Remote equipment is difficult to monitor.
Operating status, measurements, alarms, and performance may not be available without visiting the site.
Connected Systems & Automation
Connect field equipment with the systems used to monitor and manage it.
ballastIQ designs connected systems for monitoring, automation, data collection, edge computing, remote access, and control.
- Field equipment
- Edge systems
- Telemetry
- Automation
Common Challenges
Equipment may be operating without enough visibility or integration.
Data may only be available locally. Different devices may use incompatible protocols or data formats. Remote sites may be difficult to monitor, and important alarms or operating conditions may require manual checks.
We design the systems needed to collect, interpret, move, and use that information.
Different devices do not communicate consistently.
Manufacturers may use different protocols, registers, units, alarm codes, and terminology.
Connectivity cannot always be assumed.
Remote systems may need local processing and data buffering when internet access is limited or unavailable.
Remote control requires additional safeguards.
Commands, permissions, acknowledgements, and equipment state need to be handled carefully.
Edge Systems
Some work belongs close to the equipment.
Local computing can collect data, translate device protocols, run automation, monitor system health, buffer information during outages, and manage approved commands.
- Pi-based field agents and edge computing
- RS485, Modbus, and device protocols
- Sensors, controls, relays, and I/O
- Local processing and automation
- Offline buffering and reconnect handling
- Secure command and acknowledgement systems
System Architecture
From the field device to the operator interface.
A connected system may include equipment, local computing, communications, cloud services, storage, alerts, dashboards, cameras, and control functions.
Equipment & Controls
Inverters, batteries, meters, generators, HVAC, controllers, sensors, relays, and other field equipment.
Edge Computing & Automation
Local data collection, protocol translation, processing, buffering, automation, and device health monitoring.
Cloud & Communications
Secure telemetry, alarms, history, configuration, commands, APIs, and communication between remote sites and applications.
Monitoring & Control
Dashboards, trends, alarms, cameras, equipment status, settings, and authorized remote controls.
Multiple Manufacturers
Different equipment can share a common operating model.
Manufacturer-specific registers, units, states, and alarm codes can be translated before the information reaches the application.
This allows equipment from different manufacturers to be presented consistently for monitoring, reporting, alarms, settings, and control.
Engagements
Connected systems can begin with one site, one device, or a larger operating platform.
Work may include architecture, field integration, edge systems, software development, cloud services, monitoring, automation, or remote control.