FAQ | Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Here you will find answers to the most common questions about encentive and our smart energy management platform flexOn.

Requirements

Costs

How can we flexibilise our electricity consumption if we are tied to long-term electricity contracts?

We also create value beyond power procurement through additional optimisation options. These include peak load management, energy efficiency measures, and increasing PV self-consumption. Spot market optimisation can be integrated as soon as the current electricity contract expires.

Do I need to change my energy provider to use your smart energy management platform?

No, you can remain with your current provider. If you are considering a new energy supplier, we will be happy to support you through our strong partner network.

Is it worthwhile using flexOn even without a PV system of your own?

Yes, smart energy management delivers savings even without a PV system of your own. The platform can reduce peak loads, dynamically manage consumers, and lower electricity procurement costs through market price signals. In addition, we can support you in the design of PV systems – also in combination with energy storage solutions – through real-time simulation.

Do we need to install additional hardware or sensors to be able to use the smart energy management platform?

No, the existing sensors and hardware are usually sufficient. If this is not the case, we will be happy to assist you with the retrofit.

Our equipment is very old – is it even possible to connect it?

The age of the investments usually doesn't matter. The prerequisite for optimisation is that the systems can be controlled by the existing control system. If in doubt, we would be happy to take a look at your investments with you.

How much does the smart energy management system cost?

The costs consist of a one-time implementation fee and the annual license fee for ongoing optimisation. The exact level depends on the complexity of the connected assets as well as the jointly defined optimisation goals. We will be happy to provide you with an individual offer.

How quickly does smart energy management pay for itself?

The effects of our smart flexOn energy management system can be measured immediately. Energy costs decrease from day one, as loads are automatically shifted to more favourable periods. In most cases, the investment in a smart energy management system pays off within just a few months – depending on the consumption profile, plant structure, and electricity price developments.

Our systems are very complex and difficult to connect. How does encentive manage to integrate all systems?

We first connect all relevant systems to consolidate the data in real time on our smart energy management platform. For this, we use all common interfaces and protocols. Our platform then serves as the universal interface on which other systems – such as energy procurement – can rely.

How long do our systems need to be offline during start-up?

The systems only need to be placed in maintenance mode for a short time to start up our solution. This process can also be carried out during regular system maintenance.

How long does the set-up take?

Depending on the complexity and number of connected systems, as well as the defined optimisation goals, onboarding takes between 28 days and two months.

How does smart energy management work?

A smart energy management system continuously collects data on power consumption, electricity prices, weather, and plant operation. With the help of AI, automated schedules are created that shift energy flows to cheaper and greener periods. In this way, companies use their existing infrastructure more efficiently, reduce costs, and cut emissions – without manual intervention.

How does flexOn protect my data?

Data security is a top priority. flexOn works with encrypted data transfer, role-based access controls and regular security updates. In addition, the intelligent energy management system is being developed in accordance with current IT security standards, so that it can also be operated reliably in critical infrastructures.

Which server is the AI on?

Our cloud solution is located on German servers, which meet all security standards and have appropriate certificates.

What happens and who is liable if our systems fail?

Should our system fail in an unlikely event, your regular system control system will continue running as if we did not exist. In principle, our system cannot cause your systems to fail. Nonetheless, we of course have appropriate liability insurance.

What happens if our systems have a fault and need to be repaired? Does the technician need to know flexOn?

No, the optimization is based on regular system control. If there is a planned or unplanned operational interruption, optimization simply stops and does not affect the maintenance and repair process in any way. As soon as the systems have been repaired and the system control is activated, optimization also automatically resumes.

Do we have to make our production more flexible, or will encentive manage to make it more flexible within our existing production schedules?

Your production is inviolable for us and determines the required energy requirements — without exceptions. As a first step, we only look at peripheral processes that can be optimized independently of the production process. These include, for example, cooling, heating and charging processes or the intelligent use of storage and buffering options. This can optimize our energy management platform without affecting production.

How can encentive ensure that the relevant operating parameters are met?

During commissioning, you tell us your operating and limit parameters, which we can also adjust during optimization if necessary. The architecture of our optimization is structured in such a way that our system cannot leave the limit parameters under any circumstances.

Can we see how much we've saved by using intelligent energy management?

Yes, the savings resulting from the optimization of intelligent energy management are continuously calculated and visualized on our platform. This allows you to always keep an eye on your savings. In addition, close support is an elementary part of our service: If you have any questions about the exact energy and cost savings, you can always contact us.

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Frequently asked questions

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