Industrial M2M

We've Moved to a New Blog Site

2006-04-20T13:06:00.000-06:00

We've moved to a new Blog site M2M Headquarters , which is hosted by M2M Data Corp and will give us more flexibility in managing our M2M blog.

I hope you'll link to the new site and continue to visit us regularly.

Data Station Plus

2006-04-18T08:04:00.000-06:00

Red Lion, famous for their LED display products has released a data integration product called Data Station Plus. The press release claims, "... new Data Station Plus, the industry’s most powerful tool for connectivity and machine data-management. The Data Station Plus is a multiple protocol converter, a system data logger, and a web interface for industrial and M2M applications. The Data Station Plus converts numerous protocols simultaneously, allowing seamless communication between disparate devices, and can save collected data in CSV files that are easily viewed by programs such as Microsoft Excel and Access."

Features:

Protocol Conversion Feature Converts Numerous Protocols Simultaneously
CompactFlash ® Slot Allows Process Data to be Logged Directly to CSV Files
Virtual HMI Offers Built-in PC-based SCADA Functionality
Webserver Provides Worldwide Access To Data Logs And Virtual HMI
Extensive Built-in Driver List Allows Easy Data Mapping to PLCs, PCs, and SCADA Systems
Alarm Notifications can be sent via Email or Text Messages
10 Base-T/100 Base-TX Ethernet Connection Can Connect To An Unlimited Number Of Devices Via Four Protocols Simultaneously

M2M Technology in Fast Food Industry

2006-04-17T08:19:00.000-06:00

SCK Direct, Inc. is a subsidiary of Food Automation - Service Techniques, Inc. (FAST), a well respected supplier of commerical kitchen automation equipment. SCK (Smart Commercial Kitchen) specializes in a totally automated kitchen combined with data aggregation via the Internet.

From their web site:

"The SCK Network is the only end-to-end solution that enables you to link back office, point of sale, cooking equipment, energy management systems and more into one cohesive network leveraging the Internet.

Utilizing any of our SCK products in conjunction with the SCK Network operating system provides you with an extremely powerful tool for intelligently analyzing data both in the store and remotely, resulting in increased food quality, food safety, customer satisfaction, labor efficiency, and profitability. In addition, since multiple store locations can be monitored from the Internet, on-site regulation is virtually eliminated.'

Embedded WiFi for M2M Applications

2006-04-14T07:23:00.000-06:00

Ezurio offers a set of OEM modules that allow manufacturers to embed 802.11 WiFi capability in their products. Two of the modules include analog and digital I/O AND support a user application development tool supplied by Ezurio.

US sales contact is Kent Wardley [Kent.Wardley@ezurio.com]

More info >>

Interesting M2M Article

2006-04-13T07:41:00.000-06:00

CIE Online has published an article entitled "M2M: Behind the Buzzword", which reports conversations with three M2M players:

Mobius Networks
Comtech
Alpha Micro Components

Extract:

"CIE spoke to three companies with different business models to try and clear up the confusion and to get a clear picture of the M2M ecosystem and value chain."

Read the entire article >>

Success Factors for Smart Services

2006-04-12T09:45:00.000-06:00

Harbor Research's latest newsletter announces a webinar about success factors for smart services. Speakers include:

Glen Allmendinger is the founder and President of Harbor Research
Brian Anderson with Axeda
Tim Enwall, CEO and co-founder of Tendril Networks

A presentation designed to help participants identify connected services opportunities and address issues surrounding strategy and implementation, with case examples from industry leaders Axeda and Tendril.

This webinar will cover:

Opportunities and challenges of Smart Services

Ideas for increasing services revenueOpening new markets via Smart Services

Success stories from market leading companies

Identification and development of strategic partnerships

Understanding of Smart Services technology trends and advance

Webinar Details Webinar Title : Success Factors for Smart Services
Webinar Date : Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Webinar Time : 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. PST

Sign up here >>

M2M - the OEM Advantage

2006-04-07T08:41:00.000-06:00

Jim Pinto, a well respected technology pundit, has published an article about the benefits OEMs are going to derive from M2M technology.

