Traditional BMS Service Contracts Are Broken
Why the Industry Must Shift from Time-Based to Performance-Based Maintenance—and How CUBE Service Fusion Makes It Possible
In the world of building automation, service contracts have remained largely unchanged for decades. Technicians are sent to buildings on a fixed schedule—monthly, quarterly, or annually—regardless of whether the system needs attention.
While this calendar-based approach may seem organized and predictable, it’s increasingly disconnected from the needs of modern buildings, their systems, and their occupants.
Let’s break down why traditional BMS service contracts are no longer fit for purpose—and what a better, smarter alternative looks like.
What’s Wrong with Calendar-Based Maintenance?
At first glance, scheduled service seems like good practice. After all, routine inspections help prevent breakdowns… right?
Not always. In reality, this model often delivers high effort, low value outcomes. Here’s why:
1. Wasted Technician Time
Highly skilled technicians spend hours checking on systems that are working perfectly. Their time would be far better spent addressing real issues or performing high-impact tasks.
2. Unnecessary Truck Rolls
Calendar-based visits don’t discriminate between urgent needs and routine check-ins. The result? Countless trips that add to overhead costs without driving real value.
3. Missed Opportunities
System issues that arise between scheduled visits can go unnoticed for weeks or months—leading to reduced efficiency, occupant complaints, or even equipment failure.
4. Generic, Non-Specific Service
Most scheduled service relies on standard checklists. These are often applied without reference to the unique conditions of the site, the equipment’s runtime, or actual performance data.
5. Lack of Visibility for Clients
Customers often don’t understand what they’re paying for—because service reports lack clarity or show no link to building performance. This erodes trust and reduces perceived value.
6. Inefficient Resource Allocation
Service managers struggle to match labor capacity with actual need. Some sites are over-serviced; others, under-serviced. Scaling becomes harder as operations grow.
The Smarter Alternative: Performance-Based Service
Performance-based service flips the model on its head. Instead of relying on arbitrary schedules, it uses real-time building data to inform when, where, and why service is needed.
Here’s how it works:
- BMS data is continuously monitored.
- When a system shows signs of drift, inefficiency, or failure, a task is triggered.
- Technicians respond only when needed—armed with context, history, and insight.
- Work is verified with performance validation—not just checked off a list.
This approach:
- Reduces service waste
- Improves system uptime
- Creates measurable value
- Aligns labor with demand
- Increases trust with clients
It’s not a theory. It’s already working—where the right platform exists to support it.
Meet CUBE Service Fusion™
The Technology Engine That Enables Performance-Based Service
CUBE Service Fusion™ was designed from the ground up to replace calendar-based service with a data-driven, intelligent service model.
It fuses multiple systems and technologies into one powerful platform:
| Feature | What It Enables |
| BMS Connector | Seamlessly extracts live data from building systems—no manual polling |
| Asset Generator | Automatically turns system points into serviceable assets in seconds |
| PM Task Engine | Schedules maintenance based on performance metrics like runtime, faults, and efficiency |
| AI + Bots | Detects issues, assigns tasks, validates technician reports, and flags anomalies |
| Customer Portal | Gives clients a real-time window into asset health, task status, and completed work |
All of this is powered by our PbCx Engine™ (Performance-Based Commissioning), which continuously analyzes system behavior and drives smart decisions across the service lifecycle.
Why This Matters: An Educational Perspective
For service teams, performance-based service represents a new discipline—one that combines engineering, operations, and data science.
To successfully implement it, teams need to understand:
- How BMS systems generate actionable data
- What types of system behaviors indicate service needs
- How AI can assist—not replace—technician workflows
- How to measure the financial and performance impact of smarter service
CUBE doesn’t just provide the tools. It also provides the training, templates, and strategy to bring service teams into the future—confidently and profitably.
Real-World Shifts Are Already Happening
Industry leaders like Harris have already launched telemetry-based service models. They’re using real-time data to guide decisions, deliver outcomes, and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
The shift is underway.
It’s not about being early—it’s about not being left behind.
Your Next Step
Traditional contracts may still be “working”—but they’re not winning.
Winning today means offering intelligent service, reducing operational waste, and delivering outcomes clients can see.
CUBE Service Fusion™ gives you the tools to do just that.
Whether you want to:
- Pilot performance-based service at a few sites
- Offer it as a white-labeled solution
- Or transform your entire service model
See CUBE Service Fusion in action here
We’re ready to help you take the leap.
- Book a demo
- Get a free consultation
- Train your team in performance-based service
Let’s build smarter buildings—and a smarter business—together.