Side by side
BEMServer vs Switch Automation
Both stand on building management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
BEMServer offers a modular, open-source foundation for building monitoring, with data collection, processing, and a REST API. Plan for deployment expertise and possible service costs, and note that uses beyond building monitoring require extensions.
Visit BEMServer
Choose Switch Automation if your building operations team needs connected systems, energy tracking, or portfolio utility benchmarking. The free Portfolio Benchmarking plan includes five workspaces and related data and guidance. Organizations seeking enterprise packages need to contact sales for pricing.
Visit Switch AutomationThe facts
| BEMServer | Switch Automation | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web | Android, API, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | bemserver.org | switchautomation.com |
| On building management software | #1 of 26 | #2 of 26 |
BEMServer: what it does well
- Open-source software with no license fee
- Stores building models, time series, and events
- Provides a documented REST API
- Includes forecasting and fault-detection modules
What to know first
- Currently supports building monitoring only
- Deployment may require Python and Docker knowledge
- Installation was tested on Debian 9
- Services and selected modules may incur charges
Switch Automation: what it does well
- Connects building systems, enterprise applications, IoT devices, and operational technologies.
- Tracks energy performance and consumption trends across sites.
- Helps investigate operational issues and prioritize corrective actions.
- Free plan includes five custom portfolio workspaces.
- Available on web, Android, iOS, and through an API.
What to know first
- The free Portfolio Benchmarking plan is limited to five custom workspaces.
- Enterprise package pricing requires contacting sales.
Alternatives to BEMServer Alternatives to Switch Automation The whole list