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Drop in Network Applications
Automated Meter Reading (AMR)
Problem: A local power distribution company utilizes a dial-up AMR system for its largest commercial customers, who purchase excess power for their own needs and for self-generation. The system is unreliable and is not easily scalable. The company would also like to deploy technology that will improve its compliance monitoring efforts.
Solution: Power meters and generators are brought onto a mesh network using XBee™ adapters. A ConnectPort™ X gateway transports information from sensors on those device back to applications on the power company's IT network.Benefits:
Access to metering information every 15 minutes
Tampering alarms for compliance monitoringProducts used:
ConnectPort™ X, XBee™ Adapters, XBee™ Modules,
XBee™ XTender
Tank Level Monitoring
Problem: A bulk materials vendor uses field sales personnel to check and record tank inventory at customer sites, reducing sales force productivity. Inventory readings are sporadic and vulnerable to reading/recording error.
Solution: Tank level sensors measure inventory levels. XBee™ adapters mesh-enable the sensors so inventory data can be collected and backhauled to a central IP network using a ConnectPort™ X gateway.Benefits:
Sales force is no longer diverted from selling
More frequent and accurate inventory monitoring results in improved customer serviceProducts used:
ConnectPort™ X, XBee™ Adapters, XBee™ Modules,
XBee™ XTender
Fleet Management/Cold Chain
Problem: Refrigeration failures and unlocked door latches cause inventory loss and insurance claims; truck component failures create unnecessary maintenance and asset utilization loss.
Solution: Sensors deployed throughout the tractor-trailer are network-enabled using ZigBee® mesh technology. An onboard ConnectPort™ X gateway carries the mesh data traffic back to central applications on the trucking company's IP network for monitoring.Benefits:
Key systems and components on the vehicle can be monitored for proactive maintenance
Automated alarms alert company personnel to unauthorized incursions to the truck's cargo hold
Refrigeration failures can be identified quickly enough to save perishable inventory and avoid insurance claimsProducts used:
ConnectPort™ X, XBee™ Adapters
Building Control
Problem: Operator of multi-site warehouse network would like centralized control of lighting systems and the ability to remotely monitor entry/exit doors.
Solution: Ballasts on light fixtures are embedded with XBee™ modules for mesh network connectivity. Contact closures on the entry/exit doors as well as proximity sensors are mesh-enabled using XBee™ adapters. A Digi Watchport® USB camera connected to the ConnectPort™ X gateway's USB port takes a video image of the area around the entry/exit door when the proximity sensor is triggered. The gateway houses an embedded cellular module that carries data from all devices on the mesh network back to facility management applications running on the company's IP network.Benefits:
Lighting control manifests downloaded to the ConnectPort X optimize light utilization for each facility
Automatic dimming and zone controls based on occupancy and available daylight drive lower energy consumption and electricity costs
Remote monitoring of facility access provides theft deterrentProducts used:
ConnectPort™ X, XBee™ Adapters, XBee™ Modules,
Watchport® Cameras, Watchport® Sensors
Remote Monitoring of Rodent Traps
Problem: Rodent control is a problem that plagues many businesses and can be a major safety hazard in enterprise applications. In large scale locations, such as a factory or warehouse, rodent traps are placed strategically at points throughout the building. The downside of traditional rodent control is that managers must spend time and money for personnel to manually check and empty the traps.
Solution: A rodent control system manufacturer equipped a new line of traps with XBee-PRO™ embedded RF modules. The modules wirelessly communicate with XBee-PRO RF adapters at remote monitoring station PCs, notifying facility managers when the traps are full.Benefits:
Wireless remote monitoring of real-time activity on rodent traps
Increased efficiency and reduced labor costsProducts used:
XBee™ Adapters, XBee™ Modules
Agricultural Automation
Problem: A poultry producer operates several farms throughout the country. Feeding, drinking, heating, cooling and ventilation systems are monitored and maintained by a field service team that visits each farm on weekly basis. Immediate service needs on these systems are called in by the farm's manager upon which the company deploys a service technician to perform the repair. Without knowing the exact nature of the problem, technicians sometimes arrive without the necessary replacement parts to get the systems back up and running. In addition, response times can be slow due to farms being in rural locations. The company would like to remotely monitor these whole house systems in order to diagnose the nature of failures before dispatching a technician and to perform predictive failure analysis.
Solution: The company uses Digi's XBee™ adapters to connect these whole house systems to its corporate IP network where data can be monitored centrally. The data is transported from the farm to the company's primary IP network over a cellular connection using Digi's ConnectPort™ X gateway.Benefits:
Visibility to device and system failures before they occur
Higher first-visit repair rates since diagnosis happens before field techs arrive onsite
Improved equipment uptime, consistently optimal environmental conditions for growth, and better production yieldProducts used:
ConnectPort™ X, XBee™ Adapters, Watchport® Cameras, Watchport® Sensors
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