by Brianna Crandall — January 11, 2016—Digital Lumens, provider of intelligent LED lighting systems, and Peerless Research Group (PRG), provider of independent business content and information serving the supply chain, recently unveiled a new study, “How Tracking / Managing Energy Consumption Drives Real Cost Savings.”
The report, based on findings from 230 facilities managers involved with warehouse and distribution center operations and with average facility size of 330,000 square feet, found that understanding energy consumption was a top priority for nearly all (93%) of respondents, yet fewer than a third (29%) were actually fully aware of power consumption at their site.
Key findings of the report include:
- The role of the Internet of Things (IoT) presents a huge opportunity: Just one out of five managers is very familiar with the idea of IoT, and about half (48%) are implementing, planning, or thinking about adopting an IoT strategy.
- Lighting is a key priority: For organizations that want to improve efficiency, 79% of respondents identified lighting as the area they would like to replace.
- IT and facilities regularly interact: Two-thirds of respondents coordinate with IT departments when employing energy efficiency projects.
Judd Aschenbrand, director of research, Peerless Research Group, pointed out:
The data shows that the materials-handling industry has organizations distributed across the energy-efficiency spectrum, with high performers already locking in savings and driving down operational costs. Those who have not implemented programs have opportunities to lead their organizations to build new efficiency initiatives, with the potential to deploy IoT-based systems that will offer value far beyond energy efficiency.
The findings highlight the potential to align goals, processes, and programs at the corporate level to support energy reduction goals in day-to-day operations and during the procurement process. For example, while more respondents rated total cost of ownership (TCO) and ongoing maintenance costs as being highly important when considering energy efficiency solutions, just 36% of respondents evaluate TCO on energy systems.
This suggests that few organizations take the long-term view on energy efficiency technology investments, and do not align their purchasing programs or employee incentive programs to reward long-term thinking, according to the report.
Tom Pincince, CEO and president, Digital Lumens, added:
The responses provide numerous insights into areas where organizations can leverage intelligent systems, and educate facility managers and other decision-makers on the applications and benefits of an IoT strategy. The results also suggest that while some companies have an understanding of energy consumption, the lack of granularity of this knowledge presents opportunities for improvements.
To view the study’s complete findings or learn more about its methodology, download the full “How Tracking / Managing Energy Consumption Drives Real Cost Savings” report at no cost, with registration online.
