LYS Software System: Adaptive Control vs. Traditional Lighting Control Systems
A Comparison of Energy Savings and User Experience
From LYS A/S
Executive Summary
Traditional lighting control systems have promised energy savings through automation for decades, but have often failed to deliver the optimal balance between efficiency and user experience. LYS Software System's adaptive control represents a fundamental evolution in lighting management—a system that not only responds to presence and daylight, but learns, predicts, and continuously optimizes to deliver both maximum energy savings (44-67%) and superior user experience.
This comparison documents how LYS Software System's adaptive approach surpasses traditional systems across all critical parameters: energy efficiency, response time, dimming quality, user comfort, maintenance, and total cost of ownership. Through concrete measurements, case studies, and technical analysis, we demonstrate why adaptive control is the future of retail lighting.
What Is Adaptive Control?
Before comparing, it is important to understand what distinguishes adaptive control from traditional approaches.
Traditional Lighting Control Systems: Reactive Control
Traditional lighting control systems operate primarily in reactive mode. They respond to input from sensors (presence, daylight) by turning on, off, or dimming lights based on predefined rules. These systems typically have the following characteristics:
On/Off Control:
The simplest level—lights turn on with presence and turn off after a timeout period. No graduated control, no adaptation to actual needs.
Simple Dimming:
More advanced systems can dim based on daylight or presence, but dimming curves are static and predefined. The system responds to sensor input but does not learn or optimize over time.
Zone-Based Control:
Lighting is controlled in predefined zones, typically with one sensor per zone. All fixtures in a zone respond identically, regardless of their position or actual needs.
Static Schedules:
Many traditional systems use time-based profiles (e.g., "store opens at 10am, so turn on 100% light at 9:55am"). These profiles are rarely adjusted and do not account for actual activity.
LYS Software System: Adaptive Control
LYS Software System's adaptive control operates fundamentally differently. The system continuously learns from data, predicts future needs, and automatically optimizes for both energy efficiency and user experience. Characteristics include:
Intelligent Presence Detection:
The system distinguishes between different levels of activity—not just "present" or "absent", but "no activity", "low traffic", "moderate traffic", and "high traffic". Lighting adjusts gradually based on actual needs.
Dynamic Daylight Integration:
Instead of static dimming curves, the system continuously analyzes available daylight and adjusts artificial lighting to maintain constant light levels. Central daylight measurement ensures precise control without oscillation.
Predictive Optimization:
The system learns from historical data (customer traffic, daylight patterns, seasonal variations) and predicts future needs. Lighting adjusts proactively instead of reactively.
Fixture-Level Control:
Each fixture is controlled individually based on its position, function, and actual needs. Fixtures near windows dim more aggressively than those in the store interior, even within the same zone.
Continuous Learning:
The system improves itself over time. Machine learning algorithms identify patterns, optimize dimming curves, and automatically adjust for changes in store layout or traffic patterns.
Smooth, Imperceptible Dimming:
All light transitions are soft and gradual. No abrupt changes that distract customers or employees. Dimming speeds are optimized for human perception.
Comparison: Energy Savings
Energy savings is often the primary argument for lighting control, but not all systems deliver the same results.
Traditional Systems: 15-35% Savings
Traditional lighting control systems typically deliver 15-35% energy savings compared to no control. These savings come primarily from:
Presence Control:
Lights turn off or dim when no one is present. In retail environments with varying customer traffic, this can provide 10-20% savings. But many traditional systems are too conservative—they keep lights at 100% even with minimal activity to avoid customer complaints.
Daylight Harvesting:
Dimming based on daylight can provide an additional 5-15% savings in stores with good daylight conditions. But many traditional systems have poor daylight integration, leading to oscillation (lights constantly dimming up and down) or overly conservative dimming.
Time-Based Control:
Reduced lighting outside opening hours can provide 5-10% savings. But this requires manual programming and is rarely adjusted.
Limitations:
Traditional systems rarely exceed 35% savings because they are designed conservatively to avoid customer complaints. They respond slowly, do not dim aggressively enough, and lack the intelligence to optimize for actual needs.
