Modern hotels are rapidly adopting intelligent automation systems to enhance guest experiences, reduce energy consumption, and streamline operations. One of the most reliable and future-ready solutions is KNX-based GRMS (Guest Room Management System). By integrating lighting, HVAC, curtains, access control, and service requests under a unified platform, KNX enables personalized and energy-efficient guest room environments. Its open protocol design allows seamless communication between devices from different manufacturers, making it highly adaptable for hotels of all sizes. From budget stays to luxury resorts, KNX offers a scalable and standardized way to bring smart automation to hospitality spaces.
Key Features of KNX GRMS
Integrated Room Control
Lighting
Manage room lighting with precision, allowing guests to adjust brightness and set scenes according to their preferences. KNX GRMS can automate lighting based on occupancy and time of day. Brands like Siemens, Schneider Electric, and Gira offer advanced KNX lighting solutions.
Climate Control
Control HVAC systems to maintain optimal room temperature. Guests can adjust heating or cooling settings via intuitive interfaces, while the system can automatically adapt based on occupancy sensors. Jung, ABB, and Hager provide KNX-compatible climate control systems.
Shading and Blinds
Automate curtains and blinds to enhance privacy and comfort. KNX GRMS can adjust window coverings based on the time of day or guest preferences. Lutron and Elero offer KNX-compatible shading solutions.
Guest Interfaces
Touch Panels
Install user-friendly touch panels in guest rooms for easy control of lighting, climate, and media. These panels can be customized with hotel branding and specific functionalities. Basalte, Niko, and Beckhoff provide a range of touch panels.
Mobile Apps
Allow guests to control their room environment through mobile apps, providing convenience and enhancing their experience. Crestron and Control4 offer mobile app integration with KNX systems.
Energy Management
Centralized Control
Monitor and manage energy consumption across the hotel. KNX GRMS can help optimize energy use by automating lighting, climate control, and other systems. Zennio and Gira offer advanced energy management solutions.
Energy Reporting
Provide detailed reports on energy usage to identify opportunities for savings and efficiency improvements. Siemens and Schneider Electric offer energy monitoring and reporting tools that integrate with KNX systems.
Room Status and Service Requests
Status Indicators
Display room status (e.g., “Do Not Disturb,” “Clean Room”) to hotel staff through centralized systems. This helps streamline housekeeping and maintenance operations. Hager and Gira offer KNX devices for status indicators.
Service Requests
Enable guests to request services (e.g., housekeeping, room service) via in-room interfaces, which are then routed to appropriate hotel staff. ABB and Jung provide KNX solutions for service request management.
Integration with Hotel Systems
Property Management Systems (PMS)
Integrate KNX GRMS with the hotel’s PMS to synchronize guest data, room assignments, and billing information. Infor and Opera offer PMS solutions that can integrate with KNX systems.
Building Management Systems (BMS)
Connect with BMS for unified control over building functions, including lighting, HVAC, and security. Johnson Controls and Honeywell provide BMS solutions compatible with KNX.
Benefits of KNX GRMS
Enhanced Guest Experience
KNX GRMS provides a high level of personalization and convenience for guests. By allowing guests to control their room environment through intuitive interfaces, the system enhances comfort and satisfaction.
Operational Efficiency
Streamline hotel operations by automating routine tasks and providing real-time status updates. KNX GRMS helps manage energy consumption, reduce manual interventions, and improve service efficiency.
Energy Savings
Optimize energy use through automated control of lighting, heating, and cooling. KNX GRMS helps identify areas for energy savings and implement strategies to reduce operational costs.
Scalability
GRMS systems are scalable, allowing hotels to expand or modify their room management capabilities as needed. This flexibility supports future upgrades and evolving guest expectations.
Integration Capabilities
Seamlessly integrate with other hotel systems, such as PMS and BMS, to provide a cohesive management platform. KNX GRMS supports communication between various systems for enhanced control and monitoring.
Implementation Steps
Step 1: Requirement Analysis & Room Mapping
- Identify guest room types (standard, deluxe, suite, etc.)
