“Comparability is the Key”
REWE International AG has been relying on the expert knowledge of the Bosch subsidiary Hörburger in the areas of building automation and energy management since 2017. All the energy consumption data from over 2 000 branches of the brands Billa in the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Slovakia, Penny in Italy, the Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary as well as Iki in Lithuania are recorded and monitored using the cloud-based IoT platform QBRX. Christoph Utikal, energy management representative (CEE) at REWE International AG, and Markus Müllenberg, head of the Hörburger Erfurt Branch, explain how this works.
REWE has an ambitious sustainability strategy. Could you say: the better the data, the bigger the potential savings?
Christoph Utikal: Yes, for us, the data give us the leverage to create savings.
Markus Müllenberg: REWE International has recorded all of its energy consumption figures since 2010. That´s truly unique. The data are integrated into our proprietary energy management software QBRX, which we use to generate analyses, reporting and documentation. REWE can quickly map and monitor its CO₂ footprint. Other companies only know how much power they use.
Christoph Utikal: The platform allows us to see if we´re on target for reaching REWE´s climate goals.
Are you on target?
Christoph Utikal: We are. REWE´s goal is to reduce 30% of our emissions relative to 2019 levels by 2030 and, by 2040, to be climate neutral.
How does QBRX help with that?
Markus Müllenberg: Penny in Italy wanted to know how it could save more energy. We saw a lot of potential in air conditioning. Now the systems are automatically switched on and off in sync with store opening hours using the tool.
Christoph Utikal: This helps us to ensure store managers develop a greater awareness of energy efficiency.
What sort of savings are possible?
Markus Müllenberg: Ten percent savings are possible with measures that are easy to implement. But the data needs to be recorded and made transparent.
Christoph Utikal: Comparability is the key.
Can this approach be applied to other industries?
Markus Müllenberg: Yes. REWE International is a strong driver of innovative uses for the platform. We´ve developed a lot together. Other companies will also benefit from this.
Christoph Utikal: For us, working with a partner like Hörburger, which learns from a lot of different industries, is an advantage. A perfect example for how to best exploit synergies.
How quickly does the investment pay off with a solution like this one?
Christoph Utikal: For us, the investments were recouped within a year.
Markus Müllenberg: A major advantage of QBRX is that it's an open system and it's flexible. We can use practically all the technologies already installed by the customer, integrate third-party data, and create interfaces. That saves on new investments.
Christoph Utikal: The openness of the system is an important advantage.
Where are future developments heading?
Christoph Utikal: In the future, more areas will be automated so that issues can be dealt with proactively.
Markus Müllenberg: That's right, there are going to be more forecasts. We´ll be comparing future data with real data in order to detect anomalies and further reduce energy use.
The openness of the system is an important advantage.
Can this approach be applied to other industries?
Markus Müllenberg: Yes. REWE International is a strong driver of innovative uses for the platform. We've developed a lot together. Other companies will also benefit from this.
Christoph Utikal: For us, working with a partner like Hörburger, which learns from a lot of different industries, is an advantage. A perfect example for how to best exploit synergies.
How quickly does the investment pay off with a solution like this one?
Christoph Utikal: For us, the investments were recouped within a year.
Markus Müllenberg: A major advantage of QBRX is that it's an open system and it's flexible. We can use practically all the technologies already installed by the customer, integrate third-party data, and create interfaces. That saves on new investments.
Christoph Utikal: The openness of the system is an important advantage.
Where are future developments heading?
Christoph Utikal: In the future, more areas will be automated so that issues can be dealt with proactively.
Markus Müllenberg: That´s right, there are going to be more forecasts. We'll be comparing future data with real data in order to detect anomalies and further reduce energy use.
All in one:
QBRX is a cloud-based platform that unites solutions for energy management and technical facility management as well as a range of building technology functions in one software. All processes, units, systems and devices are interconnected, organized and coordinated in the IoT Service Desk. As such, QBRX connects data analysis, remote administration and workflow management, thereby making separate interfaces unnecessary.
Working for you: bridge builders, custom tailors, pioneers and enablers
Digitalization and artificial intelligence are opening up new possibilities: They offer more security, create comfortable living and working environments, and make building management more efficient. One of the result is fewer emissions. This development requires one thing above all else: an exceptional team like ours at Bosch Energy and Building Solutions. Around 6 000 competent and motivated associates – from the junior talent to experienced professionals – are working for you. They develop, implement and manage state-of the-art building solutions, combining an excellent customer orientation and technological expertise with high level of enthusiasm.
