Independent utility, energy and water cost management consultancy Utilitywise has been named an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partner by Dell as part of a joint venture to introduce Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Building Automation solutions to customers.

Based in Newcastle, Utilitywise, which has established trading relationships with several key energy suppliers, aspires to assist businesses in achieving better value from their energy contracts, reduce energy consumption and shrink their carbon footprints.

IIoT connects internet-compatible devices with software to provide users with a more personalised level of control over their devices. Examples include heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as security and lighting, which have all conventionally operated as independent entities.

Connecting various devices into one ‘intelligent’ system has the potential to provide major cost and performance advantages over traditional Building Energy Management Systems (BeMS) solutions.

“Offer Affordable Solutions”

Brin Sheridan, Chief Operating Officer at Utilitywise, explained: “IoT technology enhances our existing t-mac BeMS capability. When we acquired t-mac, we recognised that the emerging IIoT landscape would complement their cloud-based analytics and controls solutions.

“Now, in addition to providing traditional BeMS users with enhanced solutions, IoT technologies will enable Utilitywise to offer affordable solutions to SMEs who are usually priced out of this market.

“These are exciting times and we are also exploring a number of new services that could be facilitated by IoT, for example opening up demand-side reduction capability to more businesses.

“Our strategic relationship with Dell puts us at the centre of emerging IoT developments, which will ensure that our customers are amongst the first to benefit from enhanced energy management solutions that save them money and reduce their carbon footprint.”

As of 2016, Utilitywise has a customer base of over 30,000 in the UK and throughout Europe. Their clients range in size from SMEs to multinationals with hundreds of sites.

 “This is an auspicious partnership for the UK’s IIoT industry”, explains Charles King, Head of IIoT at Challenge Advisory, “Tech giants Dell will provide the required hardware while Utilitywise will offer the software that integrates it into existing systems. No doubt Utilitywise will also be involved in future developments of the technology.”

 Andy Rhodes, executive director of commercial IIoT solutions at Dell, said: “Iot technology is changing the way we live, work and do business. We know the IoT can provide a number of advantages to the energy management industry such as reducing waste, identifying efficiencies and cost savings.

 “Dell is excited to be working with Utilitywise, and we believe they have the infrastructure, industry knowledge and market reach to introduce innovative IoT solutions.”

 This partnership is not only great news for companies aiming to benefit from enhanced energy management solutions, but it is also great news for the development of IIoT technology in the UK. Challenge Advisory recognises the relative lack of investment in IIot tech in the UK when compared to other European countries such as Denmark and Germany. The prospective benefits of international ventures like this Dell-Utilitywise partnership will likely set a precedent for future investment in the UK IIoT industry.