LYS Software System: 44-67% Savings
LYS Software System's adaptive control delivers documented 44-67% energy savings compared to no control. This dramatically higher savings comes from:
Intelligent Multi-Level Presence:
Instead of simple on/off or two-level dimming, LYS implements three-stage adaptive control:
•100% light for 1 minute when presence detected (optimal customer experience)
•50% light for 5 minutes after last activity (balance between energy and response)
•30% background level with no activity (safety and immediate response)
This graduated approach ensures energy is never wasted, but the store always feels inviting. Transitions are so smooth they are imperceptible to customers.
Precise Daylight Integration:
LYS' central daylight measurement head delivers stable, oscillation-free daylight compensation. The system can dim aggressively in zones with good daylight (down to 20-30% artificial lighting) without compromising light levels. This alone can provide 20-30% additional savings in stores with good window conditions.
Zone-Divided Optimization:
Different store zones have different needs. LYS Software System optimizes each zone individually:
•Entrance area: Always 100% (first impression is critical)
•Main aisles: Adaptive 30-100% based on traffic
•Fitting rooms: 100% when in use, 30% standby
•Storage areas: Aggressive dimming to 20% when not in use
•Window areas: Maximum daylight harvesting
Predictive Optimization:
The system learns that customer traffic is typically low at 10-11am, moderate at 11am-2pm, high at 2-5pm, and low again at 5-8pm. Lighting adjusts proactively based on these patterns, providing an additional 5-10% savings compared to purely reactive control.
Fixture-Level Granularity:
Instead of dimming all fixtures in a zone identically, LYS optimizes each fixture individually. Fixtures illuminating less critical areas dim more aggressively, while focus areas (product presentations, checkouts) are maintained optimally.
Continuous Improvement:
Machine learning algorithms identify additional savings opportunities over time. The system can detect that certain zones are consistently over-lit and adjust automatically.
Energy Savings: Comparison Table
|
Parameter
|
Traditional Systems
|
LYS Adaptive Control
|
Difference
|
|
Total energy savings
|
15-35%
|
44-67%
|
+29-32 pp
|
|
Presence control
|
10-20%
|
25-35%
|
+15 pp
|
|
Daylight harvesting
|
5-15%
|
15-25%
|
+10 pp
|
|
Zone-divided optimization
|
0-5%
|
10-15%
|
+10 pp
|
|
Predictive optimization
|
0%
|
5-10%
|
+5-10 pp
|
|
Continuous improvement
|
0%
|
2-5% annually
|
+2-5 pp
|
|
Annual savings (1000 m² store)
|
15,000-35,000 kWh
|
44,000-67,000 kWh
|
+29,000-32,000 kWh
|
|
CO2 reduction (tons/year)
|
7.5-17.5
|
22-33.5
|
+14.5-16 tons
|
|
Cost savings (€/year)
|
€3,000-7,000
|
€8,800-13,400
|
€5,800-6,400
|
Based on 100,000 kWh baseline consumption for 1000 m² retail, €0.20/kWh, 0.5 kg CO2/kWh
Comparison: User Experience
Energy savings are meaningless if they compromise user experience. This is where LYS Software System fundamentally differs from traditional systems.
Traditional Systems: Compromises and Complaints
Traditional lighting control systems are notorious for creating user frustration:
Abrupt Light Changes:
Many systems turn lights on or off suddenly, which is distracting and uncomfortable. Customers standing still in a fitting room may experience lights turning off because the motion sensor does not detect them.
Oscillation:
Poor daylight integration leads to constant up-and-down dimming when clouds pass. This is extremely distracting and can cause headaches and eye strain.
Overly Conservative Control:
To avoid complaints, many systems are programmed to be too conservative—lights are kept at 100% almost always, eliminating energy savings.
Slow Response:
When a customer enters a zone, it can take 2-5 seconds before the light responds. This creates an experience that the store is "off" or "dead".
No Adaptation:
Static programs do not account for special events, weather, or changes in store layout. The system requires manual reprogramming by a technician.
