http://www.articlesnatch.com/rss2/verisae verisae Articles from ArticleSnatch.com Rss Follow Up Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:52:25 -0500 Recently, the District of Columbia became one of the first government organizations in history to publicly promote its system-wide efficiency. The District started to invest in measures to better understand its use of energy throughout its almost 200 public buildings. By energy benchmarking, it hopes to cut back on its use of electricity, natural gas, and other fuels and consequently reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Energy benchmarking has become one of the hot topics of conversation in the boardroom of today. The measures taken by the District of Columbia are in tune with other programs put forward by the city of New York and the city of San Francisco. Each public body is seeking to better understand how it uses energy and how it can become far more fiscally responsible by setting standards and initiating efficiency projects. According to the public information now available, many facilities owned by the District of Columbia - including some of the larger schools, office buildings, police and fire stations - actually consume far more energy than what is deemed to be the "national average" for similar buildings across the United States.energy benchmarking]]> energy efficiency]]> energy management]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Energy-Benchmarking-In-The-Seat-Of-Power-Revealed-Red-Flags/2046212 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:02:35 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Energy-Benchmarking-In-The-Seat-Of-Power-Revealed-Red-Flags/2046212 Utility companies are very good at coming up with ways to charge the consumer for energy. They're very aware that the old systems that they have used for decades now to come up with tariffs that are based on monthly billing cycles are not effective anymore. The playing field is different today and companies are looking for ways to reduce their energy costs. The best way to cut energy costs is to analyze operational energy consumption data, determine areas for improvement, and act upon those opportunities. As the energy supply market transforms and matures, organizations need to deal with a variety of different tariffs and solutions. Historically, energy supply has garnered little attention within corporations as energy managers focused most of their efforts on controlling demand. But, business leaders need to change the way they look at energy supply management. The smart grid is around the corner and organizations must make sure that they seize the opportunities presented. There is little doubt that for these opportunities to be realized a complete restructuring of energy supply management is called for. By truly understanding energy supply management, organizations can select nontraditional utility suppliers.energy efficiency]]> energy management]]> sustainability]]> management]]> business]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Restructure-Your-Approach-To-Energy-Supply-Management-At-Your-Earliest-Opportunity/1877219 Mon, 13 Dec 2010 23:21:45 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Restructure-Your-Approach-To-Energy-Supply-Management-At-Your-Earliest-Opportunity/1877219 As the cost of energy continues to increase, it's no surprise that the market for energy efficiency software continues to grow with it. In fact, the market is expected to undergo rapid growth from 2011 and 2012. Verdantix, a respected research organization based in the UK, evaluated a broad cross-section of companies that provide energy management solutions to large, dispersed entities. The research presented leaders in the market and the capabilities that are important to organizations now and in the future. In the report, Verisae was noted as one of the 10 leading providers in the market, with strong energy management capabilities. Saving energy and cutting costs is a vital strategy for most organizations. These initiatives are tied directly to the survival of companies; they are not merely tied to sustainability goals anymore. Organizations are now looking seriously at controlling energy costs as they know it's imperative for their survival. An overall approach to sustainability is bolstered by sophisticated initiatives such as the adoption of energy efficiency software. Cost reduction goals can be understood and consumption cut. We know that budgeting and accounting software solutions have been part of the business environment for many a year.energy efficiency]]> energy management]]> asset management]]> sustainability]]> business]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Massive-Growth-In-Energy-Efficiency-Software-Market/1875436 Mon, 13 Dec 2010 10:33:34 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Massive-Growth-In-Energy-Efficiency-Software-Market/1875436 As competition increases and opportunities become scarcer there is more pressure to find that extra "edge." The production or delivery process might be fine tuned, to the point that there are seemingly no options for further improvement. All available opportunities have been investigated and the sales force is fully engaged in carving out the company's position in the marketplace. In these ultracompetitive times, it is important to go back to basics and analyze all internal procedures carefully, as there are surely areas for improvement. Unless management is absolutely sure of its measurement and tracking abilities, throughout the operation, then it cannot be sure that it is operating companywide at peak efficiency. These days every penny counts and organizations must be sure that they are getting more value from their assets and equipment. If management of complex assets is poor, the negative effects can be expansive. Without cutting edge, fixed asset tracking software, organizations risk a variety of problems. Buying any fixed asset is a big deal for any organization these days and is the subject of a lot of back and forth negotiation ahead of time.Fixed asset tracking software]]> asset tracking]]> asset management]]> sustainability]]> energy management]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Switching-On-The-Corporate-Lights-By-Employing-Fixed-Asset-Tracking-Software/1766052 