Evaluation of functional dimensions of energy management system software tools for sustainable energy applications

Abstract

The intensifying global energy demand necessitates a transition toward sustainable energy systems, amplifying the need for effective Energy Management System (EMS) software tools for planning, simulation, and decision-making. Existing studies largely offer descriptive comparisons of EMS tools, with limited attention to the relationships among their key characteristics. This study addresses that gap through a data-driven, user-centered evaluation framework. It assesses the perceived importance and interdependencies of eleven key dimensions of EMS software tools, based on a cross-sectional survey of 75 respondents with relevant academic and professional experience. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Economic Analysis Capability, Real-World Application, and Computational Capacity emerged as the most critical dimensions, with strong Bonferroni-corrected associations among computational performance, usability, and practical applicability. EFA identified three latent dimensions comprising of performance and usability integration, technical and analytical capability, and system configuration flexibility explaining 72% of total variance. The findings suggest that EMS tools perceived as effective require a balanced integration of computational strength, usability, economic evaluation, and real-world applicability. By moving beyond descriptive comparisons toward a statistically grounded, relational evaluation framework, this study offers practical insights for EMS tool selection and future development for sustainable energy applications.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Discover Sustainability, 2026 · DOI ↗