In a sector where efficiency and sustainability are becoming increasingly important, smart energy management is becoming crucial. Jansen Smart Solutions, part of Group Jansen, developed with Shopcontroller a platform that not only monitors, but also actively controls. In Torfs stores, this led to impressive energy savings of 50% over the past 10 years.
Data that leads to action
Since 2019, key technologies in Belgian Torfs stores have been linked to Jansen Smart Solutions’ Shopcontroller platform. Energy consumption, water consumption and technical installations are thus already continuously monitored and analyzed in 77 stores. “But the real power is in the control. The platform makes it possible to automatically adjust installations such as heating, cooling and lighting based on usage, opening hours and specific needs per store,” opens Giani Ollivier, manager R&D at Jansen Smart Solutions.
Shopcontroller continuously collects data and translates it into actionable insights. Via handy dashboards and reports, users gain insight into performance per store and across the entire network. “Every month Torfs receives an overview of the best and least performing stores. Not to point fingers, but these insights form the basis for targeted optimizations. Stores that lag behind are actively adjusted, while best practices from well-performing stores are continued,” Giani explains.
In addition, the platform automatically generates alerts in case of anomalies. From water leaks to electricity problems, technical issues are quickly detected, often before they impact the operation of the store.
50% energy savings
The combination of monitoring, analysis and smart control is paying off. Over a ten-year period, Torfs realized energy savings of as much as 50%.
“That result is not a coincidence, but the result of a well thought-out approach in which technology and data are central. By continuously measuring, comparing and adjusting, energy consumption is optimized step by step. Insulation should not be forgotten either, because you can never get a poorly insulated store right,” testifies Jens Beck, facility manager at Torfs. “Moreover, the cooperation with Jansen Smart Solutions is very smooth and pleasant. That too is not unimportant”.
Designed for retail, built to order
What sets Shopcontroller apart is its focus on retail. The platform is designed specifically for retail environments, with dashboards and functionalities that match the day-to-day realities of retail chains.
“Each store can be set up individually, taking into account opening hours, location or specific facilities. At the same time, central control remains possible, for example for facility managers, which creates economies of scale for chains with multiple branches,” Giani said. “We continue to focus on new and more efficient control strategies. In relighting, for example, today we control DALI lighting based on occupancy and light intensity. Which provides additional savings of up to more than 50% for lighting. At the same time, we are committed to making the best use of local energy sources, such as solar panels (PV), batteries and charging stations.”
Direct impact
That Shopcontroller not only works at the group level, but also has a direct impact at the store level, is clearly shown by the figures from a recent Torfs store that was connected to Shopcontroller. Although the store opened as early as 2025, HVAC control was not activated until early February 2026. Before that, energy consumption rose sharply, peaking at 1,120 kWh in January. After connection, this immediately dropped to 313 kWh in February and 162 kWh in March, despite similar outdoor temperatures.
“This confirms that it is not the weather, but above all smart control that makes the difference by matching installations more efficiently to usage and opening hours. Shopcontroller has already proven its power in +500 stores spread across different retail chains such as Vanden Borre, Decathlon, Fnac, Hubo, Renmans and e5. In the coming period we are strongly committed to further growth so that we can support even more retailers in intelligently controlling and structurally reducing their energy consumption,” concludes Giani.
