> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/overview/mandatory-base-platform-suites-and-modules/mandatory-base.md). # Mandatory Base ## What Is the Mandatory Base? The Mandatory Base is the foundation of every ABB Ability™ BuildingPro Suites deployment. It is always included and provides the essential capabilities required to configure, operate, and scale the system. Without the Mandatory Base, none of the higher-level BuildingPro Suites capabilities can run. It ensures that data is connected, structured, governed, and made available consistently across the platform. *** ## What the Mandatory Base Provides The Mandatory Base brings together the core capabilities that every deployment needs: * **Connectivity and ingestion** to connect building systems, devices, and external data sources * **Asset modeling and data structure** so buildings, devices, and data points are organized consistently * **Workspace and identity management** for users, roles, and access control * **Governance and monitoring** to maintain security, traceability, and reliable operation These capabilities create the common foundation that all other parts of BuildingPro Suites build on. *** ## Why It Matters The Mandatory Base ensures that every additional capability uses the same underlying data model and governance framework. This makes the system easier to scale, easier to manage, and more consistent across buildings, sites, and portfolios. It also reduces implementation effort over time, because new Suites, Modules, and Platform capabilities can be added without redesigning the foundation. *** ## Mandatory Base and Everything Built on Top Once the Mandatory Base is in place, you can extend BuildingPro Suites in two ways: * Add **Suites and Modules** to activate outcome-focused capabilities in areas such as energy, occupant experience, and analytics * Add **Platform** to unlock the full toolbox for customization, automation, dashboards, analytics, integrations, and digital building applications The Mandatory Base is therefore not a standalone product. It is the required starting point for everything else. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/overview/mandatory-base-platform-suites-and-modules/mandatory-base.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.