From hidden losses to measurable impact

Energy efficiency is widely discussed – but rarely understood in concrete terms. In many industrial systems, the real challenge is not a lack of technology, but a lack of transparency. So how do companies move from assumptions to informed decisions?

When Ryan Stewart, Product Promotion Manager for low-voltage motors and digital tools at Innomotics, walked into a store to buy a washing machine, he expected a simple decision. But it quickly became more complex. “I knew which one was the most efficient – but I had no idea when my investment would pay back.” It is a familiar dilemma, and not just in everyday life. In industrial environments, similar decisions are made every day – at a much larger scale. Electric motors run continuously in pumps, fans and compressors, accounting for a significant share of industrial energy consumption. And yet, in many cases, their efficiency is not actively managed. Not because companies lack technology, but because they lack visibility.

As Rolf Zimmermann, Product Owner of Innomotics Evaluate, explains: “Transparency brings clear and concise decision making.”

From data to decisions

The gap between data and decision is where the real opportunity lies. By combining technical and commercial perspectives, evaluation makes it possible to quantify three critical dimensions:

• energy consumption
• operating costs
• CO₂ emissions

When these numbers are on the table, the transparency provides a solid basis for decision-making. Instead of asking which product is more efficient, companies can ask: Where does efficiency create value?

Evaluate – enabling informed decisions

To create this transparency, Innomotics developed Evaluate  – a digital application that helps users assess energy efficiency, operating costs and CO₂ impact based on their specific operating conditions. The evaluation is based on real operating parameters such as load profiles, efficiency classes and operating hours. Evaluate is designed as a decision-support tool, enabling users to compare and justify investments with confidence.

Finding the “gold nuggets”

For companies operating large industrial facilities, the real challenge is prioritization. A single plant may operate hundreds or even thousands of motors – not all of them offer the same improvement potential. This is where Evaluate becomes a strategic tool.

By comparing multiple assets and scenarios, companies can identify:

• quick wins with short payback times
• high-impact upgrades
• phased investment strategies aligned with available budgets

A business decision to reduce OPEX

Energy efficiency is often framed as part of sustainability initiatives. Though in practice, it is just as much a financial decision. Reducing energy consumption directly lowers operating costs or OPEX. Shorter payback times enable reinvestment. And continuous optimization becomes economically viable.

This makes efficiency a true business lever.

A shift in perspective

Ultimately, the biggest opportunity is not in future technologies. It already exists within installed systems.
What is required is a shift in perspective:

• from estimating → to measuring
• from comparing → to understanding
• from reacting → to deciding

Transparency creates confidence.
Confidence enables decisions.
Decisions unlock measurable impact.

Ryan Stewart is still looking for the right washing machine – just as many companies seek the right investment balance in their operations.