All in one M2M Package
My search continues for products that provide a bundled standalone package of - sensor, power and communication in a stand alone / low maintenance environment. In an ideal deployment the sections on concern in any module are
* Sense - How do I measure the the operation that I am monitoring?
* Power - How do I power this so that it is reliable, long term and low maintenance
* Communicate - How do I communicate this information back.
This combination forms the front end of any M2M application - the piece of hardware/ software that is deployment in the field next to you asset/ process under that is being monitored. In one of my previous posts I pointed out enOcean that provides a packages all the above elements. Another Control Microsystems provides a similar bundle SOLARPack 410, an integrated, ultra low power flow computer for electronic flow measurement (EFM). The SOLARPack 410 features a compact, all-in-one design that integrates a powerful 32-bit flow computer, high accuracy temperature and pressure sensors, ultra low power solar battery system, and wireless Bluetooth communications for quick and easy retrieval of production and transmission data. Designed for use in remote locations where solar is the only power source and access by technicians is limited. The type on sensors on this box are very specific to the metering application but you get the point of a one box end point.
Vendors providing these endpoints will be a critical part of the M2M ecosystem. If these end points are unreliable then the whole value prop of M2M and smart services goes for a toss…