Conventional lighting control relies on a switch that allows electricity to flow to the luminaire or not. It needs to be operated manually. This and far more complex circuits can be automated using "intelligent" building control: a higher-level bus system controls heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, alarm and security systems, lighting and window blinds by establishing "communication" links between the system groups.

Information from sensors (e.g. photoelectric barriers, infrared receivers, wind gauges or brightness sensors) is conveyed by the bus network to actuators (switches), which initiate previously programmed switching operations. This requires a data transmission line, a power line and control software.

EIB/KNX, LON and CABA are examples of bus systems. Many lighting management systems can be integrated in a bus system.