
Te Ngaengae Pool, New Zealand’s first Green Star Five-rated aquatic centre, is a strong example of how Setpoint delivers solutions that support operational performance, sustainability goals, and long-term building efficiency.
Looking Forward: What Will Define the Next Era of Building Automation?
Lance Tollenaar – BMS Engineer, Setpoint Wellington
Looking beyond 2026, the future of building automation will likely be shaped by three key forces: connectivity, cybersecurity, and automation.
The rapid growth of IoT-enabled devices has dramatically increased the visibility and control available within building systems. However, with this connectivity comes a greater need for robust cybersecurity and IT integration.
At the same time, global collaboration and knowledge sharing are accelerating innovation across the industry. Engineers now have access to international communities and resources that help solve complex building challenges more efficiently.
Artificial intelligence is also expected to play a growing role in the automation of engineering workflows. AI-assisted tools may soon handle repetitive configuration and analysis tasks, allowing engineers to focus more on system design, performance optimisation, and strategic energy management.
As buildings become more intelligent, the role of building automation will continue to expand, transforming buildings from passive infrastructure into responsive, data-driven environments.
As buildings continue to evolve, so too will the role of building intelligence, transforming how spaces are operated, experienced, and optimised. At Setpoint Solutions, the past decade has been just the beginning of a journey toward smarter, more connected, and more sustainable buildings.
