Submetering or portfolio
Article 4 of 13 · Choosing platforms and providersWhat is the difference between machine submetering and portfolio EMS?
Direct answer
Machine submetering measures consumption at installation, line or machine level. A portfolio EMS looks more broadly at sites, meters, contracts, costs, peaks and reporting. Submetering is strong for detailed diagnosis; portfolio EMS is stronger for overview, prioritisation and multi-site decision-making.
- Submetering gives detail at installation level
- Portfolio EMS gives overview across sites
- Hardware is not always the first step
- The combination can be strong for complex energy questions
Machine submetering versus portfolio EMS
Organisations sometimes compare hardware-focused submetering solutions with EMS platforms. That is not always fair: they solve different problems. The choice depends on whether you want to measure detailed consumption within a process or rather get a grip on sites, contracts and management reporting.
Key points
Level
Traditional approach
Machine, installation, line or process.
Modern approach
Site, meter, building, contract and portfolio.
Goal
Traditional approach
Detailed diagnosis and process optimisation.
Modern approach
Overview, reporting, prioritisation and decision-making.
Data
Traditional approach
Extra hardware meters or sensors.
Modern approach
Smart meter data, EANs, sites and contract context.
User
Traditional approach
Operations, production, engineering.
Modern approach
Facility, finance, management, purchasing and energy team.
When do you choose submetering?
Submetering fits when you want to know exactly which machine, installation or production line uses energy and when existing measurement data is too coarse for that.
- Process optimisation at machine level.
- Unknown consumption within a building or line.
- Technical analysis of installations.
- Proof needed for specific measures.
When do you choose portfolio EMS?
Portfolio EMS fits when you want an overview across multiple sites, meters or contracts and want to use energy insights for reporting, purchasing or priorities.
- Multiple sites or buildings.
- Central reporting to management.
- Track costs, peaks and contracted capacity.
- Compare over time and between sites.
Can both work together?
Yes. A portfolio EMS can show where deeper analysis is needed. Submetering can then investigate the cause further at that site or installation.
- First determine portfolio priorities.
- Then deploy detailed measurement where needed.
- Justify hardware costs in a targeted way.
- Bring insights back to management level.
Curious what this looks like with your own data?
In a no-obligation call, a specialist looks at your meters, sites and energy questions with you. Response within one business day.
Where this adds value directly
Detailed diagnosis
Measure machines or installations separately where needed.
Portfolio
Keep an overview of sites, meters and contracts.
Priority
Determine where deeper analysis or hardware is worthwhile.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers to common questions about this topic.
Question not covered here?
Ask a specialist directly. You will get a response within one business day.
Ask your questionIs machine submetering better than an EMS?
Not better, but different. Submetering is better for detailed measurements; an EMS is better for overview, reporting and decision-making across multiple sites or meters.
Do I need to install hardware first?
Not always. You can often start with existing smart meter data and only install hardware where the analysis shows that detailed measurement is needed.
How does this relate to Sensorfact?
Sensorfact is mainly known for hardware and submetering. A portfolio EMS focuses more broadly on sites, contracts, reporting and decision information.
What is the core of machine submetering portfolio EMS?
Machine submetering measures consumption at installation, line or machine level. A portfolio EMS looks more broadly at sites, meters, contracts, costs, peaks and reporting. Submetering is strong for detailed diagnosis; portfolio EMS is stronger for overview, prioritisation and multi-site decision-making.
What data do I need for machine submetering portfolio EMS?
Start with quarter-hour meter data, invoices, contract data and site characteristics. That makes machine submetering portfolio EMS concrete, comparable and easier to follow up, rather than just a separate report.
When does this topic become relevant for my organisation?
As soon as it touches costs, grid capacity, reporting or daily operations. Also consider related themes such as machine submetering, Sensorfact alternative and portfolio EMS.
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