Identify and exploit optimization potential
Large building infrastructures like sales and logistics centers consume lots of energy, so it’s all the more important to closely monitor energy flows, optimize consumption, reduce costs, and contribute towards sustainable improvements in energy efficiency. That’s why electrical wholesaler Rexel decided to implement a cloud-capable power monitoring solution at its logistics center in Maisach, Germany. In doing so, the subsidiary is following the guidelines of its parent company, the Rexel Group, to achieve group-wide benchmarking of consumption levels and relevant areas of efficiency potential.
Using the powermanager power monitoring software and MindSphere provides us with many new opportunities for success on the market.Jens Wehran, CFO Rexel Germany
Electrical wholesaler with innovative services
Rexel Germany (formerly Hagemeyer Deutschland) is an electrical wholesaler that belongs to the globally active Rexel Group. Rexel Germany has 1,300 employees in 37 locations and four logistics centers. In addition to its comprehensive range of goods, Rexel also supports its customers with services for implementing their projects. For example, the company has a specially created showroom in Maisach where customers can experience for themselves the benefits of power monitoring.
Recorded on site, analyzed in the cloud
To implement power monitoring, Rexel opted for a system from Siemens’ SENTRON portfolio. More than 100 measuring devices from the 7KM PAC series were installed in SIVACON 8MF1 system cubicles and ALPHA distribution boards, along with the powermanager power monitoring software.Integrated system with a cloud connection
The integrated system was certified by TÜV Rheinland for conformity to support an energy management system according to ISO 50001. The system is also connected to MindSphere, the open Internet of Things (IoT) operating system from Siemens. For monitoring and evaluating energy consumption, the company utilizes a MindSphere app that was exclusively programmed for the Rexel Group. This app analyzes actual power consumption values and provides insights into possible optimization potential.
Expert talk on digitalization and power consumption
Reduce energy costs and develop new business models
In an expert’s talk at Hannover Messe 2019, Ricardo Radowski, Director of Business Development for Rexel Germany, spoke about the successes that have resulted from optimizing energy flows with the aid of new data transparency. Rexel’s most important goal was to reduce energy costs, which they were able to do, thanks in part to a new, intelligent warehouse lighting system. Rexel was already aware that lighting was a key cost factor, but didn’t realize the full extent until monitoring began. The company uses the mobile power app specially developed for Rexel for its own customers. The cloud-based solution enables small and medium-sized enterprises in particular to monitor and optimize their energy consumption without having to have their own cloud infrastructure.
