Components & Devices

Remote equipment monitoring replaces inspection rounds and site visits with continuous data and alerts. At the coal-fired power plant using the WIKA solution, the operator used to read every gauge individually; dirty filters increased energy consumption, while filters that still worked were replaced. Today, the dashboard reports when a threshold is exceeded. At the Bad Pyrmont-Lügde treatment plant, the pumping stations are up to 16 kilometres away, and remote monitoring saves these trips.

LoRaWAN sensors are suited to distributed measuring points where there is no cable. WIKA's A2G-500 differential pressure sensor measures filters from 0 to 2,500 Pa and transmits once an hour, and WIKA also planned where to place the gateway. Honeywell installs its Versatilis Signal Scout methane sensor permanently at gas pressure regulating and metering stations. A digital pest control provider monitors its traps via LoRaWAN using Cumulocity.

Remote maintenance works best via a cloud platform that connects devices in a uniform way, rather than via individual routers and servers. For years, Rudolf Hörmann ran a decentralised infrastructure of routers and on-premise servers for remote access to its barn and PV controllers before switching to the IXON platform. ZEISS Microscopy uses the uniform connection of its microscopes to support technicians in the field.

OT security monitors the communication of connected equipment and detects attacks and anomalies before they disrupt operations. Energy supplier MEGA in Monheim relies on Rhebo for this: communication in the control system is monitored continuously and passively, and anomalies are reported with a risk assessment. sonnen uses Rhebo to detect attacks on its distributed battery storage systems. Together with WAGO, SCHOTTEL secures the controls of its ship propulsion systems according to maritime cybersecurity requirements.