Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our industrial energy monitoring and automation platform.
What types of PLCs and industrial devices does Smart Energy support?
Smart Energy supports Siemens S7 series (S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, S7-1500), Modbus TCP/IP devices, and OPC UA/DA servers. This covers the vast majority of industrial automation equipment including energy meters, temperature sensors, flow meters, pressure transmitters, motor drives, and building automation systems.
How long does it take to implement Smart Energy in our facility?
Typical implementation takes 3-10 days from start to full automation. This includes discovery and planning (1 day), device configuration (1-2 days), dashboard setup (1-2 days), formula development (2-3 days), and training (1-2 days). No hardware installation is required as we connect to your existing PLCs.
Do we need to install additional hardware or modify our existing PLCs?
No additional hardware installation is required. Smart Energy connects to your existing PLCs and industrial devices over your network. We don't modify your PLC programs or require any changes to your current automation setup. The system works alongside your existing infrastructure.
How does the automatic intervention system work?
Our formula-based automation engine allows you to create rules using a visual builder without coding. For example, you can automatically shut down compressors when production stops, adjust HVAC based on occupancy, or reduce equipment speed during off-peak hours. Formulas can be tested in safe mode (notification-only) before activating automatic interventions.
What kind of energy savings can we expect?
While results vary by facility, our customers typically achieve significant energy cost reductions within 6-12 months. Common savings come from eliminating off-hours consumption, optimizing equipment operation, reducing peak demand charges, and identifying inefficient processes. Many facilities see payback periods of 4-6 months.
Can multiple users access the system with different permission levels?
Yes, Smart Energy supports multi users with role-based access control. Each user can create their own personalized dashboards, set custom notification preferences, and access features based on their role. Administrators have full control over system settings.
How is historical data stored and for how long?
All TAG data is automatically recorded to the database based on configurable schedules (from 1 second to monthly intervals). Historical data retention is configurable based on your needs and storage capacity. The system includes powerful query tools for analyzing historical trends and generating reports.
What happens if the network connection to a PLC is lost?
Smart Energy includes automatic connection recovery and error handling. If a connection is lost, the system continuously attempts to reconnect and logs all connection events. Forward filling ensures data continuity for meter readings. You'll receive notifications about connection issues and can view detailed logs.
Can we export data for external analysis or reporting?
Yes, all data can be exported in multiple formats including Excel, CSV, and JSON. Export functionality is available throughout the system on listing pages, dashboards, and analysis views. You can also integrate with other business intelligence tools using our API.
How do COST cards help with energy management?
COST cards provide real-time cost calculations based on energy consumption, production output, and resource utilization. You can set targets and receive color-coded alerts when costs exceed thresholds. This enables immediate visibility into cost per unit produced, helping identify inefficiencies and optimize operations.
Is training required to use the formula builder?
The formula builder is designed to be intuitive and doesn't require programming knowledge. We provide comprehensive documentation and training during implementation. Most users can create basic formulas within hours of training. Complex automation rules may require more experience, but our support team is always available to help.
Does Smart Energy support multiple languages?
Yes, Smart Energy currently supports English and Turkish with full internationalization. The system is designed to easily accommodate additional languages for global operations. Each user can select their preferred language independently.
What is the difference between Standard TAGs and Advanced TAGs?
Standard TAGs read values directly from PLCs (like temperature, pressure, or flow rate). Advanced TAGs are calculated values that combine multiple Standard TAGs using formulas. For example, you can create an Advanced TAG that calculates efficiency by dividing output by input, or energy consumption per unit produced.
How secure is the data in Smart Energy?
Smart Energy implements industry-standard security practices including role-based access control, secure PLC communication protocols, audit trails for all operations, and encrypted data transmission. Your data is stored securely and access is controlled based on user permissions.
What kind of support and maintenance is provided?
We provide comprehensive support including initial training, documentation, email/phone support, and system updates. Our team is available to help with formula development, troubleshooting, and optimization. Regular updates ensure compatibility with new PLC models and feature enhancements.
Can we monitor multiple facilities from a single Smart Energy instance?
Yes, Smart Energy can monitor multiple facilities or production lines from a single installation. You can organize devices and stations by location, create facility-specific dashboards, and manage permissions to control which users can access data from each facility.
What are TAG categories and why should we use them?
TAG categories help organize thousands of data points into logical hierarchical groups (e.g., Production Line 1 > Compressors > Pressure Sensors). This makes it easier to find specific TAGs, create dashboards, and manage large-scale industrial systems. Categories can be nested to any depth.
How does forward filling work for meter readings?
Forward filling is a feature for cumulative meter readings (like energy meters). If a reading fails, the system uses the last known value to maintain data continuity. This prevents gaps in consumption calculations while clearly marking estimated values for transparency.
Can we create custom reports and schedules?
Yes, the Analysis module allows you to create custom reports with specific TAGs, time ranges, and chart types. You can save analysis configurations for reuse and export results in multiple formats. Scheduled reporting features can be configured based on your requirements.