We know we’re constantly talking about bringing the BMS out of the plantroom here at learnd, but that’s because we’ve seen the direct results that come from having visibility over your BMS data.
Think about it – if you were getting surgery, you would want to make sure they had done all the scans to pinpoint the issue BEFORE they opened you up, right?
Well it’s the same with a building – if you’re going in blind, you’re just fumbling around hoping you fix the problem.
That’s why we’ve developed our Remote Planned Maintenance (RPM) solution – so there is enough data and analysis for engineers to know exactly what’s needed (and what isn’t) before they set foot on your site.
So… what actually is Remote Planned Maintenance?
The name essentially speaks for itself.
RPM is a clever mix of expert BMS analysis done remotely (from our ROC) and smart scheduling of on-site visits. That combo means your building gets even more attention – without us always needing to be there in person.
You still get your scheduled planned maintenance, but around 40% of it is done remotely, which means:
- Lower costs
- Faster fixes
- Less disruption
- Better insights, in advance
It essentially gives you eyes on your building 24/7… without the cost of having one of our engineers actually living there.
Why does it matter?
Let’s say you’ve got a hybrid maintenance model – 60% in-person visits, 40% remote. We’ve seen building managers running this setup enjoy:
- Higher first-time fix rates
- Fewer site visits (because we fix things before they become problems)
- More productive engineers (because they walk in knowing exactly what needs doing)
That added layer of visibility changes everything – because engineers can spend less time being reactive to issues, and more time making the improvements to your BMS that will generate noticeable savings.
How it works
Once your site is remotely connected to our ROC (more on that below), we securely access your BMS and handle the remote parts of your PPM schedule – just like we would if we were physically on site. Same service, less travel.
And before each on-site visit, our ROC engineers pull together an RPM report – a detailed breakdown of any issues or inefficiencies, so your on-site engineers arrive prepped and ready to go.
Think of it like a cheat sheet. For your building.
Do I need any special kit?
Just a remote connection to your BMS.
If you’ve already got one, we’ll preserve it and use it for your RPM services. If not, you have options. We can connect you with a 4G router and SIM or by working with your IT team to set up a secure VPN.
Either way, we’ll make it work for you, on your terms.
Connectivity options: what’s best for you?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the ways we can connect to your BMS remotely – and when each one makes sense:
| Method | What it is | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Vodafone IoT SIM (RUT) | A secure 4G connection via learnd’s Remote Unit | Perfect for sites without IT access or when total network isolation is a must |
| Customer VPN (via site IT) | A VPN tunnel through your internal network | Best for customers with strong IT policies and controls |
| Third-Party Aggregators (CSV/API) | Daily or real-time data from your energy or EMS platform | Ideal for energy-only monitoring or hybrid setups |
| Manual Uploads | Yep, spreadsheets. Sometimes that’s the reality. | Useful as a stopgap when automated connections aren’t ready yet |
| Bespoke VPN Methods | Using your own VPN system (Cisco, Oracle, Azure, etc.) | Designed for enterprise/public sector clients with specific IT needs and compliance requirements |
But is it secure?
Absolutely. Your remote connection is protected by a fully encrypted VPN tunnel. We only access your BMS data – no cameras, emails, or that dodgy old printer in the corner. Just what we need to help your building run better.
Everything we do is designed around keeping your data, and your building, safe, efficient, and well looked after.
TL;DR Here’s the big picture:
Remote Planned Maintenance gives you:
- A smarter, hybrid approach to BMS maintenance
- Remote expertise that catches issues early
- Less downtime, lower costs, more proactive service
- The same gold-standard support, just done a bit differently
Your building deserves better than “checklist maintenance.” RPM helps us spot trends, tackle inefficiencies, and keep everything in top working order – all without wasting a minute (or a mile).
Want to talk remote maintenance?
We’d love to show you how it could work for your buildings. Get in touch with us at sales@learnd.co.uk or request a quote
