Find answers to the most common questions about our software, BAFA (German federal) funding, ISO 50001 obligations, pricing and technical integration. Can't find what you need? Ask us directly →
Software & Technology
Your data belongs exclusively to you. After the contract ends you will receive, on request, a complete data export in common formats (CSV, JSON, XLSX). Alligator Analytica fully and irreversibly deletes all your data from our systems after the contractually agreed retention period.
The system consists of three layers: the Alligate gateway on the customer's premises (collects measurement data and transmits them encrypted), a dedicated cloud instance at IONOS in a German data centre (Docker-based, ISO 27001-certified) and the measurement points and sensors on site. From approximately 4,800 measurement points, on-premise operation within the customer's own infrastructure is also economically viable – we can set this up on request.
Alligator Analytica supports all common industrial protocols:
Protocol not listed? Contact us – we develop custom converters where required.
Measurement data are processed via stream processing (Apache Kafka) and stored in Elasticsearch-based NoSQL databases. This makes consumption values available in near real time (seconds to a few minutes' delay) – for threshold alerts, live dashboards and automatic EnPI calculations.
Yes. Existing energy data can be imported from Excel (CSV, XLSX), from legacy systems, or captured manually. This enables direct comparison with historical reference periods – an important aspect for ISO 50001 baseline and EnPI calculation. We provide technical support throughout the import process.
Yes. All data are stored exclusively in German data centres (IONOS, Frankfurt). Data transmission from the gateway to the cloud is SSH-encrypted. We conclude a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) in accordance with Art. 28 GDPR with all customers. Full data protection documentation is available on request.
Yes. In addition to electricity, all significant energy carriers can be recorded: natural gas, district heating, water, compressed air, fuel, refrigeration. Data collection occurs automatically via meter connection or manually via the user interface. Fleet interfaces and external data providers can be integrated via API.
The Alligate gateway buffers measurement data locally – even when the internet connection is briefly interrupted. When the connection is restored, buffered data are transmitted automatically. In the cloud, all data are stored in triplicate at physically separate locations, so that even a complete failure at one location causes no data loss.
ISO 50001 & Standards
Under EDL-G (§ 8 ff.) and EU Directive 2012/27/EU, all non-SMEs are required to carry out an energy audit to DIN EN 16247-1 every four years. A company is classified as a non-SME if it meets at least two of the three criteria: ≥ 250 employees, ≥ €50 m annual turnover, ≥ €43 m balance sheet total.
A certified ISO 50001 system or EMAS registration exempts the company from the audit obligation and is simultaneously a prerequisite for BAFA funding and tax concessions.
→ Am I subject to mandatory auditing? (EDL-G check)DIN EN 16247 describes a one-off audit every four years: an expert analyses energy consumption, identifies savings potential and produces a report. The audit does not create permanent structures within the organisation.
ISO 50001 is a continual management system (PDCA): the organisation permanently establishes processes for energy monitoring, target-setting and improvement. ISO 50001 requires more effort to implement but delivers greater long-term benefit and is a prerequisite for tax advantages and BAFA funding.
An EnPI (Energy Performance Indicator) is a metric that expresses energy consumption in relation to a relevant variable – for example: kWh / tonne of product, kWh / m² of floor area, kWh / machine operating hour.
The calculation follows ISO 50006: consumption (from the EMS) is divided by the reference variable (e.g. production output from the ERP system). Alligator Analytica calculates EnPIs automatically and displays trends, baseline comparisons and deviations on the dashboard.
→ ISO 50006: EnPI methodologyYes – and it is worthwhile. SMEs are exempt from the statutory audit obligation, but benefit from voluntary ISO 50001 certification through:
Under ISO 50001, all significant energy sources must be covered. This typically includes: electricity (purchased and self-generated), natural gas, heating oil, district heating, compressed air, process heat and fuels. Energy exported to the grid from PV or CHP may be excluded; self-consumption must be included. This applies to all of the company's sites in Germany.
