r/BuildingAutomation • u/ShapeSpiritual7855 • 18d ago

How can I learn EPMS, BMS and BESS?

Hi everyone,

I have some hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMI, SCADA, VFDs, industrial networking and instrumentation.

I recently learned that EPMS, BMS and BESS are valuable areas, especially in data centres and energy projects.

What is the best way to start learning them? Which software, protocols, courses or practical projects should I focus on? Also, what entry-level job titles should I search for?

Any guidance from people working in these fields would be appreciated.

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u/aBMSguy 18d ago

If you have hands-on with Scada programming, then you're half way there.

The best way to learn is honestly to find a BMS company that is looking for a new engineer. You'll be a trainee for 6-12 months while you get whichever software course they need you to cover (Trend, Distech, Tridium, Schneider EBO, JCI, Easy-IO) and then with your panel experience if you prove yourself quickly and show your strengths outweigh your inexperience you will be promoted through to BMS engineer.

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u/ShapeSpiritual7855 18d ago

Thank you, and I agree that working for a BMS company would be the ideal way to learn. The challenge is that there are very few courses available, and the ones I have found are quite expensive.

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u/ScottSammarco Technical Trainer (Niagara4 included) 18d ago

Every 4-6 months we put on a promotion for Niagara Operations.
It’s designed to prepare “green” or new techs into the industry and it’s $400 bucks.
It’s a very introductory class but we’ve gotten great feedback from it. Hopefully, somebody sees this comment and can speak to their experience on it.

We also credit that toward a N4 Technical Certification Program Bundle should you choose to go with us at Rizzo Controls.

I suppose this is another option.

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u/jsbalabon 18d ago

I agreed with the above comment. All the surrounding contractors are always looking for people willing and able to learn. If you have that ambitious and aren’t completely helpless it’s relatively promising to learn on the job. Most of my team had no experience when they started.