Sun, 14 Nov 2010 13:22:06 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Switching-On-The-Corporate-Lights-By-Employing-Fixed-Asset-Tracking-Software/1766052 It's an interesting exercise to look at consumption of energy around the world and to compare figures now to previous decades. We can see in an alarming increase in our thirst, which makes it even more troubling when we realize that there really is no such thing as an overall approach to global energy management as such. While the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development does help to monitor economic progress among the developed nations and to foster world trade, there is still no consensus when it comes to global energy management. In many of our schools of higher education, courses have been set up for undergraduates and graduates to understand global energy management. This is where students use what they will learn in relation to energy efficiency and sustainability in its broadest senses, for their career paths ahead. No two domestic governments seem to agree about energy management policies. It's not surprising that we do not see any considerable progress in government initiatives, but that forward thinking companies are taking the baton and running themselves. At the very highest level of each organization, global energy management and the reduction of a company's energy footprint must be paramount.Global energy management]]> energy management]]> energy]]> sustainability]]> business]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/When-Will-Global-Energy-Management-Ever-Be-Achieved-/1708123 Sat, 30 Oct 2010 01:24:57 -0400 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/When-Will-Global-Energy-Management-Ever-Be-Achieved-/1708123 Electrical energy conservation techniques can be proactive or reactive, systemic or project-based. Often, especially in the retail environment, electricity represents a large portion of total energy spend. Conservation is nothing new, as companies can trace significant electricity use reduction initiatives back to the energy crises of the 1970s. However, with sustainability and smart energy management at the top of the list for business executives today, companies need to use modern technologies to enable a real cost reduction opportunity. Our electrical distribution networks are far from efficient, even though we haven't seen any rolling blackouts or disruptions of any significance for some time. We should be wary of the integrity of the grid though. It was thought that deregulation, separating generation from distribution, would be the golden ticket, but this has not proved to be the case. A limited approach to investment has not helped the situation, either. Utility companies are becoming moreefficient at system operation and helping to prepare for a time when a really smart grid could be an option. You can find significant savings through electrical energy conservation and even develop new streams of income for your organization if you are smart.Electrical energy conservation]]> energy conservation]]> energy management]]> sustainability]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/The-Push-Toward-Electrical-Energy-Conservation/1707374 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:13:27 -0400 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/The-Push-Toward-Electrical-Energy-Conservation/1707374 It is revealing to look at energy consumption around the world and to see how it has grown alarmingly in previous decades. We seem to be thirstier than ever, but have no apparent interest in a consolidated approach to global energy management. Certain organizations do exist to monitor trade and to foster cooperation, including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. No formal consensus exists though, when it comes to global energy management.Many schools of higher education promote undergraduate and graduate courses on global energy management. These courses are designed to enable students to promote energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives in whatever career they go into.No two domestic governments seem to agree about energy management policies. It's not surprising that we do not see any considerable progress in government initiatives, but that forward thinking companies are taking the baton and running themselves.In a corporation, global energy management must take a very high-level view of the organization's energy footprint. Greenhouse gas emissions may not be quite as much of a focus as they were, with more attention given to smart energy management, but overall sustainability will continue to develop as an emerging hot potato in the future.energy conservation]]> energy]]> management]]> sustainability]]> environmental]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Global-Energy-Management-Might-Just-Be-A-Pipe-Dream-/1703098 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Global-Energy-Management-Might-Just-Be-A-Pipe-Dream-/1703098 In terms of distinguishing business assets from liabilities, it used to be very vivid. An element on one hand was seen as a positive contributor, while that on the other was seen as a negative straw to resource use. One asset represented a resource that contributes to an organization's growth on one hand and as a liability that entails expenses on another. Distinguishing assets from liabilities used to be clearly distinguished. One element was to be viewed as a negative draw from resources on one hand, while a positive element for growth on another. A given asset represented a resource, or purchase, which could add to the growth, whilst a liability on another hand, which is an expense. It can be assumed in business that when energy is treated as an asset, it could help get the most of its consumption while effectively manage the implications of its use as well. This could be a sudden change in perception, but such will greatly contribute to an organization's improved efficiency and being more competent in the market, as a result. No longer is it acceptable to treat each asset independently and to treat the associated energy use as a "necessary evil.Energy and asset management]]> new economy]]> PEW