Disruptive technologies are dramatically changing the electricity monitoring landscape. Lower costs, real time results, actionable reports and alerts are the new norm. All at a fraction of the cost you’d pay just a few years ago.
It is all made possible by the advent of new energy management sensors that are completely self-powered, and so inexpensive that you can consider monitoring every circuit in your entire facility. But you want to ensure that you’re getting
- the right equipment
- the right expertise
- the right price
Here’s our advice on how to compare providers:
Criterion #1: Technology
Does the supplier offer the latest technology? Both the hardware and the software are critically important.
The energy management hardware should meet these criteria:
- Tiny – so that they fit readily into electrical panel
- Snap-on – so that they can be connected to a circuit quickly without shutting down the power supply
- Wireless – they should communicate with a bridge or modem, and from there to the Cloud
- Self-powered, so that they don’t need batteries or a hard-wired connection to a power supply. The newest sensors are completely self-contained, generating their own power via electromagnetic induction
- Flexible – able to handle any circuit size through the use of flexible CTs
The accompanying software should meet these criteria:
- Does it provide a comprehensive portfolio of reports and alerts?
- Is the analytical and reporting software intuitive / easy to use?
- Can you customize the reports and alerts so that you get only the information you need?
- Is the data available in near-real-time?
Criterion #2: Expertise
- Can the provider explain the solution in plain English?
- Do they have a thoughtful, documented process?
- Do they have Engineering and Project Management personnel on staff?
- Will they assist with strategy and scoping?
- Will they handle the installation?
- Will they train your team in the use of the system?
- Do they offer continuous Engineering and Technical Support?
- Can they provide references from successful installations?
Step #3: Price
Do they offer a “bundled” solution that incorporates everything you need:
- Strategy and Scoping
- Installation
- Training
- Customization of reports and alerts
- Engineering support for the life of the contract
- Technical support for the life of the contract
You should be offered a choice of capitalizing or amortizing the project. A 50-sensor “bundled” installation should cost less than $1,000 per month if you amortize the purchase, and the monthly fee should drop to $500 or less beginning in the third year, once all the hardware is amortized.
Would you like to learn about one solution that meets these criteria? Visit us at www.sitewatchiot.com and download the SiteWatch White Paper.