An Energy Monitoring Solution (EMS) is a software system that collects and analyzes data on energy consumption and other process variables in industrial facilities. The system can help businesses identify areas where energy is being wasted, track energy usage over time, and make data-driven decisions to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. The most advanced EMS solutions can also build contextual relationships between energy- and process data, aligning sustainability and business objectives.

Sustainability is important for businesses for several reasons. First, it can help companies reduce their environmental impact by reducing energy, gas, and water usage across the whole production process. Second, consumers and investors are becoming more conscious of the environment and looking for sustainable practices in companies and products they support. This can lead to a positive impact on the brand image and sales. Finally, sustainability can also help businesses reduce costs by improving energy efficiency and reducing waste. By implementing sustainable practices, businesses can improve their bottom line while also contributing to a more sustainable future.

An Energy Monitoring Solution (EMS) can help businesses make better decisions by providing real-time data on energy consumption and other process variables. This data can be used to identify areas where energy is being wasted, track energy usage over time, and make data-driven decisions to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. The most advanced EMS solutions can also build contextual relationships between energy- and process data, aligning sustainability and business objectives. By providing insights into the complex manufacturing environment, an EMS can help businesses prioritize process and equipment investments, identify opportunities for cost savings, and ultimately become leaders in sustainability.

When selecting an Energy Monitoring Solution (EMS), there are several key features to look for. First, it's important to choose a solution that can integrate with existing systems and equipment, such as SCADA or Building Management Systems. This will ensure that the EMS can collect data from all relevant sources and provide a comprehensive view of energy usage. Second, look for a solution that provides real-time data visualization and analytics, allowing users to quickly identify areas for improvement and track progress over time. Third, consider the level of customization and flexibility offered by the EMS, as this can impact the ability to tailor the solution to specific business needs. Fourth, look for a solution that provides actionable insights and recommendations, rather than just raw data. Finally, consider the level of support and expertise offered by the EMS provider, including training, technical support, and ongoing maintenance. By selecting an EMS with these key features, businesses can ensure they are getting the most value from their investment and driving real results in sustainability

The answer to this question depends on the source systems that are being used. EMS includes connectivity to a wide variety of standard drivers (300+) like BACnet, MQTT, Modbus, OPC, RS232/485 Siemens and many more. In case AVEVA / PI products are used, built-in publishers can be used to publish directly from the automation system. Data publishing can be set up within minutes. A full overview of connectivity options can be found in <Data Prerequisites – EMS>.We need to transform data to meet data prerequisites. What options are there to do this? In case data should be transformed before it is provided to the system (to meet data prerequisites), it is advised to solve this using edge software like AVEVA Edge or Crosser, or use custom scripting languages like Python or Microsoft Power Automate. Who is responsible for supplying data to the system in the project? This is usually a different project that’s handled by either the customer himself or a systems integrator. The complexity and duration of this action strongly depends on the data sources that are used to supply data to the system. Analytics for Industry supports customers in the preparatory stage of the project with advise on the best way to publish its data to the cloud.

Can data be published from a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)? Yes, DMZ SecureLink can be used as a component of EMS aimed squarely at simplifying the task of securing communications between a DMZ and the cloud environment. To gain some more insight in how secure bridging between IT/OT networks is handled, it is recommended to watch this video: AVEVA Insight and your network.

This shouldn’t be a problem, as long as the minimum requirements according to the Data Prerequisites - EMS are met. There should be data for at least 1 energy type (Water, Air, Gas, Electricity or Steam) and 1 type of context (shift, batch, product or material). Next to this, it is also recommended to have a volume measurement in place, to be able to calculate efficiencies. This data should at least be available on Area level (ISA-88). The more energy and context data is available, the more insights EMS should be able to provide.More Insights will likely increase the amount of optimization opportunities.

Adding new data to the system can be done within a few easy steps. In most cases no help from Analytics For Industry or a System Integrator is required. EMS is designed to make its end-users as self-reliant as possible. Once the data is supplied to the system, the metadata should be defined (csv upload or sync setting) according to the system’s standards. When this is done the new data becomes available in the dashboards. For connecting new sites or additional assets it is advised to consult Analytics for Industry.