Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? Choosing Between Energy Manager and Software for UK Businesses: Find the Best Fit.
Energy is the lifeblood of all asset-intensive companies; however, managing this crucial asset has often been overlooked.
Crises like the pandemic and the energy market upheaval in 2022, along with growing demands from sustainability-related legislation, have served as a rude awakening to businesses that did not treat energy management as a strategic asset.
Equipped with the knowledge that investing in energy efficiency can set them apart, forward-looking businesses have turned to outsourcing energy management, resulting in more efficient energy use, cost savings, and achieving sustainability goals.
For those currently exploring outsourcing energy management, the question of how to do this effectively presents its own set of challenges. Do you invest in an energy manager’s expertise, or do you rely on the digital precision of energy management software?
In this blog, we delve deep into the showdown between the two. We will not only discuss the pros and cons but also share success stories and practical tips from businesses that have successfully navigated this strategic decision.
The Role of an Energy Manager
Energy Managers are focused on technical leadership, spearheading initiatives to enhance energy efficiency. In essence, an Energy Manager oversees the planning, monitoring, and optimisation of energy usage within an organisation, with a focus on reducing costs, improving operational efficiency, and meeting sustainability goals.
To achieve this, they carry out energy audits, manage projects for energy conservation, and stay abreast of the latest energy technologies.
Considering working with an Energy Manager? Ensure that your Energy Manager has a nuanced understanding of the motivational drivers within your organisation, whether it be operational excellence, cost reduction, or environmental stewardship. Look for expertise that covers a wide range of innovations, from smart building technologies to integrating renewable energy sources and carbon capture solutions.
What is Energy Management Software?
Energy Management Software differs from an energy manager in that it provides a detailed analysis of energy consumption and costs through data. This data must then be analysed by the user.
However, unlike an energy manager, Energy Management Software (EMS) offers a comprehensive view of energy use across all levels. Some EMS, like our technology ClearVUE.Zero, can analyse your data from global assets to site-specific circuits, segmented by energy type. Often, EMS features intuitive, customizable dashboards that enable stakeholders to pinpoint energy concerns swiftly, making it easy to access necessary reports.
The primary advantages of an EMS include monitoring energy usage, cost reduction, minimising energy needs, reducing the carbon footprint, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering an eco-friendly mindset across teams.
Pro-tip: Opt for a cloud-based EMS to enhance deployment speed, scalability, and remote access capabilities, supporting diverse devices and locations.
Key Differences and Synergies
Both energy management software and energy managers play critical roles and offer unique benefits in optimising energy management within an organisation. Here’s how they compare:
Energy Management Software:
- Automation: Automates energy consumption tracking and analysis.
- Customisable: Offers customisable dashboards and reports for identifying energy savings.
- Quick Compliance: Facilitates compliance with energy regulations through automated reports.
Energy Manager:
- Strategic Leadership: Experts in strategizing and implementing energy conservation initiatives.
- Capitalizing on Software: Utilises software data for informed decision-making.
- Technical Leadership: Leads energy optimisation projects and manages stakeholder engagement.
Choosing the Right Solution – What Questions Should a Business Ask Before Making Its Choice?
Answer the following questions to determine which tool would be most effective for your organisation’s needs:
- Do we have the in-house expertise to analyse and act on energy data?
- Can the existing IT infrastructure support or provide energy insights?
- How complex is our energy use and infrastructure?
- What specific return on investment (ROI) objectives are you aiming to achieve?
- What level of customization and scalability do we need?
- How important is real-time data and remote access for our operations?
If you have in-house expertise, existing infrastructure that provides insight, and do not require extensive scalability (e.g., across multiple sites), consider working with an Energy Manager. However, if you need a large-scale solution that can be accessed remotely, Energy Management Software might be a better fit.
The Best of Both Worlds
Both solutions offer unique insights that can drive energy management savings. For an optimal solution, consider combining the data analysis capabilities of an energy management software with the strategic insights of an Energy Manager.
This integrated approach guarantees efficiency and sustainability in energy management.
ClearVUE.Business has witnessed firsthand how this approach can result in operational efficiencies for numerous businesses.
For example, the Morgan Motor Company utilized our innovative energy management software, ClearVUE.Zero, to measure their energy-intensive painting process, which relies on paint powder-coating ovens and other machinery.
Upon implementing ClearVUE.Zero, the company identified machinery that had been running unnecessarily early in their daily production processes for years. With a simple adjustment recommended by our Energy Managers, the company reduced energy consumption significantly and saved substantial sums.
Book a free demo today to discover how our technology and energy managers can provide the best insights for your organization.
This article was featured in the April 2024 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.
