FAQ

Is there a way to identify where, when, and how I'm wasting energy?

Yes. SiteWatch 360 (SW360) can identify where energy is likely being wasted through unnecessary run-time, non-optimized machine settings, etc. In addition, SW360 can display detailed manufacturing metrics and data showing where, when, and how you can make operational changes to reduce energy consumption relative to production output.

How much of my power bill is overall usage versus demand?

Depending on your utility, roughly one-third of your bill is for peak demand and another two-thirds for overall kWh usage. Obviously, meeting production requirements is more critical in the short run than energy savings and manufacturing efficiency metrics, but an effort to manage peak demand (aka capacity charges) can often yield both benefits.

How can I lower my demand peaks?

If you know when you’re setting peaks, you can shift part or all of the load to other times of day by moving loads from peak to off-peak periods. A very common problem with HVAC equipment in particular is when to end nightly "set-backs" in the early morning. If multiple chillers start up at 6:00 a.m. on a Monday morning, for example, this will almost certainly set a new peak. If you can instead stagger start-ups over an hour or so at about 15-minute intervals, you'll significantly reduce peak demand.

Can I speed up my end-of-month energy-use reports without having to wait for my power bill?

Yes, you can create an up-to-the-minute report at any time with a single click. Your instant power-use report from SW360 should match your utility power bill's consumption within a few percentage points. (There are various additional monthly charges from your utility that contribute to the difference.)

Can I get an early warning that a machine is deteriorating and might fail?

Yes. SW360 can alert you if one machine or multiple machines are operating outside their normal power-draw range(s). In addition to warnings due to erratic or abnormal power consumption, SW360 can provide warnings when multiple parameters — power, temperature, pressure, cooling, etc. — have moved out of range simultaneously.

How can I improve my maintenance scheduling?

SW360 provides detailed data that helps you move from calendar-based to predictive or condition-based maintenance. Clients typically use our data to support, rather than replace, manufacturers' maintenance guides.

How can I get all my operating data into one place?

SW360’s software platform can receive, store, and analyze virtually any kind of data from almost any sensor or meter. As an "open system," SW360 can import data from, and export data to, almost any software platform that a customer might be using. You can run the two systems simultaneously to provide granularity in different areas.

Does this include multiple machines or even multiple plants?

Yes, SW360 can monitor the metrics for manufacturing in one machine, a production line, an entire facility, or multiple facilities, depending on where you locate the sensors. You can set up groups of machines so that data is captured simultaneously from the main production equipment and all kinds of supporting equipment — e.g., cooling-water pumps, air dryers, hydraulics, etc.

Is there a way to simplify my reporting on things like carbon footprint, GHGs, etc.?

SW360 has built-in standard reports for various sustainability needs and manufacturing KPIs, or we can easily build custom reports for you. If you need custom reports, you can create them yourself using our widget-based system or you can give us your requirements and we can build them rapidly to your specifications.

Can I track the cost of running specific machines accurately?

Yes, you can track the cost of operating any single machine or a group of them in detail, down to the minute. Because we can set up your utility bill charges in SW360 in detail, your machine operating costs will accurately encompass both total energy use in kWh and peak demand in kW.

How can I comply with local regulations like NYC’s Local Law 97, etc.?

Our standard reports can provide all the data for LL97 reporting, but you can also create a custom report to suit your specific needs. There are at least 30 "Local" laws across major U.S. cities, and operators can use SW360 for compliance with all of them.