"FLOWBOX Has Saved Us Energy—and Personally, It’s Saved Me Time Managing the Company"
Interview with Jiří Pajer, Managing Director of GRAMEX, on Implementing FLOWBOX EMOS
GRAMEX s.r.o. is a Czech company with a long-standing history dating back to 1991. Specializing in industrial sewing and the production of upholstered seating—primarily for transportation—it exports most of its products to international markets. Sustainability and minimizing the environmental impact of production are key values for the company, forming part of its competitive edge. GRAMEX holds multiple certifications, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 50001.
Since 2020, GRAMEX has been using the FLOWBOX EMOS system to efficiently manage energy flows and comprehensively oversee building and technology operations.
At the helm of GRAMEX is Jiří Pajer, who has grown within the company from a maintenance technician to its managing director. We sat down with him to discuss what led to the adoption of EMOS, why they chose FLOWBOX, and how it has benefited both him personally and the company as a whole.
What prompted you to implement the EMOS system, and why did you choose FLOWBOX specifically?
I’ve worked in nearly every position at GRAMEX—starting out repairing machines, moving through technical operations and production, and eventually into management. In the past, I oversaw many operations personally. I’d drive to the plant on Sunday nights to make sure the heat pumps were running or check after hours that no lights or systems were left on unnecessarily. It was incredibly time-consuming.
When I was introduced to FLOWBOX, I found it intuitive and easy to understand—even without a technical background. After a few training sessions, I really saw its value. The system is highly adaptable and provides answers to operational questions I didn’t even know I had. With FLOWBOX, I can now manage the company more efficiently and focus on higher-priority tasks.
How does FLOWBOX help you manage the company on a day-to-day basis?
FLOWBOX is a massive time-saver for me. We’re a family-run business aiming for maximum efficiency with a minimal but highly skilled team. Thanks to FLOWBOX, I have real-time oversight of all technical operations—without needing to be physically present. This allows me to concentrate on strategic matters and make faster, more informed decisions.
What has FLOWBOX brought to the company overall?
It’s significantly reduced our energy consumption—by an estimated 40%, especially in combination with our solar power integration. FLOWBOX enables us to monitor key parameters over time and trace any operational anomalies. If we detect an issue or even the risk of one, we can implement preventive measures directly within the system. That gives us peace of mind that the problem is resolved sustainably.
FLOWBOX also played a crucial role in our ISO 50001 certification process and continues to help us maintain it today.
What types of devices do you have integrated with FLOWBOX, and how do you add new ones?
We’ve integrated our entire boiler room, air distribution system, air compressors, embroidery machines, cutting automation, plotters, lighting, security system, solar inverters, air conditioning, and even our camera system. FLOWBOX not only monitors but also controls energy usage across all these technologies.
Adding new devices is straightforward. We connect them via digital or analog interfaces depending on their type. FLOWBOX then processes the data and enables real-time control. If a device supports standardized communication protocols, integration is even quicker. The system handles these protocols seamlessly without the need for complex adjustments.
How long did the FLOWBOX implementation take, and what challenges did you face?
The core implementation took about 14 working days, and the entire project—including LED lighting upgrades—was completed in under four months. The lighting replacement was the biggest challenge, as we transitioned from fluorescent to LED busbar systems. Some integrations had to be done outside of regular hours to avoid disrupting operations. Fortunately, our security system allowed us to reuse existing sensors, which saved time and cost. In some cases, data could be sourced directly from the network; in others, we had to physically connect the equipment.
Who uses FLOWBOX in your company on a daily basis?
I’m the primary user, followed by our production managers, who have access to control specific systems. We’ve also equipped the shop floor with tablets so employees can control the lighting. While more people have access in a viewing or limited-control mode, the system is primarily operated by four core staff members.
You mentioned ISO 50001. How exactly did FLOWBOX support its implementation and ongoing compliance?
ISO 50001 is all about measuring, analyzing, and taking action to save energy. FLOWBOX gives us all the tools we need in one place—no spreadsheets, no manual data entry. We can monitor everything from a single dashboard.
Historical consumption data helped us identify savings opportunities during the certification process. FLOWBOX allows us to manage specific technologies and energy-saving actions. Its monitoring tools let us evaluate the impact of those actions in real time. For reporting, we can also export visualized data, which auditors greatly appreciate.
Have there been any changes for employees in terms of energy use or work environment?
Definitely. We’ve automated a lot of environmental systems—like ventilation and heating. In the summer, for example, we use overnight ventilation so employees arrive to cool, comfortable conditions. Staff also have control over certain systems like humidification and lighting. Most operations are automated, which improves comfort without sacrificing efficiency.
What advice would you give companies just starting out with EMOS software?
If you're considering EMOS, choose a solution that covers both building and technology management. Your system needs to understand and adapt to your operational complexity. Flexibility is key—make sure it can grow with your needs and integrate new devices easily. Avoid solutions that are rigid or require extensive custom modifications.
What would you recommend to companies that are unsure of what to expect from an EMOS system?
For those uncertain about their requirements, seeing the system in action is invaluable. I suggest visiting a company that already uses EMOS to understand what it can really do. A live demonstration will help clarify which features are most relevant for your specific operations. And of course—I’m happy to invite anyone to come and see our setup.