Center]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Energy-And-Asset-Management---The-Most-Crucial-For-Business-Success/1635167 Sat, 09 Oct 2010 03:01:20 -0400 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Energy-And-Asset-Management---The-Most-Crucial-For-Business-Success/1635167 China occupied the center stage at the Copenhagen Summit, where it was the first to take a step towards a comprehensive GHG emissions reduction initiative. It now appears to be making sure that it "gets there". It is about time for the Western governments to be checking on what China is doing, as it is among the most proactive countries in ensuring that it achieves its projected emissions reduction and energy efficiency targets. China has announced that any fixed. As such, all new investments must be first assessed by independent institutions, before being rubberstamped by government regulators. Each asset will be viewed on its merits based on its energy consumption and ultimate efficiency. Maybe the Western world should take a leaf out of the book of the Chinese regulators, who seem to be taking very proactive steps to ensure that that country achieves its projected energy efficiency and emissions reduction projections. China took the center stage at the Copenhagen Summit, where it was the very first to take a step forward to comprehensive GHG reduction initiatives. They now appear to be taking steps to ensure that they "get there.asset procurement]]> Copenhagen Summit]]> greenhouse gas emissions]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Successful-Companies-Take-The-Lead-In-Asset-Procurement---Are-You-One-Of-Them-/1633899 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:16:11 -0400 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Successful-Companies-Take-The-Lead-In-Asset-Procurement---Are-You-One-Of-Them-/1633899 In most situations, a company would find its own complexity to be its worst enemy. Business growth might be very welcome in any organization, but the unforeseen circumstances along with it can cause issues that need to be handled well. Within any given period of growth, there will be priorities that would have to be established according to the most glaring issues. Such could include fine tuning of customer relations, or keeping marketing at par with the competition. Not so visible systems more often get the least attention. Asset and equipment management has often been a reactive activity rather than a proactive protection. There will be a lack of historical data which can be useful to those who will be the ones responsible in the maintenance of uptime. If a track record of maintenance has not been maintained, it will be difficult to quantify a machine's efficiency. As it nears theoretical termination, in the event that it has to be upgraded, replaced or needs to have a piece of equipment considered altogether? Often, one of a company's worst enemies is its complexity.asset and equipment monitoring]]> asset and equipment management]]> asset management]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/The-High-Risks-Of-Ignoringasset-And-Equipment-Monitoring/1627263 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 01:30:05 -0400 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/The-High-Risks-Of-Ignoringasset-And-Equipment-Monitoring/1627263 The productivity of every organization's asset inventory dictates and organization's sustainability to a certain extent. As an organization gets more complicated, higher levels of asset management products are needed which should be capable to address the demands of the 21st century, while able to deliver the most relevant detailed information. This is most useful for businesses which have assets that are spread across different locations, which usually pose issues for efficient asset monitoring. For years now, thousands of organizations have been relying on out of date asset management products, many based on the most basic spreadsheet tools. While management teams often fret about marketing approach, personnel management and other important considerations, they seem content to rely on an out-of-date approach to the management of key equipment. To make every organization achieve long term sustainability, there is a need for an effective asset inventory at the present. Many companies have a wide range of assets, spread across a number of disparate locations. The more complicated your organization, the more you need asset management products that are 21st century in reach and capable of providing you with intensely granular detail.asset management products]]> asset inventory]]> sustainability]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Reliability-Of-Asset-Management-Products-For-Your-Business-Sustainability/1594904 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 05:19:03 -0400 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Reliability-Of-Asset-Management-Products-For-Your-Business-Sustainability/1594904 Regardless of how big or small a given advantage is, everything is highly important in the highly competitive workplace of today. There can be information overload when systems are not very well integrated. When properly designed though, real meaning of information can be extracted from the data gathered, giving room to a competitive advantage. Many organizations fail as a result of poor business intelligence, or due to a decision-making process based on inaccuracies. Still more organizations exist, but fail to realize their potential, as they are essentially operating in a grey mist of uncertainty. Each piece of equipment, scattered throughout the organization, is part of the puzzle. Is each asset performing ultimately? Real-time asset management solutions are the only answer, linked to a proactive method of interpreting data. Regardless of how big or small a business advantage would be, it should never be underestimated in the competitive workplace of our time. Can there be such a thing as too much information in this scenario? Certainly, information overload is not helpful, yet when systems are designed and integrated to help decipher the real meaning of any information gathered, competitive advantage can certainly follow.asset monitoring solutions]]> asset