"The OEM business is tough – highly competitive with slim margins. It's not often that technology arrives to give OEMs a significant competitive advantage. One of those opportunities is emerging now – the machine to machine (M2M) communications revolution. Get on board!

M2M will unleash a wave of productivity and efficiencies previously unseen. When manufactured objects are continually sending field intelligence back, OEMs will be able to shed costs, explore new revenue opportunities, and solve customer problems as never before."

Read the whole article here >>

PC/104 GPRS Modem

2006-04-06T07:49:00.000-06:00

Having just posted concerning the limited usefulness of cellular technology in M2M applications, here I am posting a new GPRS product. This one caught my eye because our iGatewayâ�¢ is based on the PC/104 bus and this is the first GPRS modem I’ve seen that sits directly on the bus rather than using a serial or Ethernet interface. The Micronix PV-1800 is a GSM/GPRS modem built around the Sony Ericcsson’s GM47 dual band (900/1800MHz) cellular engine. The PV-1800 can be controlled by AT commands and is fully compatible with the AT command set. The module also includes an integrated power supply, I/O and RS232 ports, which promises a single-board solution for many M2M applications. Basic features: 8AI, 8DI (isolated), 7DO (opto-isolated), one RS232 plus additional 3AI,1AO, and 4DIO

M2M White Paper from Opto 22

2006-04-05T07:55:00.000-06:00

Opto 22 has overhauled its web site and reference to M2M is harder find, but they offer a free download of an M2M white paper that is well worth reading.

Entitled “M2M and the Supply Chain” this is the second such paper I've read recently that does a good job of explaining M2M technology's place in the supply chain. In many ways these articles are evidence that M2M is maturing beyond being viewed as "wow" technology to where it needs to be for mass adoption, i.e. they help answer the question, "Why should I buy it?"

Is Cellular Most Likely M2M Enabler?

2006-04-04T07:55:00.000-06:00

Gene Koprowski wrote a story for TechNewsWorld, published April 1, 2006 that starts with:

"By 2011, as many as 110 million machines will directly or indirectly use a cellular connection for M2M, according to Cliff Raskind, director of Strategy Analytics' global wireless practice. Linking the disparate wireless networks and fragmented vertical software solutions are M2M specialists, such as Airdesk and Aeris in the U.S. and Wyless and Netsize in Europe."

Mr. Koprowski goes on the explain that the cellular operators have started to offer tariffs more appropriate for M2M applications and companies like Nokia "have been making tiny radio transmitters, which they hope to sell for cars or at-home heart monitors."

He also quotes the report from Boston-based Strategy Analytics called "$40 Billion Cellular M2M Opportunity Hinges on Bluetooth & Zigbee Sensors," which apparently suggests "cellular networks are the most likely M2M enabler".

Well perhaps, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Cellular coverage exists where humans need voice service, and to the extent that infrastructure can also be used secondarily for data, they'll enable M2M applications, but what do you do for remote assets that aren't covered? And don't forget that these are the assets that need M2M communications the most!

My experience is that ALL the devices in an enterprise, not just those operating within cellular coverage, must be brought into an M2M solution in order to achieve the required cost savings, and other than a few applications like parking meters, that means just about every M2M application. So my advice is whatever the promise, don't bank on just cellular technologies for your M2M project.

M2M Systems Engineering & Components

2006-04-03T07:54:00.000-06:00

EMT Inc. based in Huntsville, AL, offers a wide range of M2M wireless products and engineering. They market themselves as a "total solutions provder" under the "Interscada" brand.

Product example:

"Interscada WEB I/O is a completely self-contained device that allows users to monitor and control equipment via the Internet or Ethernets. The device connects to local I/O terminals and sensors. Users are able to interact with the system directly from their web browser.

