November 2005 : Retailers' Newsletter

Integrate Existing Control Systems

A major retailer was having lingering problems with managing the energy and maintenance for 400+ large facilities covering 50 states and 5 countries. Although most locations appeared to be operating normally (according to the store managers) the HVAC related service charges and the utility bills were steadily increasing. Service access for the facilities was primarily through a call center run by a major HVAC manufacturer. Required response levels were provided but service calls were often deferred due to cost and complaints were wide-spread.

After a 36 location pilot project, the retailer began implementing their comprehensive enterprise facility information system (EFIS) that allows performance reports and control parameters to be accessed throughout the retailer’s network. Existing building control and monitoring systems were integrated using an EnFlex Site Control Server (SCS) at each facility. This kept costs, installation time, and retraining to a minimum while it allowed access to any data from the existing site systems (HVAC controls, meters, lighting, refrigeration systems). Web based system control, scheduling, and alarm monitoring was also included.

Now all levels of management are involved in facility operations. Managers can access real-time and historical reports and easily implement needed control changes. The proof is in the numbers. Savings in energy costs alone ranged from 8 to 26% at each facility. Service calls were also reduced.

Using Your Corporate Network

Most enterprises now have a secure corporate WAN that can easily support building control systems. Many new control systems now employ Ethernet communications to the central building controller vs. the modem communications option seen in most older systems. Does this mean that older systems need to be replaced? NO, just update them.

The EnFlex SCS can connect to most legacy systems and make them appear to be far more capable than they really are at a fraction of the cost of a new system. EnFlex will also consolidate information from multiple Ethernet based systems into a single web-based platform.

The introduction of an integrated, easy-to-use connectivity solution for local and remote management of facility systems rapidly and positively impacts facility operating costs.

The SCS has the inherent flexibility to support virtually any type of new or existing monitoring and control device (including plc, wireless, open systems, proprietary EMS, sensor, or meter). It is cost effective to continue to use existing control/monitoring systems and be able to add state-of-the-art applications and devices as they are needed.

Another EnFlex retail customer has capitalized on this capability with the incorporation of the EnFlex SCS into their procurement process. When a new facility is built or a replacement system is procured, an integration requirement is included in the equipment specifications. Suppliers typically have no added cost to meet specifications for an open system and the retailer is assured to network access to systems and the expanding ability to monitor facility operations and performance.