Data without purpose has zero value

We often see companies investing in collecting massive amounts of data without a clear plan for how to use it. Without a structured approach, data quickly loses its value.

More data, more problems?

Quantity should never come at the expense of quality. The more data you collect, the more you have to maintain, and the higher the risk of errors. And without a solid structural foundation, identifying and correcting errors becomes even more difficult.

Or as Mads Wilthil, Head of Technology at Å Insite, puts it:

"It’s not about volume, but purpose. Energy data should provide insights – not create confusion."

The value lies in structure

Even the most advanced meters provide little value without proper structure and metadata. Metadata doesn't only indicate what’s being measured – it’s says where the meter is located and how it fits into the building’s circuit hierarchy.

When this isn’t clearly defined, data can quickly become confusing and unreliable.

We frequently see existing metering infrastructures that lack proper structure – often because they were installed without a clear purpose or plan. Or new meters are added without updating the corresponding hierarchy, leading to confusing measurements.

The cost of poor metadata

One common issue is incorrect readings, where data is attributed to the wrong section of a building. Another mistake occurs when virtual meters – which sum data from multiple physical meters – incorrectly include both parent and child circuits, leading to duplicate counting.

A property owner wanted to sum up the production from their solar panels. They aggregated data from meters X0, X1, and X2, unaware that X0 already included X1 and X2. This resulted in double counting and inaccurate data.

Illustration of virtual parent and child meters

These errors often go undetected, especially when the data flow appears to be correct and stable. This is why good metadata isn’t just ‘nice to have’ – it’s critical for ensuring your data is actually usable.

Reduced energy consumption by 50%

Collecting data for the sake of data adds little value. But with proper structure and robust systems, high-resolution data can provide powerful insights.

Galleri Oslo might be Norway’s ugliest – yet smartest – building.

With over 173 energy meters and real-time resolution, Veifo has built a complete digital twin of energy use at Galleri Oslo. The data is used to monitor consumption, optimize operating schedules, and improve maintenance planning.

By leveraging these insights, Veifo has successfully reduced energy consumption by 50% in this complex 1980s building.

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Start with data quality! 

Before scaling up, ensure you have control of your data. Proper structure and accurate metadata provide a solid foundation for smarter operations and better decision-making.

We help you start at the right end, ensuring your energy data becomes a valuable resource – not an unnecessary expense.