The Interscada WEB I/O device serves a Java applet (the GUI) to the client machine’s web browser. Through the GUI, users configure the system for data collection, data processing (such as FFTs), logging, reporting, alarming, email, paging, limit checking, data transfer, etc. right from their desktop PC. Several communication protocols are supported including Modbus Ethernet. Optional wireless communications enables connectivity from virtually anywhere over the wireless cellular Internet, or through high powered Ethernet radios (up to 1 watt) that transfer data over miles of terrain."

Simple Com Tools & Motient Partner

2006-03-31T07:54:00.000-07:00

Simple Com Tools (SCT) and Motient Corp. have announced the two companies will work together to simplify M2M solution development and deployment.

From the press release:

"Under the new agreement, the two companies will work together to simplify M2M solution building in several ways:

Introducing Motient wireless data products and services to the rapidly expanding list of Simple Com Tools M2M oriented value-added resellers and customers;
Providing compelling activation bundles for SCT products deployed on the Motient network with approved wireless data modems;
Ensuring cross-training of products and services to assure that customers using SCT equipment on the Motient network have an exceptional M2M deployment experience."

Proactive Support in Action

2006-03-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

One of the many benefits of using the M2M iSCADA service is the attention we give to service level. It’s simply a fact of life for service providers where revenue depends on meeting a guaranteed service level, and is not a factor for an owner/operator of a traditional SCADA system.

An example of how this plays out in the real world is the emphasis M2M places on proactive support. We train Network Operations staff and provide them automated tools to identify problems as soon as possible, oftentimes before they even know there's an issue.

For example, on Tuesday, March 28th, an error was automatically emailed to the M2M Network Operations center from one of our web servers, indicating a problem with adding recipients for alarms associated with a particular client asset. This email allowed the NOC to create a trouble ticket, forward it to Engineering, and have the problem resolved immediately.

A resolution email was sent to the client before they had even reported the issue.

Purple Reality M2M Products

2006-03-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

Purple Reality, Dorset, UK, offers an attractive OEM GPRS module.

The T4 m-2-m module is targeted at remote monitoring and security applications. The T4 m-2-m module has a number of power source options including solar power. The T4 m-2-m module communicates over GPRS using a variety of TCP/IP protocols including XMPP and FTP.

From their web site:

Key features of the T4 m-2-m module are:
Low power - consumes less than 1,5mA in low power whilst still monitoring all wired inputs.
Digital inputs - 6 opto-isolated inputs (5 user-programmable). Also includes tremble sensor.
Digital outputs - 2 relays and 4 solid state high side power switches
Serial data - 2 RS232 serial ports providing NMEA GPS information and debug data.
Integrated RFID receiver - expands input capabilities beyond the wired realm to wireless asset/people identification, temperature detection, input detection and many others.
Internal backup battery - allows the T4 to continue operating for many days when switched to low power.
SMS - send text messages.
FTP - log data and upload logs via FTP.
Socket - establish socket based TCP/IP connections.
XMPP - connect to XMPP servers.
Auto APN look-up - automatically look up the connection details of the most popular GPRS networks.
DNS - DNS client allows FTP and XMPP server IP addresses to be dynamically resolved.
Firmware upgrade - upgrade firmware via serial port or over-the-air using FTP.
On-board gaztetteer - configurable gazetteer area reserved in EEPROM for on-board place name resolution.

M2M Vending Solution

2006-03-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a remote monitoring solution for vending machines you might try Cantaloupe Systems.

From their web site:

"Today's vending industry is plagued with constant guesswork. No matter how well run your business is, everyday you have to guess:

How much product do my machines need?
Are any of them malfunctioning?
Does my machine really need to be serviced right now?
How big of an effect is this heat wave having on my sales?

Without physically going to the machine there is no way to know this now. Cantaloupe systems believes that wireless information is the solution to all of these problems. Our seed system allows you to monitor your machines and answer all these questions from your office."

