SAS
Alexander
Dähne , Kevin Kalish , and Manfred Kügel discuss energy optimisation using data and AI
WATCH NOW rapid change in how they consume energy and resources .
In the US , the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 offers advanced manufacturing production credit and energy-efficient commercial building deduction to promote sustainability in business .
Additionally , company boards are making ESG commitments to shareholders , with bold statements on how they will become more sustainable . However , these often remain goals and rarely become actions – in part because it is difficult to break down such principles and goals to individual plants , production lines and processes . Perhaps the biggest challenge manufacturers face is an internal one . With the ‘ low hanging fruit ’ of energy monitoring already picked , many plant managers and engineers may feel that there is no more that can be done when it comes to making their operations more efficient . Instead , they may look solely for cheaper energy procurement to deliver incremental gains . When beginning an energy cost optimisation exercise across manufacturing operations , one of the main challenges that arise comes from trusting that advanced analytics and AI can do a good job . As engineers are typically conservative , working on operational excellence causes them to resist the analysis of a computer programme . Manufacturers need to explore new ideas . Adopting advanced data analytics and using the latest AI software can help manufacturers optimise their energy usage , often delivering double digit cost savings by shining a light on ‘ hidden ’ opportunities .
58 October 2023