Since December 2015, BAFA has been carrying out spot-check audits. In the event of a missing or incorrect energy audit, fines of up to €50,000 per company can be imposed. Alligator Analytica automatically provides all reports and documentation required for ISO 50001 and audits, and supports companies during BAFA enquiries.
BAFA Funding
BEW Module 3 (Federal Subsidy for Energy and Resource Efficiency in Industry, Module "Instrumentation, Sensors and Energy Management Software") subsidises investment in certified EMS software, metering equipment and associated training. All companies based in Germany are eligible – both SMEs and large enterprises. Requirement: the software must appear on the official BAFA software list. Alligator Analytica is listed.
→ BEW Module 3 in detailThe subsidy rate depends on company size:
| Company size | Subsidy rate |
|---|---|
| Small (< 50 employees or < €10 m turnover) | 45 % |
| Medium (< 250 employees or < €50 m turnover) | 35 % |
| Large (≥ 250 employees and ≥ €50 m turnover) | 25 % |
Maximum grant amount: €20 million per applicant across all BEW modules.
Yes – this is mandatory. The funding application must be submitted to BAFA before the measure begins (order placed, contract signed, engagement confirmed). Anyone who orders software or hardware without a prior application loses all entitlement to the subsidy. Alligator Analytica guides you through the entire process from application to disbursement.
→ The 5 most common mistakes when applying to BAFAFor BEW Module 3 you will typically need:
We provide all Alligator-related documentation and review your application beforehand.
For improper conduct, missing evidence or failure to meet the four-year deadline, fines of up to €50,000 per company may be imposed. BAFA has been carrying out spot-check audits since 2015. A certified ISO 50001 system fully eliminates this risk.
Pricing & Contracts
Billing is monthly per measurement point. The subscription includes: software licence, unlimited data storage, all software updates, hosting on dedicated servers in a German data centre, technical support and gateway software maintenance. Hardware costs (Alligate gateway, meters) are charged as a one-off. Volume discounts apply for larger numbers of sites.
Standard subscriptions have a minimum term of 12 months. For BAFA-funded projects (BEW Module 3), the funding guidelines require a usage period of 36 months – this term is then a prerequisite for subsidy eligibility. Please contact us for individual contract arrangements.
Yes. Customers with more than 10 sites benefit from tiered volume discounts on monthly measurement-point fees. For retailers, logistics operators or manufacturing companies with many measurement points, we are happy to provide a bespoke quote based on the actual metering concept.
Yes. We offer a free initial consultation and a live demo, in which we analyse your situation and show the system in action. Simply complete our short checklist – we will contact you within 24 hours to arrange an appointment.
→ Request a demoThe monthly subscription includes:
Installation & Integration
The duration depends on complexity and number of sites:
ISO 50001 certification can be prepared in parallel and is typically achievable within 3–6 months.
Installation of the Alligate gateway and meters is preferably carried out by the customer's own electrician using our detailed installation guide – saving both time and cost. Alternatively, Alligator Analytica coordinates a certified specialist from our partner network. Software configuration and gateway setup are carried out entirely by our team – remotely, without a site visit.
Yes. The system is compatible with all common control and building management systems – regardless of manufacturer, age or make. We support Modbus RTU/TCP, OPC-UA, M-Bus, BACnet, MQTT and more. Profibus, HART or proprietary protocols can be connected via protocol converters. For special cases we develop a bespoke integration solution.
There is no technical limit. All company sites can be managed within a single instance – with a central dashboard and cross-site analysis. For retailers and logistics operators with 100+ sites, we have specialised multi-site roll-out processes. Existing customers manage up to 350+ sites through the platform.
The system is expandable at any time. New measurement points are integrated via the existing metering concept or the concept is jointly extended. New sites receive their own Alligate gateway and are added centrally to the existing platform – without fresh setup or data migration. Expansions are added to the ongoing monthly billing.
Complete our short checklist and we will show you how Alligator Analytica fits your organisation – including an assessment of your BAFA funding eligibility.