1.1 General Overview



In this document

Controlant's Monitoring System is an automatic wireless monitoring system used in various applications to measure environmental variables like temperature and humidity.

The basis of the system is a star-shaped wireless network where multiple wireless loggers transmit measurements to a gateway unit. The gateway unit then transmits the measurements (data) to a central database server via the mobile network. The real-time data can then be accessed from an internet-connected computer from a web browser interface.

Controlant wireless loggers run on a battery. The gateways have a rechargeable internal backup battery that can keep the system running for 12-24 hours (depending on usage) in case of power failure. The battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

System Overview



Figure 2: Overview of the Controlant wireless monitoring system

Multiple loggers can be located on each location and can connect to one or more gateways. The data from multiple locations is stored in a centralized database and accessible to users via Controlant's cloud-based platform. 

Logger Operation

Controlant's wireless IOT loggers measure environmental variables such as temperature and humidity. The loggers automatically transmit measurements to a nearby gateway, forwarding all data to a centralized database. The wireless sensor communicates with the gateway on the license free ISM bands (868 MHz for EU and 915 MHz for North America). 



System Components

The system consists of following devices, software and systems:

Controlant Gateways rely on 3G cellular networks to transmit logger data to the Controlant cloud. The same rules apply to radio communications as all other mobile and high frequency communications. If the signal is low or blocked, real-time functionality may be impacted. If such an interference occurs, Controlant's loggers are programmed to store the data then transmit the data to the Controlant cloud as soon as the cellular connection restores.

Wall types in a warehouse can effect the signal quality as well as the device installation.  Further information regarding wireless installation and wall types can be found in 1.3.1 General Wireless Setup



  • Database

Controlant's platform, built around a centralized database system. All data is stored in a secure cloud system in an ISO27001 certified environment to ensure stability. Data is stored for as long as required by users. 

Benefits of Controlant's online database include: 

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      • Easy access to data online, whenever and wherever needed

      • Safe storage of data on secure servers

      • Control of warnings and events, ensuring the proper action for each case

      • Automatic (customizable) PDF reports and online analysis, enabling users to quickly resolve quality issues and regulatory requirements 

      • Full control of user permissions and information access

      • Detailed graphs of measurements

      • Multi-graphs

      • GPS coordinate maps 

 

  • Reports

Controlant's automatic reporting system offers users an easier way to get a picture of temperature fluctuations. Reports can be generated on demand or scheduled on a daily, weekly or monthly. Each report gives a detailed overview of development of the period, as well as an analysis of data for improved decision making.

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      • Reports are easy to create and can be generated once or subscribed to on a regular basis

      • Reports give a good overview of the given interval

      • Reports make it easier to fulfil regulatory requirements