Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are the workhorses of modern building automation. While BMS
provides the brain, PLCs provide the muscle — executing real-time control sequences for HVAC, water
treatment, lighting, and specialized hotel guest room systems. For Dubai's booming hospitality and
commercial sectors, PLC automation delivers measurable ROI through energy savings and operational
efficiency.
What is a PLC?
A PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is a ruggedized industrial computer designed to control
automated processes. Unlike general-purpose computers, PLCs are built for real-time operation in
harsh environments and can handle input/output operations with millisecond precision. In buildings,
PLCs control everything from chiller sequencing to elevator logic.
PLC Applications in Hotels
Guest Room Management Systems (GRMS)
GRMS is the most visible application of automation in hotels. A PLC-based GRMS controls:
- Lighting Scenes — Welcome, reading, TV, sleep, and "all off" modes activated by
a single touch panel or smartphone app
- Temperature Control — Intelligent fan coil unit control with occupancy
detection to reduce energy waste in empty rooms
- Curtain & Blind Control — Motorized curtains and blackout blinds synchronized
with lighting scenes
- DND/MUR Indicators — "Do Not Disturb" and "Make Up Room" signals integrated
with housekeeping management
- Energy Saving Mode — Automatic setback when the key card is removed: HVAC
reduces to economy mode, lights turn off
Back-of-House Automation
- Chiller Plant Sequencing — Optimal staging of multiple chillers based on
cooling load for maximum efficiency
- Water Treatment — Automated dosing, pH monitoring, and filtration control for
swimming pools and cooling towers
- Laundry Systems — Sequence control for large-scale hotel laundry equipment
- Kitchen Ventilation — Demand-based exhaust fan control linked to cooking
equipment status
PLC Applications in Commercial Buildings
- HVAC Sequences — Air handling unit (AHU) control, variable air volume (VAV)
systems, and fresh air management
- Lighting Control — Zone-based and schedule-based lighting with daylight
harvesting
- Car Park Ventilation — CO monitoring and fan speed control for underground
parking
- Elevator Integration — Priority dispatching and energy-efficient operation
modes
Benefits of PLC Automation
- Energy savings of 20-40% compared to manually controlled systems
- Improved guest/tenant comfort through precise environmental control
- Reduced manpower requirements for facility management
- Real-time fault detection and alarm notification
- Data logging for compliance and performance optimization
Buraq Al Taybah Automation Solutions
Our automation team designs, programs, and commissions PLC-based systems for hotels, commercial
buildings, and industrial facilities. We work with leading PLC platforms and deliver solutions
integrated with your existing BMS infrastructure.
