Keeping energy costs under control: WIESHEU Wnet highlights potential savings in branch operations
Rising energy prices are currently posing major economic challenges for chain stores in the bakery and retail sectors. Efficient processes and the mindful use of resources are therefore becoming a decisive competitive factor. The Wnet software solution for the digital networking of WIESHEU’s in-store ovens provides customers with insights into where energy is currently being consumed. A central dashboard clearly visualises, for example, whether energy consumption in one branch is noticeably higher than in others, where unnecessary preheating phases occur, or which ovens are left on standby for too long outside of baking times. Wnet’s oven management then allows the operator to specifically adjust baking processes based on these insights and roll out programmes from head office to the devices in the branches. Furthermore, Wnet provides the data foundation for predictive maintenance: anomalies in operational behaviour are detected at an early stage, and service measures can be planned before they result in a breakdown causing costly downtime. In this way, both energy and service costs are reduced, the service life of the ovens is extended, and branch operators gain planning certainty for their day-to-day operations.
Transparency as the basis for cost savings
Wnet serves not only as a control tool but also as a powerful analytical instrument – thereby laying the groundwork for systematically identifying energy-saving opportunities. Operators are provided with a robust database that enables them to compare consumption across sites, identify peak loads and implement targeted optimisation measures. “The combination of real-time data and historical analyses enables both short-term adjustments during ongoing operations and the development of long-term efficiency strategies. At the same time, the solution helps to further reduce energy and operating costs through its integrated service functions,” explains Julian Spahr, Product Manager at WIESHEU. Added to this is uniform master data management: all data from networked devices is consolidated, duplicates and inconsistent entries are highlighted, and data quality is sustainably improved. Product ranges, baking programmes and device configurations can be managed across multiple sites – manual effort is reduced, sources of error are minimised, and a reliable basis is created for both operational and strategic decisions.
Energy-efficient thanks to centralised control
Product range changes, seasonal offers, regional adaptations: a key factor in reducing costs lies in the standardisation of processes. As the control centre for all oven management, Wnet supports operators in their day-to-day operations by helping them prepare the desired promotions and roll them out to specific branches. Baking programmes are received, processed, grouped, sent and, if required, exported centrally – all appliances then operate using the same parameters. This ensures consistent baking results whilst reducing unnecessary energy consumption caused by incorrect settings or inefficient processes – regardless of the operating staff. Mandatory workflows, standardised programme settings and clearly defined access rights further reduce the risk of operator errors. Automated functions such as autostart and pre-set cleaning programmes minimise downtime, optimise energy usage and reduce the workload on staff.
Minimise downtime, reduce service calls
Even against the backdrop of persistently high fuel prices, it is clear just how much Wnet contributes to reducing operating costs. By linking to existing databases and analysing operational data, anomalies in fuel consumption, usage or faults can be identified at an early stage and analysed in a structured manner. Software and programme updates can be installed on all devices at the click of a mouse, and many faults can be narrowed down via remote support. This reduces the number of on-site visits and avoids multiple service callouts. Combined with the service expertise of the WIESHEU Group and CoBa AfterSales GmbH, this results in end-to-end processes from data collection to precisely tailored parts logistics – with the aim of consistently minimising downtime and maintaining high oven efficiency throughout the entire lifecycle.
Data sovereignty, flexibility and security
When it comes to data sovereignty, Wnet offers operators maximum control. The software can be run on the customer’s own servers or in a private cloud – the storage, processing and backup of data remain entirely the customer’s responsibility. Firewalls, access rights, encryption and backup strategies can be configured in line with the company’s own IT and compliance requirements, without any reliance on external cloud providers. As Wnet is also designed to operate independently of a permanent internet connection, in-store operations remain stable even during network outages. This avoids energy-intensive restarts and process interruptions.
From smart ovens to connected branches
What Wnet achieves at branch level begins, in practical terms, in the individual oven. WIESHEU ovens are equipped with intelligent control technologies that use energy precisely when it is actually needed. The sensor-based ActiveSteam steaming system, for example, generates steam on demand and distributes it precisely, without pockets of steam or wasted energy. The Intelligent Baking Control (IBC) automatic load detection system adjusts baking parameters precisely to the actual quantity and temperature of the goods: running a half-loaded oven at full power wastes energy – IBC prevents exactly that. In conjunction with Wnet, this creates a comprehensive energy concept, ranging from optimal baking results in individual ovens to transparent and predictable energy usage across the entire branch network.
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Press Release: Keeping energy costs under control: WIESHEU Wnet highlights potential savings in branch operations