Employee Override:
Frustrated employees often turn off automation and run lighting manually, eliminating all energy savings.
LYS Software System: Imperceptible Optimization
LYS Software System's adaptive control is designed to be completely imperceptible to customers and employees, while delivering optimal lighting at all times.
Smooth, Graduated Dimming:
All light transitions occur over 30-60 seconds with non-linear dimming curves optimized for human perception. Customers and employees do not notice the changes—they simply experience that the lighting is always "perfect".
Instant Response:
When a customer enters a zone, the light begins to rise immediately (within 0.1 seconds). The transition from 30% to 100% takes 15-20 seconds, but starts so quickly that the customer never experiences "darkness".
Oscillation-Free Daylight Compensation:
LYS' central daylight measurement head and advanced filtering algorithms ensure stable daylight compensation. Even when clouds pass, adjustments occur so gradually they are imperceptible.
Intelligent Timeout:
Instead of turning off lights abruptly after a fixed timeout period, the system analyzes activity patterns. If a customer stands still in a fitting room, the light remains at 100%. If a zone has been empty for 5 minutes, it dims gradually to 50%, and after another 5 minutes to 30%.
Contextual Adaptation:
The system automatically adapts to special conditions. If it is a dark, rainy day, daylight compensation dims less aggressively. If there is a campaign launch with high expected traffic, lighting levels are increased proactively.
Employee Trust:
Because the system functions so reliably and imperceptibly, employees trust it and do not turn off automation. This ensures energy savings are maintained over time.
User Experience: Comparison Table
|
Parameter
|
Traditional Systems
|
LYS Adaptive Control
|
Rating
|
|
Dimming smoothness
|
Abrupt or linear
|
Graduated, non-linear, optimized
|
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
|
Response time
|
2-5 seconds
|
<0.1 second
|
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
|
Oscillation
|
Frequent with daylight
|
None (filtered)
|
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
|
Timeout intelligence
|
Fixed period
|
Contextual analysis
|
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
|
Adaptability
|
Manual reprogramming
|
Automatic learning
|
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
|
Employee acceptance
|
Low (often disabled)
|
High (trusted system)
|
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
|
Customer complaints
|
Frequent
|
Rare/none
|
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
|
Light quality experience
|
Variable, distracting
|
Consistent, comfortable
|
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
Technical Comparison: How It Works
To understand why LYS Software System delivers superior results, it is useful to look at the technical differences.
Traditional Systems: Simple Logic
Traditional lighting control systems typically use simple if-then logic:
Plain Text
IF (presence detected) THEN (turn on light 100%) IF (no presence for 5 min) THEN (turn off light) IF (daylight > 500 lux) THEN (dim to 50%)
This approach is easy to understand and implement, but lacks nuance and intelligence. The system cannot learn, cannot predict, and cannot optimize for complex scenarios.
Sensor Technology:
Many traditional systems use simple PIR (Passive Infrared) sensors that only detect motion. If a person stands still, they are not registered. Daylight sensors are often poorly placed or incorrectly calibrated.
Communication:
Older systems use proprietary bus systems with limited bandwidth. This limits how often data can be sent and how many fixtures can be controlled individually.
Programming:
Typically requires specialized software and technician visits. Changes are time-consuming and expensive.
LYS Software System: Intelligent Architecture
LYS Software System uses a fundamentally different architecture based on continuous data collection, machine learning, and predictive optimization.
Advanced Sensor Fusion:
LYS combines data from multiple sensor types:
•High-resolution presence sensors that detect even minimal movement
•Infrared sensors that can count the number of people in a zone
•Central daylight measurement head with spectral analysis
•Energy meters on each fixture for precise feedback
This data is fused in real-time to create a complete picture of the store's state.
Machine Learning Pipeline:
LYS Software System implements a continuous machine learning pipeline:
1.Data Collection: All sensor data and fixture states are logged every second
2.Pattern Recognition: Algorithms identify patterns in customer traffic, daylight, and energy consumption
3.Predictive Modeling: Models predict future needs based on historical data
4.Optimization: Dimming curves and timeout periods are optimized automatically
5.Deployment: Updated control parameters are distributed to fixtures
6.Feedback: Actual results are measured and used to improve models
This pipeline runs continuously, meaning the system constantly improves itself.
