FAQ | Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about encentive and our intelligent energy management platform flexOn.

Requirements

Costs

How can we make our electricity consumption more flexible if we are on long-term electricity contracts?

We can also add value outside of power procurement through further optimization options. Examples include optimization for high-load time windows, energy efficiency and increasing PV self-consumption. Spot market optimization can be integrated into the optimization as soon as the electricity contract has expired.

Do I have to change my energy provider to use your intelligent energy management platform?

No, you can still stay with your current provider. If you are looking for a new energy service provider, we will be happy to support you through our strong partner network.

Is it worthwhile to use flexOn even without your own PV system?

Yes Intelligent energy management achieves savings even without your own PV system. The platform can cut peak loads, dynamically manage consumers and reduce electricity purchase costs through market price signals. In addition, we can support you with the design of PV systems, also in combination with the planning of energy storage systems, through real-time simulation.

Do we have to install additional hardware or sensors to use the 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.

We have very old systems, is it even possible to connect them?

The age of the investments usually doesn't matter. The prerequisite for optimization 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.

What are the costs for the intelligent energy management system?

The costs consist of a one-time implementation fee and the annual license fee for ongoing optimization. The level of costs is based on the complexity of the connected systems and systems, as well as the jointly defined optimization goals. We would be happy to make an individual offer for you.

How quickly does intelligent energy management pay for itself?

The effects of our intelligent flexOn energy management system can be measured immediately. Energy costs fall from the very first day because loads are automatically shifted to more favourable periods of time. As a rule, the investment in an intelligent energy management system pays off within a few months — depending on the consumption profile, plant structure and electricity price development.

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

We first connect to all relevant systems to bring the data together in real time on our energy management platform. We use all common interfaces and protocols for this purpose. Our platform then provides the universal interface on which other systems, such as energy purchasing, can rely.

How long do our systems have to be stopped for start-up?

The systems only need to be put into maintenance mode for a short time to start up our solution. This process can also be carried out during regular maintenance of the systems.

How long does it take to set up?

Depending on the complexity and number of connected systems and optimization goals, commissioning takes between 28 days and 2 months.

How does intelligent energy management work?

An intelligent energy management system continuously collects data on power consumption, electricity prices, weather and plant operation. With the help of AI, automated timetables are created that shift energy flows to cheaper and greener periods of time. In this way, companies use existing infrastructure more efficiently, save costs and reduce 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.

Is your question not included?

Frequently asked questions

See our flexOn platform in action