Digi-Key to Provide ZigBee Wireless Networking Solutions

2006-03-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

Most with a SCADA background are very familiar with Digi-Key as a go-to distributor – I’ve relied on them and still do for many components used in our iSCADA service solutions. So hearing Digi-Key is teaming with Helicomm to provide and support ZigBee products is a clear indication the technology is going mainstream. And it’s a technology that will be widely used in M2M applications.

From the Business Wire press release:

“Helicomm, a leading wireless networking solutions provider, and Digi-Key Corporation, one of the world's fastest growing distributors of electronic components, today announced the signing of a distribution agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Digi-Key will operate as Helicomm's distributor for its complete line of Zig-Bee compliant wireless products.

Digi-Key's inventory of Helicomm ZigBee-compliant products includes a broad range of IP-link embedded modules, M2M terminals and EZ-Net development kits, which enable customers to meet cost and performance goals with shorter development time and lower cost. Helicomm's products will be offered in Digi-Key's print catalog and online at www.digikey.com."

10 Reasons to Consider Using an Internet SCADA Service Provider

2006-03-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

If any of the following are preventing you from getting your SCADA project off the ground, outsourcing to a SCADA service provider such as M2M Data Corp is worth consideration.

1. Approval for a large capital budget
M2M’s iSCADA™ service can be implemented with little or no capital investment.

2. Project risk
M2M’s iSCADA service product has already been tested, debugged, and proven through multiple deployments.

3. Restricted schedule
iSCADA service can be deployed in weeks rather than months.

4. High system reliability (uptime) requirement
iSCADA service includes a guaranteed uptime through a Service Level Agreement.

5. Scalability requirement
iSCADA service allows you to buy only what you need, so you can pay for 1 asset now, and add 1,000’s incrementally over time.

6. System maintenance resource limitations
iSCADA service software maintenance is the responsibility of M2M.

7. Project team resource limitations
No project to manage. M2M offers a turnkey solution.

8. High network security requirement
iSCADA service incorporates the highest level of security audited and approved by government agencies and a major electric utility.

9. Communications system expertise resource limitations
iSCADA service is an end-to-end service that includes local and long distance communications.

10. Concernes over technology obsolescence
M2M is constantly improving the iSCADA service products through development, testing and deployment of new technologies, always subject to ensuring the highest quality of service.

Getting Started with M2M Enabled Service

2006-03-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

Aberdeen Group has produced a white paper describing the benefits of incorpating M2M solutions into service organizations. You can download a copy at M2M Data Corp.

From the white paper:

"Key Facts

Best-in-class companies have achieved marked improvements in work orders completed per day,overall service revenues, and number of emergency work orders per week as a result of their M2Msolution deployments. In search of such performance gains, OEMs should carefully consider the criticality and value of serviceable assets, as well as the frequency and variability of service requirements when assessing the viability of an M2M solution."

802.11 M2M Connectivity from DPAC

2006-03-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

DPAC manufactures a line of packaged 802.11 device server (serial interface) and Ethernet bridges (Ethernet interface) to provide wireless LAN and Internet connectivity to virtually any industrial device.

The external adapters are designed for easy end-user installation on existing equipment and make it easy for OEMs to offer M2M connectivity as an after-market option. These terminal They also offer a similar OEM product.

Datasheet for serial device server here >>

Datasheet for Ethernet bridge here >>

M2M Announces Release of iPM™ Asset Maintenance Scheduler Module

2006-03-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

M2M Data Corp today announced release of a new application for its iSCADA™ service product. The module includes built-in maintenance and template editor to build and customize maintenance schedules for any type of asset. iSCADA is a full-featured application for remote monitoring and control of energy assets, supported by a robust and secure administration framework. iSCADA includes real-time data collection, alarming, trending, and control.

iPM calculates and tracks the next maintenance date for multiple maintenances for each asset based on run status for both monitored and non-monitored assets. It keeps a log of each maintenance performed and downtime. iPM generates a maintenance status log report showing number of days (plus or minus) differential between scheduled maintenance date and actual maintenance date. It also generates a projected maintenance report that shows the estimated date of all maintenances that will occur within a projected time period.