LUXMATE Bus Technology:
LYS uses advanced bus technology that supports:
•High bandwidth for real-time communication with thousands of fixtures
•Fast switching (<0.1 second response time)
•Precise dimming (0.1% resolution for smooth, imperceptible dimming)
•Reliable operation without oscillation or interference
Cloud Integration:
LYS Software System integrates with cloud platform for:
•Centralized control of multiple stores
•Machine learning across entire store chain
•Automatic software updates
•ESG reporting and energy analytics
User-Friendly Interface:
Changes can be made through intuitive web interface without technician visits. Employees can adjust lighting scenes, while the system automatically optimizes for energy efficiency.
Technical Comparison: Table
|
Technical Parameter
|
Traditional Systems
|
LYS Software System
|
|
Control logic
|
If-then rules
|
Machine learning + prediction
|
|
Sensor types
|
1-2 (PIR, daylight)
|
4+ (presence, IR, daylight, energy)
|
|
Data resolution
|
Minute basis
|
Second basis
|
|
Response time
|
2-5 seconds
|
<0.1 second
|
|
Dimming resolution
|
1-10%
|
0.1%
|
|
Communication
|
Proprietary, low bandwidth
|
LUXMATE bus, high bandwidth
|
|
Programming
|
Technician visit required
|
Web interface, remote
|
|
Learning/Adaptation
|
None
|
Continuous machine learning
|
|
Cloud integration
|
Rare
|
Standard
|
|
Software updates
|
Manual
|
Automatic OTA
|
|
Fixtures per system
|
100-500
|
10,000+
|
Case Study: Brdr. Sørensen Furniture
The best way to demonstrate the difference between traditional and adaptive control is through a concrete example.
Before LYS: Traditional System
Brdr. Sørensen Furniture's previous lighting installation used a traditional lighting control system with the following characteristics:
Technology:
•Gen 2 LED fixtures (120 lm/W)
•Simple PIR-based presence control
•Basic daylight compensation
•Zone-based control (8 zones in 2,500 m² store)
Energy Consumption:
•180,000 kWh/year from lighting
•Estimated 20% savings compared to no control
User Experience:
•Frequent complaints about abrupt light changes
•Oscillation in window areas on sunny days
•Lights turning off in fitting rooms when customers stood still
•Employees had disabled automation in several zones
Maintenance:
•Annual technician visits for reprogramming (€2,000)
•Frequent sensor adjustments
After LYS: Adaptive Control
After implementing LYS Software System with Gen 4 LED and adaptive control:
Technology:
•Gen 4 LED fixtures (170+ lm/W, anti-glare UGR <16)
•LYS Software System with adaptive control
•High-resolution presence sensors + central daylight measurement
•Fixture-level control (150 individually controlled fixtures)
Energy Consumption:
•80,000 kWh/year from lighting (56% reduction)
•44% savings from adaptive control alone (excl. LED upgrade)
User Experience:
•No customer complaints about lighting
•Employee satisfaction score rose from 6.5 to 9.2/10
•Customer atmosphere score rose from 7.8 to 9.3/10
•62% reduction in reported eye strain among employees
Energy Savings Breakdown:
•24% from Gen 4 LED upgrade (170 lm/W vs. 120 lm/W)
•32% from adaptive control (intelligent presence, daylight, zone division)
•Total: 56% reduction
Concrete Adaptive Features:
•Lighting in window areas automatically dims to 20-40% on sunny days (oscillation-free)
•Fitting rooms maintain 100% lighting even when customers stand still (intelligent timeout)
•Storage areas dim to 20% when not in use, but rise to 100% within 1 second with activity
•Entrance area always maintains 100% for optimal first impression
•System learned that Saturday afternoon has highest traffic and optimizes proactively
Maintenance:
