IoT is the acronym for Internet of Things. IoT is the network of computing devices (connected through
internet) which can send and receive the data. They make our day to day activity easier. With the use of
various types of sensors to collect information, they digitalize them and send that information to other
devices that they communicate with. For this process of collecting and sending data in a cyclic manner,
these devices need energy. They use energy in different form and from different sources. The use of
energy is not appropriate, and the use of energy is a concern. With some techniques, the energy usage
can be optimized for IoT devices.
Do not connect panels:
While tracking the energy profiles of systems is preferable to relying only on the energy data provided on
a month-end utility bill, it is inferior to connecting actual devices. Take an HVAC system, for example. By
tracking the energy consumption of the entire system, you could discover its off-hours consumption and
can gather energy data that can be analyzed. However, by tracking each compressor and blower
separately, you get real-time visibility that not only helps reduce waste, but also optimize maintenance.
Base Maintenance on Data
Tracking each system component and uncovering anomalies may signal an impending equipment failure.
Facility managers have found great success in transitioning from a time-based preventative maintenance
schedule (which often includes unnecessary and expensive service calls) to a predictive maintenance
method that is based on data. This way, when a compressor’s energy usage profile signals that it is
overloading or idling, the compressor can be serviced immediately to reduce downtime and improve
overall performance.
Get Real-Time Alerts and Act on Them Immediately
By connecting energy usage to the company’s production goals using granular data, organizations are able
to quickly identify system performance inefficiencies. The strong data collection capabilities and real-time
alerts translate into actionable intelligence that helps improve system efficiency and optimize production.
For example, an inefficient conveyor motor that is overloading and tripping out, creating a bottleneck in
the process, would typically go unnoticed. However, with device-level monitoring and real-time alerts,
facility managers can take immediate action.
Use Data to Instill Behavioral Change
A lot of the wasted energy in an operation is not caused by the devices themselves, but rather by those
who operate the devices. When the devices are monitored and their consumption can be tracked,
business people can use the data to empower employees. It is not enough to tell employees to power
down machinery at the end of the day. When workers are armed with data about specific devices and
insights on how their actions can optimize energy usage, they can be empowered to act.
Be Green to Save Green
We have explored how each one of these tips is inextricably tied to the bottom line (as that is often the
main concern of business people and entrepreneurs). While optimizing maintenance schedules and
eliminating energy waste have a direct impact on reducing expenses and thereby increasing profits, there
are other benefits to sustainable business practices that also have an effect, albeit sometimes an indirect
one, on the bottom line.