maintenance]]> asset management]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Peer-Through-The-Mist-With-Asset-Monitoring-Solutions/1592528 Sun, 26 Sep 2010 05:33:13 -0400 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Peer-Through-The-Mist-With-Asset-Monitoring-Solutions/1592528 At your next board room meeting, asset management priorities will not be the primary topic and you should be ready. In most situations, business executives would most often assign asset management to manual and tedious processes which can be prone to errors, with high consequent costs in the long run. There might be strong and detailed attention given to the procurement of assets, but in most situations, assets start to get neglected once these are installed. Only correct asset monitoring and management can help in attaching true value on a particular asset. The net efficiency of an asset is the result of its ability to perform relative to its intended purchase, together with its absolute energy efficiency. This latter metric is often overlooked, yet it has many hidden meanings. Asset management priorities might not be among the top priorities in the boardroom. Indeed, the subject may not appear on your agenda at all. Business executives are often mistaken in the deployment of tedious and manual asset management, which can be prone to error, not aware of the long term costs attributed to this mistake.asset management priorities]]> energy efficiency]]> carbon footprint]]> sustainability]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Why-Asset-Management-Priorities-Go-Unnoticed/1585688 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:22:58 -0400 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Why-Asset-Management-Priorities-Go-Unnoticed/1585688 An organization's complexity could be its own killer. A business that might be going through a rapid growth would have unforeseen circumstances that would come its way. In any given period of an organization's growth, priorities are usually focused on the most visible ones. On top of the list could count issues on manpower training and development, improving customer relations, and keeping marketing at par or more than the competition. The less visible systems would usually get the least attention in the boardroom. Asset and equipment management has often been a reactive activity rather than a proactive protection. There will be not that much historical data which will be useful to those overseeing maintenance unless there is a comprehensive system. It will be hard to measure a single asset's efficiency if its maintenance history was not recorded. As it approaches its theoretical end of life, should it be replaced, upgraded or should a different piece of machinery be considered altogether? Often, one of a company's worst enemies is its complexity.asset and equipment monitoring]]> asset and equipment management]]> asset management]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Ignore-Asset-And-Equipment-Monitoring-At-Your-Peril/1572120 Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:15:48 -0400 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Ignore-Asset-And-Equipment-Monitoring-At-Your-Peril/1572120 In today's pressurized business environment, executives must ensure that they leave no stone unturned as they strive to keep the company above water, let alone try and turn a profit. The brutal recession has ensured that every measurement metric must be carefully analyzed and every opportunity for improvement seized. The executive team will soon realize that many of the old methods are far from adequate, even though they may have been considered to be acceptable in better times. The efficiency of the business is only as good as the combined efficiency of all of its assets. Each piece of equipment is responsible for a certain task. Efficiency was traditionally measured based on performance versus its purpose. This metric alone is insufficient and our measurement capabilities archaic. Now is the time when we need to have a look at online asset management software solutions which can greatly help us gather important data for asset management in real-time. In today's pressurized business environment, executives must ensure that they leave no stone unturned as they strive to keep the company above water, let alone try and turn a profit.online asset management software]]> spreadsheets]]> asset performance]]> asset inventories]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Understanding-How-Online-Asset-Management-Software-Can-Beat-The-Spreadsheets/1551498 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 05:42:26 -0400 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Understanding-How-Online-Asset-Management-Software-Can-Beat-The-Spreadsheets/1551498 While stakeholders and institutions are starting to find value in making investments on building efficiency, initiatives to implement green buildings across industries has increased over time. Such trend is more evident in investment trusts and companies which need to make sure that they could increase their property portfolio which have a green classification to prove building efficiency. Real estate investment trusts are turning to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program to establish credentials for building stocks. More than a third of real estate investment trusts across the county are seeking LEED certification or certified buildings. Buildings account for 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions and companies must ensure that they address building efficiency as they move toward corporate sustainability. Investors are aware that they can realize a premium in terms of occupancy and return on investment by concentrating on green initiatives. It is interesting to note that, despite the downturn, interest in green investments remains high. Investors have considered the long-term practicality of building efficiency investments, and likewise extended the pursuit of opportunities for sustainability. Energy efficiency is a hot topic conversation among building owners and occupiers alike.building efficiency]]> LEED]]> sustainability]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Green-Organizations-Are-Also-Smart-With-Building-Efficiency/1519754 