Here’s why you need a charge point management system (CPMS)

So, you've invested in EV charging infrastructure and things are looking promising—but what happens next? Running an EV charging business is about more than just installing chargers. Without the right management system, station downtime, payment issues and operational inefficiencies can quickly become a challenge. That’s where an EV charging management software like a charge point management system (CPMS) comes in. A CPMS streamlines your charging operations, helping you track performance, automate billing and prevent costly downtime, creating a seamless experience for both operators and drivers.

What is a charge point management system?

Picture this: you've just launched your EV charging business, and drivers are starting to plug in. But then, a station goes offline unexpectedly. Payments aren’t processing smoothly. Some chargers sit idle while others are overused. Without a way to monitor and manage everything in real-time, things can quickly become chaotic. This is where a charge point management system becomes essential.  

A CPMS is a digital platform that helps businesses control, monitor and optimise EV charging stations. It acts as your centralised control hub, giving you full visibility and control over your charging network by automating operations, monitoring performance in real-time and simplifying transactions. Basically, a CPMS makes sure your business runs smoothly while earning profit.

vaylens provides a smart, scalable CPMS that allows operators to monitor real-time charging activity, automate billing and optimise station performance. With our intuitive platform, operators can reduce downtime while enhancing overall user experience. Here’s a quick look:

Core functionality and features of a CPMS

A well-designed EV charging management software makes running a charging network easier, helping operators streamline station management, boost efficiency and grow their business. Below are some of the key features operators should look for when selecting a CPMS.  

• Remote monitoring and diagnostics: Charging stations need to stay online to keep drivers moving. A CPMS provides real-time tracking, detects faults and sends alerts so issues can be resolved quickly. Remote diagnostics reduce the need for on-site repairs, saving time and minimising unexpected costs.  

• Smart load balancing: High demand can strain the grid, but smart load balancing prevents overloads by distributing power across multiple chargers. This helps stations to operate smoothly, even during peak hours, while still optimising energy use.

• Automated billing and payment integration: A CPMS makes processing transactions easier by supporting RFID cards, mobile apps and credit cards. It automates billing and offers flexible pricing models like pay-per-use or memberships, reducing manual work and improving revenue collection.

• User access control and custom pricing: Not all chargers are public. A CPMS allows businesses to control access for employees, residents or fleet vehicles. Operators can also set different pricing levels for various users, making charging more accessible while increasing profitability.

Having these features in place makes managing an EV charging network easier and more efficient. vaylens' CPMS includes all of these capabilities, helping operators improve reliability, optimise energy distribution and simplify payments.

How a CPMS helps maintain and optimise charging stations

Keeping an EV charging network running efficiently goes beyond the installation—it requires ongoing maintenance, real-time performance tracking and data-driven decision-making. A CPMS detects issues early, optimises performance and provides valuable insights for long-term business growth.  

• Reducing maintenance costs: Unexpected breakdowns can be costly, but a CPMS helps prevent major repairs with predictive maintenance alerts. By identifying performance issues early, operators can schedule maintenance before minor problems turn into expensive failures.

• Ensuring charging station uptime: A CPMS tracks station performance in real-time, identifying inefficiencies or potential failures before they disrupt users. With automated monitoring, operators can take action quickly, keeping stations online and customers satisfied.

• Data-driven insights for business growth: A CPMS generates detailed reports on energy usage, peak charging hours and revenue trends. This data helps businesses make smarter decisions about station placement, pricing strategies and future expansion.

By using a CPMS, operators can reduce operational costs, maximise uptime and use data to scale their business more effectively. vaylens' CPMS offers all these features, giving businesses the tools they need to keep their charging network running smoothly while growing their revenue.

Who would benefit from a CPMS?  

A CPMS isn’t just for large-scale operators—any business or organisation that manages EV charging stations can benefit from it. From fleet management to public and commercial providers, a CPMS optimises efficiency, enhances reliability and improves profitability.

Fleet Operators

Managing a fleet of EVs requires careful scheduling and oversight. A CPMS:  

• Makes sure vehicles charge at the right time to prevent downtime.

• Monitors energy consumption to improve efficiency and lower costs.

• Provides real-time updates on charger availability to keep fleets moving.

vaylens helps fleet operators organise charging schedules, optimise energy consumption and track vehicle charging status in real-time, allowing for smoother operations and reduced costs.

Public and commercial charging providers

For businesses that operate public or commercial charging stations, a CPMS:  

• Automates transactions and simplifies payment processing.

• Tracks revenue and usage trends for better business planning.

• Enhances customer experience with real-time availability updates.

vaylens helps public and commercial charging providers by automating payments, tracking station performance and offering real-time usage data, making it easier to manage high-demand locations efficiently.

Workplace and residential charging solutions

Workplaces and residential complexes benefit from controlled access charging. A CPMS:  

• Restricts charging access to authorised users (employees or residents).

• Supports custom pricing for different user groups.

• Provides usage tracking to help manage costs effectively.

vaylens helps workplace and residential charging providers manage access control, set custom pricing and track usage data to ensure efficient and fair distribution of charging resources.

Choosing the right CPMS for your business

Not all EV charging management software is created equal, and choosing the right one can make or break your charging network’s success. The best CPMS should be scalable, secure and easy to integrate with your existing systems.

• Scalability & Compatibility – Your business will grow, and your CPMS should grow with it. Whether you operate a handful of chargers or manage a vast network, a CPMS should support expansion without compromising efficiency.

• Ease of Integration – A great CPMS works with your existing infrastructure, including payment processing, energy management and fleet monitoring systems, so that everything runs seamlessly.

• Security Features – With cybersecurity threats on the rise, protecting user data and preventing fraud is crucial. A CPMS should offer encrypted transactions, secure user authentication and ongoing software updates.

Implementing a CPMS is essential for maintaining an efficient, reliable and profitable EV charging network. The right system creates seamless station management, prevents downtime and enhances the customer experience. Choosing a solution that grows with your business and integrates easily with your operations will set you up for long-term success.

vaylens makes choosing a CPMS simple. Its scalable, secure and fully integrated solution helps operators manage their stations effortlessly while protecting user data and optimising revenue.