•No technician visits necessary (remote programming)
•Predictive component replacement reduces downtime
•Annual maintenance cost reduced to €600
ROI:
•Investment: €180,000
•Annual savings: €20,000 (energy) + €8,000 (maintenance) = €28,000
•Payback: 6.4 years
•But: With subsidies and accelerated depreciation, actual payback was 18 months
Comparison: Before and After
|
Metric
|
Before (Traditional)
|
After (LYS Adaptive)
|
Improvement
|
|
Energy consumption (kWh/year)
|
180,000
|
80,000
|
-56%
|
|
Energy cost (€/year)
|
€36,000
|
€16,000
|
-56%
|
|
CO2 emissions (tons/year)
|
90
|
40
|
-56%
|
|
Customer complaints/month
|
8-12
|
0-1
|
-92%
|
|
Employee satisfaction
|
6.5/10
|
9.2/10
|
+42%
|
|
Customer atmosphere score
|
7.8/10
|
9.3/10
|
+19%
|
|
Eye strain (reported)
|
Baseline
|
-62%
|
-62%
|
|
Maintenance (€/year)
|
€8,000
|
€3,000
|
-63%
|
|
Technician visits/year
|
4-6
|
0
|
-100%
|
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): 15-Year Perspective
Energy savings are only one part of the equation. A complete TCO analysis shows the full value of adaptive control.
Traditional System: TCO Over 15 Years
Initial Investment:
•Fixtures: €100,000
•Control system: €30,000
•Installation: €20,000
•Total: €150,000
Operating Costs (annual):
•Energy: €36,000
•Maintenance: €8,000
•Technician visits: €2,000
•Total: €46,000/year
Replacements Over 15 Years:
•Fixtures (year 10): €100,000
•Control system upgrade (year 8): €20,000
•Total: €120,000
Total TCO (15 years):
€150,000 (initial) + €690,000 (operating) + €120,000 (replacements) = €960,000
LYS Software System: TCO Over 15 Years
Initial Investment:
•Gen 4 fixtures: €120,000
•LYS Software System: €40,000
•Installation: €20,000
•Total: €180,000
Operating Costs (annual):
•Energy: €16,000
•Maintenance: €3,000
•Software license: €2,000
•Total: €21,000/year
Replacements Over 15 Years:
•LED modules (year 12): €30,000 (modules only, not entire fixtures)
•Drivers (year 10): €15,000
•Total: €45,000
Total TCO (15 years):
€180,000 (initial) + €315,000 (operating) + €45,000 (replacements) = €540,000
TCO Comparison
|
TCO Component
|
Traditional System
|
LYS Adaptive System
|
Savings
|
|
Initial investment
|
€150,000
|
€180,000
|
-€30,000
|
|
Operating (15 years)
|
€690,000
|
€315,000
|
+€375,000
|
|
Replacements (15 years)
|
€120,000
|
€45,000
|
+€75,000
|
|
Total TCO (15 years)
|
€960,000
|
€540,000
|
+€420,000
|
|
TCO savings
|
-
|
-
|
44%
|
Even with higher initial investment, LYS Software System delivers €420,000 in savings over 15 years—a 44% reduction in total cost of ownership.
Environmental Impact: Beyond Energy
Adaptive control also delivers significant environmental benefits beyond direct energy savings.
Reduced CO2 Footprint
Direct Emissions (Scope 2):
•Traditional system: 90 tons CO2/year
•LYS adaptive system: 40 tons CO2/year
•Reduction: 50 tons CO2/year over 15 years = 750 tons CO2
Indirect Emissions (Scope 3):
LYS' modular design and extended lifespan also reduce Scope 3 emissions:
•Fewer fixture replacements: -60% production emissions
•Longer component lifespan: -50% transport emissions
•Higher recycling rate: -70% end-of-life emissions
Total Lifecycle Reduction:
When all factors are included, LYS adaptive control delivers 55-60% reduction in total lifecycle CO2 impact compared to traditional systems.
Circular Economy
LYS' modular design supports circular economy principles:
•95% of components can be reused or recycled
•Replaceable LED modules extend fixture lifespan from 10 to 25+ years
•Digital product passport documents component history for optimal end-of-life treatment
Traditional systems typically have <50% recycling rate and require complete replacement after 10-12 years.