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:06:16 -0400 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Green-Organizations-Are-Also-Smart-With-Building-Efficiency/1519754 There is scarcely an organization in existence that does not rely, to one degree or another, on asset productivity in order to survive. Some companies have a wider range of assets than others and a typical distributed organization has a vast array, spread across disparate locations. As a business becomes more complicated, asset management products that are cutting edge and supremely capable are necessary in order to provide granular detail for business intelligence purposes.Across the decades, organizations have been very reliant upon out-of-date asset management products, opting to base their entire system around the ubiquitous spreadsheet. It's amazing how management teams focus on personnel, marketing and other critical considerations, while appearing to be content with out-of-date approaches to the management of their key equipment.You cannot hope to manage well if you don't monitor carefully. Every single asset on the books must be purely productive and must be able to return maximum value against its investment burden. The more often this is not the case the more likely the business will be inefficient and uncompetitive.carbon emissions]]> environmental damage]]> climate change]]> climate]]> environment]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Business-Vitality-Now-Relies-On-Asset-Management-Products/1508980 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Business-Vitality-Now-Relies-On-Asset-Management-Products/1508980 Who really wants to be an executive these days, as there is so much to try and take into consideration, to keep the company buoyant? Every opportunity for consolidation needs to be considered and efficiency is the absolute byword of business. As the recession continued, every management metric within their reach needed to be considered and reconsidered as opportunities for improvement became critical. Now we're beginning to see how all those old measurement methods are fully inadequate, even though they may have been considered to be "essential" for many a year.If you think about it, the total efficiency of the business is related to the combined efficiency of each and every one of the assets in possession. Every piece of equipment has to conduct a certain task and is responsible for a contribution. It used to acceptable for efficiency to be measured in relation to performance returned against designed purpose. This is an insufficient metric to consider alone. We need to look at online asset management software solutions as we try and get actionable data in as near to real-time as possible.carbon emissions]]> environmental damage]]> climate change]]> climate]]> environment]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Comparing-A-Spreadsheet-To-Online-Asset-Management-Software/1508371 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Comparing-A-Spreadsheet-To-Online-Asset-Management-Software/1508371 Addressing asset efficiency without understanding the associated energy performance is no longer regarded as a good business practice. Organizations from around the world are moving towards an approach that is in line with a 'global asset sustainability approach'. Likewise, management teams are also finding out that it is by looking at their asset management in a global perspective that they are able to improve their financial metrics across the board. The ever-growing price of energy and the related security issues are driving the push for global asset sustainability. Energy prices are on a relentless rise and availability is far from assured. Companies realize that energy issues are significantly affecting their profit margins and unless action is taken, will threaten their very business viability. Additionally, the duel concerns of the environmental impact of energy consumption and the resulting greenhouse gas production has companies seeking a thorough corporate analysis of energy efficiency down to an asset level. It is no longer good business practice to address asset efficiency without a clear understanding of the associated energy performance. Companies around the world are rethinking their approach to asset management and moving toward a 'global asset sustainability approach'.global asset sustainability]]> energy efficiency]]> asset efficiency]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Global-Asset-Sustainability-Is-The-New-Norm/1502207 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:34:12 -0400 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Global-Asset-Sustainability-Is-The-New-Norm/1502207 It's no longer good enough to look at each individual asset and determine its efficiency without being able to determine its associated energy performance. There is now an innovative approach to asset management, determined as "global asset sustainability." This all-encompassing approach is able to provide a much clearer definition of efficiency and thus improve financial metrics throughout the company.Driving a new approach toward global asset sustainability is the ever-growing price of energy and its associated security issues. Energy prices are on a relentless rise and availability is far from assured. Companies realize that this position is significantly affecting their profit margins and unless action is taken, will threaten their very business viability. Along with energy worries is a dual concern -- the environmental impact of consuming energy and producing greenhouse gas emissions.All elements of the operation must be leveraged if inefficiencies are going to be revealed. We used to look at asset management from a perspective of conventional efficiency by itself. We would simply look at whether an asset was performing and producing according to the specification of its design and manufacture.carbon emissions]]> environmental damage]]> climate change]]> climate]]> environment]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Companies-Must-Focus-On-Global-Asset-Sustainability-Now/1497851 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Companies-Must-Focus-On-Global-Asset-Sustainability-Now/1497851