EMOS as a Key Tool in the Digital Transformation of Energy
In the latest Gartner Hype Cycle for Power and Utility Industry IT 2025 and Gartner Hype Cycle for Low-Carbon Energy Technologies 2025, the Energy Management and Optimization System (EMOS) is ranked among the most impactful technologies, positioned "at the peak of expectations." EMOS is becoming an essential tool for companies seeking to navigate energy uncertainty, rising prices, climate goals, and operational efficiency. FLOWBOX is one of ten vendors listed by Gartner as an example provider of EMOS solutions, helping companies reduce energy costs, manage consumption in real time, and meet sustainability targets.
What is EMOS and Why Gartner Highlights It
EMOS (Energy Management and Optimization System) enables organizations to monitor and manage energy consumption across sites in real time. It integrates data from meters, sensors, and other sources to support cost reduction, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.
Gartner’s report places EMOS in the "Peak of Inflated Expectations" phase - where technologies gain the most attention but are under pressure to deliver real-world results. This signals strong potential, while also stressing the importance of addressing practical implementation challenges.
According to Gartner, EMOS is a critical tool for organizations that aim to:
- Respond to volatile energy prices and availability
- Achieve emissions and sustainability goals
- Gain control over energy use and costs in real time
10 Challenges and Recommendations for EMOS Implementation According to Gartner—and How FLOWBOX Responds
Implementing EMOS offers great potential, but also comes with practical hurdles. In its 2025 Hype Cycle, Gartner identifies key challenges companies face and provides recommendations for overcoming them.
Below we present ten key challenges Gartner highlights as common barriers to successful EMOS deployment—along with its recommendations and how FLOWBOX addresses each one:
1. Challenge: Complex Implementation
Gartner’s Recommendation:
Choose a modular approach. Start small, validate benefits, and scale up gradually.
FLOWBOX Response:
FLOWBOX supports phased deployment—for example, starting with one site or specific technology. Its open architecture avoids the need to replace existing systems.
2. Challenge: Data Integration Issues
Gartner’s Recommendation:
Ensure the ability to integrate diverse data sources (meters, BMS, SCADA, ERP, sensors) and unify data for control.
FLOWBOX Response:
FLOWBOX supports a wide range of protocols and devices. It collects, unifies, and contextualizes data across systems.
3. Challenge: Unclear Return on Investment (ROI)
Gartner’s Recommendation:
Set clear goals, measure results, and communicate benefits to both leadership and operations.
FLOWBOX Response:
FLOWBOX continuously evaluates energy savings, operational improvements, and emissions reductions. Its data intelligence module identifies inefficiencies, quantifies their impact (in kWh, CO₂, and cost), and suggests targeted improvements—with scenario simulations to help prioritize actions with the best ROI.
4. Challenge: High Upfront Costs
Gartner’s Recommendation:
Use a minimum viable product (MVP) approach and seek flexible licensing.
FLOWBOX Response:
FLOWBOX supports pilot projects and gradual expansion. It offers flexible licensing and can be deployed in the cloud, on-premise, or in hybrid form.
5. Challenge: Lack of Internal Capacity and Know-How
Gartner’s Recommendation:
Collaborate with technology partners and ensure user training.
FLOWBOX Response:
FLOWBOX provides expert support from architecture design to system operation, and works closely with the client team. Experience shows the best results come when organizations designate responsible stakeholders and connect technical, operational, and business perspectives.
6. Challenge: Low User Engagement or Resistance to Change
Gartner’s Recommendation:
Focus on quick wins and simple user interfaces.
FLOWBOX Response:
FLOWBOX provides clear visualizations, automated reports, and full access via mobile devices. It allows unlimited users with role-based permissions—without added license costs. Users always have the data they need, can act on it quickly, and adopt the system more easily.
7. Challenge: Cybersecurity
Gartner’s Recommendation:
Ensure encrypted communication, access control, and regulatory compliance.
FLOWBOX Response:
FLOWBOX uses encrypted communication, fine-grained access controls, and supports both secure cloud and on-premise deployments. It complies with ISO 27001 and voluntarily meets key NIS2 requirements—including risk management, infrastructure protection, and monitoring.
8. Challenge: Limited Functionality (Only Reporting)
Gartner’s Recommendation:
Choose tools that enable real-time control—not just monitoring.
FLOWBOX Response:
FLOWBOX goes far beyond monitoring. It delivers advanced analytics and autonomous control of energy use, production, and storage. It responds to both current and forecasted conditions—such as tariffs, production schedules, or grid constraints—and optimizes performance in real time.
9. Challenge: Need for Training and Ongoing Support
Gartner’s Recommendation:
Plan for training and long-term user support.
FLOWBOX Response:
FLOWBOX includes user training and offers tailored workshops with internal teams. Support services include user assistance and system maintenance with updates.
10. Challenge: Adapting to Specific Requirements
Gartner’s Recommendation:
Demand flexibility and customizable outputs.
FLOWBOX Response:
FLOWBOX is modular and highly adaptable to both business and user needs—from ESG reporting and e-mobility control to national legislation or industrial processes. It is successfully deployed in diverse environments: industrial sites, shopping centers, hospitals, sports venues, telecom infrastructure, museums, and even historical landmarks.
EMOS Is a Strategy, Not Just a Tool
Energy management is shifting from a technical concern to a strategic business priority. EMOS is no longer just for energy managers or ESG teams - it is a data-driven decision support tool. Gartner makes this clear, and FLOWBOX proves it in practice every day.
Want to see how EMOS could work in your business?
We’ll be happy to show you a live demo, suggest first steps, and help identify your biggest opportunities for savings and optimization.