How Industrial IoT helps European factories cut energy costs & boost efficiency

04 Feb 2025
A symbolic light bulb representing energy efficiency, with high-voltage power lines in the background, illustrating the concept of industrial IoT solutions helping European factories reduce energy costs and improve operational efficiency.
Discover how Ewon's industrial IoT solutions help European factories reduce energy costs, optimize machine performance, and improve efficiency.

Discover how industrial IoT solutions help European factories reduce energy costs, optimize machine performance, and improve efficiency.

High energy costs and strict environmental regulations put European factories under pressure to optimize efficiency. But how can they cut expenses while maintaining performance and competitivity? Industrial IoT solutions, like those from HMS Networks, provide insights to reduce energy waste, improving machine efficiency, and ensure compliance with sustainability goals.

Smart energy management in factories

The first step to reducing energy consumption is having a precise understanding of how much energy your machines consume. Industrial IoT allows you to connect, centralize, and analyze data from your machines, providing a clear overview of energy usage.

With this level of visibility, companies can:

·         Identify energy-intensive machines that drive up costs;

·         Quickly detect unusual spikes in consumption, which may indicate malfunctions or the need for maintenance;

·         Set key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and compare the energy efficiency of equipment.

By incorporating these insights into a broader smart energy management strategy, businesses can proactively address inefficiencies and prevent excessive energy use.

Optimize equipment performance to save energy

A well-functioning machine not only operates more reliably but also consumes less energy. Ewon’s connectivity solutions empower businesses to continuously monitor machine performance, detect potential issues, and take timely action—while also reducing maintenance costs, as demonstrated in the case of Egan.

Key benefits include:

·         Predictive maintenance: by analyzing machine data, companies can detect early signs of wear and tear. This allows them to take preventive action, reducing energy consumption, minimizing downtime, and lowering maintenance costs.

·         Equipment optimization: machines that are properly tuned consume less energy, last longer, and deliver substantial cost savings over time.

By implementing these strategies, companies can maximize the energy efficiency of their operations while extending the lifespan of their equipment.

Reduce energy peaks and optimize production processes

Another advantage of industrial connectivity is the ability to adjust machine settings in real time based on actual demand, preventing unnecessary energy usage.

Examples include:

·         Adjusting operations during low-demand periods: reducing machine speed or power when production is slower can cut down on wasted energy;

·         Smoothing out energy peaks: high energy demand spikes directly impact costs. By optimizing machine schedules, companies can balance energy usage and lower expenses;

·         Leveraging renewable energy: coordinating electricity consumption with the output of renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines reduces reliance on more expensive energy sources.

These optimizations not only lead to immediate cost savings but also contribute to more sustainable resource management.

Identify and reduce invisible energy costs in manufacturing

One of the most significant advantages of connected systems is their ability to uncover hidden sources of energy waste. Common examples include:

·         Machines left in standby mode for extended periods;

·         Equipment operating at capacities higher than necessary;

·         Leaks in compressed air or steam systems, causing significant inefficiencies.

By identifying these often-overlooked issues, companies can make targeted improvements that lead to substantial cost reductions.

Achieve environmental compliance while saving money

In Europe, adhering to environmental regulations is critical for industrial businesses. For instance, the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) requires companies to reduce emissions and provide accurate reporting on energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Ewon’s IIoT solutions enable companies to:

·         Monitor energy consumption and emissions;

·         Generate reliable data to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.

This helps businesses avoid potential penalties, enhance their environmental credibility, and align with sustainability goals while reducing operational costs.

Start reducing your energy costs today

As a pioneer in remote industrial connectivity, HMS Networks offers innovative solutions to help businesses manage their energy consumption. The new Ewon Cloud and Ewon Edge solution is designed for companies managing large fleets of machines, complementing the globally recognized Ewon Cosy, an industrial remote access gateway, and Ewon Flexy, a leader in industrial remote monitoring.

Are you ready to take control of your energy consumption and boost competitiveness?

Contact us today to learn how our solutions can help you implement a smart energy management strategy, reduce energy costs, and optimize operations!