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FPS is all about situations where the electricity industry and logistics sector meet. These connections are increasing in frequency because of the energy transition and decarbonisation. We combine data analytics with deep technical and operations knowledge to help our clients build low cost high impact solutions for decarbonisation of their fleets and estates.
Ben and Sofia are part of the FPS analyst team, their role is to deliver analysis and build simulations to help clients make better decisions in their decarbonisation strategies. They also develop simulation and optimisation software in our R&D projects.
Let’s hear from Sofia and Ben on what it’s like to work at FPS.
Q: Why did you join FPS?
Sofia: Coming from a physics background (PhD, University of Cambridge), I am naturally drawn to the energy and logistics sectors that FPS works in.
I am also very excited about making use of the mountain of data generated as part of logistics operations that often does not get fully utilised. FPS lets me do all that while directly helping supply chains transition to a low carbon economy. Logistics is a cornerstone of all economic activity, and any progress in this area can have outsized effects throughout many industries.
Ben: I wanted a job with daily work I found interesting in a fast-growing sector where I could help contribute to one of the biggest challenges (climate change) our society has faced.
Traditional diesel vehicles used to be cheaper to run. However, as EV technology begins to mature and society strives towards the UK 2050 Net Zero Target, there is now an economic value for large-scale electrification. Companies can now embrace change while remaining competitive. FPS allows me to contribute with my degree knowledge (Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London) to speed up the transition to a cleaner world and reduce rising global temperature’s impact on lives, and food & water security.
Q: What types of project have you been working on at FPS?
Sofia: In the couple of months I have been at FPS, I have been undertaking some EV market research and working on smart charging algorithm development with the controls team.
Ben: Since joining last year, I have worked on quite a range of projects for clients and for FPS research including building tariff models, repairing and forecasting sub meter data, modelling home delivery demand, and forecasting journey characteristics.
Q: What are you working on now?
Sofia: I am currently working on EV smart charging algorithm development in preparation for a vehicle implementation later this year.
Ben: Recently, I have been working on forecast models for refrigeration energy use in supermarkets by combining commercial and data from individual sites. I’ve also just started an exercise to find a vehicle routing solution suitable for one of our projects.
Q: What challenges do these projects throw up?
Sofia: The company insists on subject matter knowledge alongside data science and optimisation activity. This has meant I have had to get into a lot of technical detail with the controls team, literature reviews and looking at standards before starting work on my algorithms.
Ben: All FPS projects are challenging! We are frequently using data sets to monitor operational health of things like buildings or instruct fulfilment teams on a daily basis. However, they are often not designed to support the type of optimisation we undertake. To overcome this, we take a lot of time to understand the client’s business and operations so we can process and make the most out of the data collected.
Q: What’s the best part about working at FPS?
Sofia: Working at a start-up like FPS means we have significant responsibility since day one. We are often staffed on multiple projects simultaneously, with opportunities to interact with clients and decision makers closely to understand their needs and expectations. I have learnt so much already in just 2 months into joining FPS – it’s great place for both professional and personal development.
The organisation’s size also means decisions and consensus can be made quickly. This enables us to explore new opportunities and adapt to changes in a very agile way to maintain a competitive edge.
Ben: FPS is made up of a small team of bright and friendly people who inspire and support each other. We are encouraged to discuss challenges and ideas freely with everyone in the business to arrive at the best solutions.
The company worked hard to maintain this during lockdown, from goal-oriented Monday meetings to causal Friday catchups (with beer allowed and encouraged), the team was kept up to date and well-supported throughout the week. Who doesn’t love getting off work at 4:30 on Fridays for evening drinks?
By combining data, operations knowledge and engineering, FPS is helping companies in the logistics sector accelerate their energy transitions . If you are interested in joining our inter-disciplinary team and think you have what it takes, send us a CV and covering letter to info@flexpowerltd.com?
