ID and Measure Optimal Snow Production

Best Practices – It is easy to see that low-e equipment has reduced the amount of energy used in the snowmaking process. Essentially, the industry is making more snow with less energy. The cost per unit of production is less and this is good for the bottom line of business.

To improve on the situation, managers must also recognize that lots of energy and money is still being left on the table. More importantly, wasted energy means less snow production – and every resort wants more snow. The good news is that reporting tools are available to identify and measure optimal productivity.

The dashboard below shows precisely what costs (energy, labor, water) should be at a given temperature. The gap of differential identifies exactly when temperature-based targets (Benchmarks) are met and when waste occurs. These KPI’s are reported in both real-time and historical time.
Optimal Production Chart 1.1How Does This Knowledge Help Business?
When snowmaking managers have this information, they are enabled to (measurably) make better decisions. From operational adjustments like snow gun selection, compressor bypass, pump sequencing, labor or field communications; operating costs are reduced by 4%-20%. The measurement of performance insures that snowmaking is running at optimal production. The business benefits by making the most snow for the least cost, in all operating conditions.

Starting Point
Just like all accounting systems, raw data needs to be collected, computed and reported. This is accomplished with manual logs and spreadsheets or automatically with software. Our company provides training and software that helps your team benefit from these best practices. Contac us to receive a plan for your resort.

Click the link for a PDF of this Best Practice.  Best Practices – Optimal Production

Speak Your Mind

*