Implementation: What Is Required?
Traditional System → LYS Adaptive: Retrofit
For existing stores with traditional systems, retrofit is possible:
Phase 1: Assessment (1-2 weeks)
•LYS team analyzes existing installation
•Energy consumption measured or estimated
•Savings potential calculated
•ROI documentation prepared
Phase 2: Design (2-4 weeks)
•Lighting design optimized for both aesthetics and efficiency
•Sensor placement planned for optimal coverage
•Zone division designed based on store layout
•Integration with existing systems (if relevant)
Phase 3: Installation (1-3 weeks)
•Fixtures and sensors installed (typically outside opening hours)
•LYS Software System configured
•Connection to cloud platform established
•Initial calibration performed
Phase 4: Commissioning (1-2 weeks)
•System fine-tuned based on actual use
•Employees trained in basic operation
•Baseline measurements established for later comparison
Phase 5: Optimization (ongoing)
•Machine learning algorithms begin learning
•System optimizes automatically over time
•Monthly reports show progress
•Remote support available 24/7
Total Implementation Time:
5-11 weeks from start to full operation, depending on store size and complexity.
New Construction: LYS Adaptive From Start
For new stores, LYS Software System is even more cost-effective:
•No retrofit costs
•Optimal fixture placement from start
•Integration with building BMS
•Lower initial investment (no existing system to remove)
The Future: AI and Predictive Analytics
LYS Software System continuously evolves. Upcoming features include:
AI-Driven Prediction
Next generation adaptive control will use advanced AI for:
•Weather integration: Adjust lighting based on weather forecast (dark days = less daylight dimming)
•Event prediction: Automatically increase lighting for campaign launches or special events
•Seasonal optimization: Learn seasonal patterns and adjust proactively
•Anomaly detection: Identify abnormal patterns indicating problems
Early tests show AI prediction can deliver an additional 8-12% energy savings beyond current adaptive control.
Integration with Retail Analytics
LYS Software System will integrate with retail analytics platforms for:
•Correlation between lighting and sales: Identify optimal lighting for maximum sales
•Customer behavior analysis: Understand how lighting affects customer flow
•Personalized lighting: Adjust lighting based on customer demographics or preferences
Blockchain for Transparency
Blockchain integration will deliver:
•Immutable documentation of energy consumption and CO2 reductions
•Verifiable ESG reports for investor communication
•Carbon credits: Potential to convert verified CO2 reductions to tradable credits
Conclusion: Adaptive Control Is the Future
The comparison between traditional lighting control systems and LYS Software System's adaptive control is clear and unambiguous:
Energy Savings:
LYS delivers 44-67% savings vs. traditional systems' 15-35%—a 29-32 percentage point improvement.
User Experience:
LYS' smooth, imperceptible dimming and instant response eliminate the complaints and frustrations that plague traditional systems.
Total Cost of Ownership:
Even with higher initial investment, LYS delivers 44% lower TCO over 15 years—a savings of €420,000 for a typical 2,500 m² store.
Environmental Impact:
LYS reduces not only Scope 2 emissions by 56%, but also Scope 3 emissions through modular design and extended lifespan.
Future-Proofing:
LYS' cloud-based platform and continuous machine learning ensure the system improves over time and can be upgraded with new features without hardware replacement.
For retail brands seeking to achieve their sustainability goals without compromising customer experience or employee well-being, LYS Software System's adaptive control is not just the best solution—it is the only solution that delivers both maximum energy savings and superior user experience.
The future of retail lighting is adaptive. The future is LYS.
About LYS Software System
LYS Software System is developed by LYS A/S based on 20+ years of experience in lighting design and control. The system combines advanced sensor technology, machine learning, and LUXMATE bus architecture to deliver the world's most intelligent and efficient retail lighting solution.
For more information about how LYS Software System can transform your store's energy consumption and user experience, contact our team.
LYS A/S
Light Your Store – Light Your Future