Wavecom to Acquire Sony Ericsson M2M Unit

2006-03-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

French telecoms components manufacturer Wavecom has agreed to buy Sony Ericsson's M2M Communications Business Unit,which is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

In it's press release Wavcom said the Sony business unit includes the new GX64 GSM/GPRS product family, the GX47/48 GSM/GPRS product family, the CM42/52 CDMA/1xRTT product family, as well as Sony Ericsson's global assets and activities in M2M research & development, marketing, and sales.

SensorLogic Appoints CFO

2006-03-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

SensorLogic, which provides what they call "on-demand solutions" (i.e. M2M solutions), has announced that G. Patrich Simpkins has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer.

From the press release:

"With more than 20 years of financing and operating experience in international businesses covering energy, telecom, real estate and banking industries, Simpkins will act as SensorLogic's Chief Financial Officer. He joins SensorLogic from GPS Capital Partners, LLC where he was president of the Dallas based firm specializing in board advisory services, equity and mezzanine capital investment, mergers and workouts. Prior to Capital Partners, Simpkins served as executive vice president and global chief risk officer for Texas Utilities (TXU), a Fortune 100 publicly traded energy corporation. Previously he was a senior vice president with Duke Energy and founding executive and lead managing director of Duke Capital Partners, LLC."

Arcom Releases New SBC

2006-03-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

Arcom Control Systems, which is a board supplier to M2M, issued a new newsletter this week:

"March 2006

Featured in this issue... New low-power, fan-less Geode SBC product for RoHS compliant applicationsNeed an extra few relays or opto-isolated input / outputs in your control system? Check out some practical guidance for the RoHS DirectiveWIN an iPod Video! Engineering life is not complete without Dilbert ...it’s now brought to you by Arcom.

Looking for a fan-less, RoHS compliant SBC to replace your legacy controller? Need to run Linux, Windows CE or Windows XP Embedded? This may be your answer. Take a look at the features of the SBC-GX533…

Features at a glance...

400MHz AMD Geode GX 533@1.1W (533MHz performance)
Fan-less operation up to 60ºC using just a low profile heatsink
Up to 512Mbytes DRAMUp to 32Mbytes onboard Flash
4 serial ports (RS-232/422/485)
Dual 100Mbit Ethernet
2 USB 2.0 + 2 USB 1.0 ports
PC/104, PC/104-Plus (PCI expansion)
Digital I/O & watchdog timer
CompactFlash port (memory & I/O)
8” x 5.75”
Support for Windows CE 5.0, XP Embedded and embedded Linux

Product available from $385 (for 1K quantity)"

ABB Chooses nPhase

2006-03-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

nPhase released a press release this week announcing that ABB Robotics has selected nPhase to develop and deploy a SmartService enterprise wireless monitoring solution for their products. The system reduce service costs and deliver enhanced value to ABB customers.

From the press release:

The nPhase SmartService M2M wireless solution interfaces with the robots control system at the operating system level, delivering vital data to centralized information systems with Internet access. This will enable a service technician to proactively administer repairs and adjustments to the robot, typically over the phone. This SmartService initiative will increase machine efficiency and minimize downtime.

Hunt Technologies Changes Hands

2006-03-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

Meter monitoring technology supplier Hunt Technologies has announced an acquisition agreement with the Bayard Group, a global investor specializing in the energy measurement and efficiency technologies sectors.

The agreement allows Hunt Technologies to remain as an independent operating company. Bayard will provide capital for expansion of Hunt's metering business in both the domestic and international markets. Hunt's current management team will remain in place. Todd Headlee, currently chief operating officer at Hunt, will assume the role of chief executive officer effective immediately after closing.

From the press release:

“The Hunt management team is excited by this opportunity,” Headlee said. “The Bayard Group is committed to providing the necessary resources for us to continue outpacing industry growth rates, while developing technology for the future of smart metering. We will maintain our leadership position through dedication to first-class product development and customer service for our many rural electric cooperative, investor-owned,and public utility customers.”