- Define control requirements for:
- Lighting (scenes, dimming)
- Air conditioning (individual or central control)
- Curtains/shading
- DND/MUR panels
- Access control
- Occupancy detection and energy saving
- Create room control matrix per room type
Step 2: System Design & KNX Topology Planning
- Design the KNX line topology (main line, sub-lines, room-level segmentation)
- Plan power supply distribution for KNX lines
- Choose between centralized (via floor panel) or decentralized (in-room) architectures
- Define group addresses and communication objects per function
- Allocate room controller logic (via touch panel, switch actuators, or logic modules)
Step 3: Device Selection
- Choose certified KNX devices from known brands (e.g., ABB, Jung, Gira, Schneider, MDT)
- Typical components include:
- KNX thermostats
- Switch actuators (lighting, curtain motors)
- Presence/motion sensors
- DND/MUR glass panels or pushbuttons
- KNX gateways for HVAC, BMS, or PMS integration
- Logic modules (for scenes, priority control)
Step 4: Wiring & Installation
- Install twisted pair cabling (green/red) per ETS specifications
- Ensure star or tree topology in each floor with dedicated KNX PSU
- Terminate devices in junction boxes with labelling for easy commissioning
- Test continuity and voltage across the bus
Step 5: ETS Programming & Configuration
- Use ETS software to configure:
- Physical addresses of all devices
- Group addresses for communication
- Logic and scene programming (e.g., Welcome Mode, Sleep Mode, Do Not Disturb)
- Link sensor inputs to actuator outputs
- Test room-level automation independently before linking to building-wide network
Step 6: Integration with PMS / BMS
- Integrate KNX system with Property Management System (PMS) via IP gateway (e.g., BACnet/IP, Modbus, REST API)
- Synchronize guest check-in/check-out events to trigger:
- Energy-saving modes
- Scene reset
- Room pre-conditioning
- Enable communication with Building Management Systems (BMS) for monitoring and reporting
Step 7: Testing & Commissioning
- Perform function-wise validation:
- Lighting presets, HVAC response, curtain automation
- DND/MUR signage from hallway and inside room
- Validate energy-saving logic using real occupancy simulation
- Log data for diagnostics and fine-tuning
Step 8: Staff Training & Documentation
- Train hotel staff on using room control panels and system monitoring tools
- Provide detailed documentation including:
- ETS project files
- Wiring layout
- Troubleshooting guide
Step 9: Handover & Support
- Final walkthrough with hotel management
- Setup remote access for diagnostics if needed
- Offer post-installation maintenance contract and future expansion plans
Case Study: The 7 Star Hotel In Dubai
About the Project
Dubai’s world-famous 7-star hotel, wanted to upgrade its in-room automation to deliver a smarter, more luxurious guest experience. The goal was to integrate lighting, climate, curtains, and guest services into one simple, elegant system. After comparing solutions, the hotel chose KNX-based GRMS for its reliability, customization, and seamless integration capabilities.
What Was Implemented
- Over 200 luxury suites were upgraded
- Installed: KNX touch panels, dimmable lighting, motorized curtains, climate control
- Custom guest scenes: “Relax”, “Cinema”, “Sleep”, “DND”, and “Welcome”
- Full integration with the PMS (Property Management System) and BMS
- ETS software used for room-by-room customization
- VIP guest profiles enabled pre-arrival automation
Results & Benefits
- Enhanced guest satisfaction: Guests loved the ease and personalization
- Energy savings: Hotel achieved over 35% reduction in energy use
- Smarter operations: Rooms automatically adjusted based on check-in or occupancy
- Faster service response through DND/MUR panels and staff alerts
This project proves that KNX is the ideal choice for luxury hotels that want elegant, intelligent, and efficient room automation — trusted even by the most iconic properties in the world.
Results
The KNX GRMS implementation at The Grand Hotel Paris significantly enhanced the guest experience by providing intuitive room controls and personalized settings. Operational efficiency improved through automation and centralized management, while energy savings were realized through optimized control of lighting and climate systems. The integration with PMS and BMS systems facilitated seamless operation and management of the hotel’s functions.
Conclusion
KNX GRMS offers a comprehensive solution for managing guest rooms in hotels, enhancing both the guest experience and operational efficiency. By integrating KNX technology, hotels can achieve advanced control, optimize energy use, and streamline operations, ultimately contributing to improved guest satisfaction and reduced costs.
