Key Takeaways
When energy consumption is one of your biggest controllable expenses, you need to go beyond the basics. Retail stores, with their extensive lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration systems, are voracious energy consumers. But what if we told you that with the right approach and technology, you could realistically reduce your energy bills by 15%?
At Zenatix by Schneider Electric, we’ve seen this transformation firsthand across hundreds of retail chains, from hypermarkets to quick-service restaurants. The key isn’t just about switching off lights; it’s about a data-driven, systematic, and intelligent approach to energy management.
This guide outlines how Zenatix leverages Internet of Things (IoT) technology and cloud-based analytics to achieve substantial and verifiable energy savings.
Pre-Analysis and Granular Sub-Metering
The process begins with a meticulous pre-analysis of existing consumption patterns. The goal is to move beyond a single utility meter and get a granular view of energy usage across all critical assets.
To do this, we strategically deploy wireless sensors and sub-meters. These devices are installed directly on key energy-guzzling equipment such as:
- HVAC Units: Often the largest energy consumer in a retail environment, these systems’ usage patterns must be meticulously tracked.
- Lighting Circuits: From display lighting to back-of-house areas, different lighting loads have varying energy demands.
- Commercial Refrigeration Systems: Essential for food and beverage retailers, these systems run continuously and offer significant savings opportunities.
By collecting millions of real-time data points from these individual assets, we create a precise baseline. This detailed, pre-intervention data is the foundation that allows us to accurately track and verify every kilowatt-hour of savings achieved.
Tailored Automation Strategy
Once the initial energy baseline is established, a team of energy experts analyzes the consumption patterns and operational requirements. The objective is to develop a tailored automation and control strategy that maximizes energy savings without compromising customer comfort or disrupting store operations.
This human-led analysis and strategic planning ensure that the solution isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, a quick-service restaurant with different peak hours than a clothing store will require a unique control logic.
Cloud-Based Analytics and Predictive Insights
All the data collected from the sensors is fed to our cloud platform through an intelligent gateway installed on-site. This is where raw data is processed to extract insights which are further used to get a 360-degree view of your energy landscape.
With this real-time data, the team deploys automation and smart controls to capture potential saving opportunities and work toward achieving energy savings.
Based on this intelligence, the system can:
- Track Asset Performance: Monitor the health and efficiency of your equipment in real-time.
- Show Real-Time Consumption: Give you a live view of energy usage at a granular level.
- Predict Future Consumption: Forecast energy needs based on ongoing consumption rates and external factors like weather.
The system also automatically generates a digital ticketing system to flag potential issues—like a power factor imbalance or a voltage anomaly—alerting your maintenance team to address problems proactively and prevent costly breakdowns.
Continuous Optimization and Maintenance Prevention
Once we start to see results and savings, the process does not stop here. The system is smart and continuously monitors, keeping the system optimized wherever there is a gap or possibility.
This proactive approach allows for maintenance prevention, where small issues are addressed before they can lead to major equipment failure, reducing both energy waste and the costs associated with reactive repairs.
By combining expert analysis with a data-driven process, the energy savings are not theoretical; they are a verifiable reality. This comprehensive approach consistently delivers up to 15% in verified energy savings.
Conclusion
Energy management is no longer just a line item on your P&L; it’s a strategic lever for operational excellence. By adopting Zenatix’s IoT solution, you’re not just buying a technology; you’re investing in a holistic system that delivers a tangible, sustained reduction in operating costs. You gain a level of control and intelligence that is simply not possible with manual or static systems.
The journey to a 15% reduction in energy costs is a data-driven process, and Zenatix provides the technology, the expertise, and the analytics to get you there. We believe that with the right tools, every kilowatt-hour can be optimized for profitability and sustainability.
Ready to see how Zenatix can transform your retail operations?
Contact us to book a meeting with our energy experts and let’s build a custom energy-saving strategy for your business.
