Smarter energy management: AI and process efficiency

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is growing fast. Certified Energy Manager Brian Olsen discusses how AI can help enhance energy management system capabilities.

AI takes it to the next level

Artificial intelligence (AI) can take energy management systems (EMSs) to another level. An EMS is really good at predicting when things should happen based on what you tell it to do. AI can analyze energy use over time and suggest how to improve process efficiency.

Uncover hidden opportunities

Integrating AI into your EMS as it's currently configured may reveal energy-saving opportunities that were overlooked during the initial setup, as well as new devices that may have been added that have shifted older, less versatile equipment within the system.

Dive deeper into the details

AI can find minute differences that may not be readily apparent to someone operating a machine, which can help keep parameter settings within a desired range. So, for example, if three things get out of the specified range, you'll get notified, and you can make the change, or it can be done automatically if AI is connected to system controls. This automation results in less scrap, less rework and less waste. It also makes maintenance smoother and less expensive.

Vertical intelligence

Vertical intelligence can provide significant benefits. This type of AI is designed to address challenges specific to a particular industry or activity. Vertical intelligence uses all of the variables available to it — accumulated information, case studies, etc. — and looks for opportunities to implement them wherever possible to improve efficiency.