Remote Data Acquisition
ControlByWeb I/O relays and controllers are an ideal fit for remotely capturing data and bringing logical control to edge data applications.
The Power of IoT in Remote Data Acquisition
The Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled businesses and organizations to harness data in powerful ways. Whether you’re tracking environmental conditions, managing industrial processes, or bringing a mix monitoring and control to edge applications, having a reliable and efficient remote data acquisition solution is essential.
Remote data acquisition involves collecting sensor output from distant or inaccessible locations and transmitting it to a central system for analysis and monitoring. This is used in various industries, from manufacturing to agriculture.
Harnessing Edge Data Through I/O Controllers
The term “edge computing” refers to the practice of processing data near the source where it’s generated instead of sending it to a centralized system or cloud. Edge computing allows IoT devices to process sensor input locally, which is often referred to as the “edge” of the network. This proximity to the data source helps reduce latency, improve response times, and decrease the amount of information that needs to be transmitted over the network.
💡 Think of the possibilities.
Thanks to the flexibility of our modules, the list of I/O opportunities is nearly endless. Talk with a sales engineer to determine the best fit for your application.
Some devices act as simple gateways that record and transmit sensor data. Logical controllers and Ethernet relays—like our popular WebRelay™—bring logic to the edge. ControlByWeb I/O controllers offer easy integration into existing systems or powering IoT applications with onboard conditional and scheduled logic. Here are some of the key features of our modules that make them ideal for remote data acquisition:
- Versatile and flexible: We offer a wide range of I/O controllers that can handle various types of inputs and outputs, including digital, analog, and relay. This ensures that you can find a controller to fit your specific application.
- Ease of integration: ControlByWeb devices support multiple communication protocols, including MQTT, Modbus, open REST API, and SNMP, making them compatible with a wide range of SCADA systems and other monitoring software.
- User-friendly: ControlByWeb controllers include an intuitive web-based interface for easy configuration and monitoring. Logic is created through an if-this-then-that flow—and everything can be done from a standard web browser.
- Wireless-capable: Our most popular modules have optional WiFi and cellular capability, allowing for fully remote and isolated I/O solutions. And each cell plan includes access to a ControlByWeb Cloud advanced seat.
- Scalable: As needs grow and change, ControlByWeb controllers can keep up thanks to peer-to-peer networking and modular capability. Easily expand the scope of your application with additional inputs and outputs.
- Reliable: Our devices are manufactured in-house in our northern Utah facility and are backed by an industry-best 5-year warranty.
Leveraging Remote Data Acquisition
As Industry 4.0 pushes forward, businesses increasingly utilize remote data to enhance their operations and decision-making processes. They’re wise to do so—there are a lot of benefits to the Internet of Things.
Real-time monitoring is particularly crucial in industries like manufacturing, where immediate feedback can prevent equipment failures and optimize production. For instance, predictive maintenance systems can analyze metrics from machinery sensors on-site, identifying potential issues before they lead to costly downtime.
Edge devices can also be easily scaled to accommodate growing needs. ControlByWeb controllers are especially suited for evolving applications thanks to an open REST API and P2P (peer-to-peer) networking. Additional modules can be remotely linked for shared I/O in an expanding network of edge capability.
Leveraging remote data captured by edge devices offers organizations improved efficiency, enhanced security, cost savings, and better decision-making capabilities. As technology continues to evolve, the role of edge devices in remote data acquisition will only become more integral to organizational success.
Common Remote Data Acquisition Applications
Manufacturing
Monitoring temperature, humidity, and machine status. Prompt issue notifications mean minimal downtime and optimized production.
Environmental Monitoring
Collect sensor input to monitor air quality and water level or other environmental conditions and logging that historical data.
Agriculture
Farms and greenhouses can monitor soil moisture levels, weather conditions, and irrigation systems to inform watering schedules and conserve resources.
Water/Wastewater Management
Control and monitor pumps, monitor liquid level and turbidity in real time, detect leaks, and more.
Energy
Monitor remote machines such as generators and solar panels, offering real-time system status updates or initiating a remote reboot.
Oil & Gas
Monitor pipeline pressure, flow rates, and equipment status, share historical data with central systems to ensure compliance, and more.
ControlByWeb® IoT Controller Features
Scheduled & Conditional Logic
Bring logical control to edge data acquisition with an intuitive, if-this-then-that logic builder and support for HTTP GET requests.
Remote Monitor & Reboot
ControlByWeb IoT controllers can actively monitor network devices and perform logical actions or send timely alerts if a system malfunctions.
Ethernet, Cellular, or WiFi
Simplify your solution with built-in Ethernet, cellular, or WiFi. Cellular subscriptions include free access to a ControlByWeb Cloud advanced seat.
Flexible Integration
Use the built-in REST API to interact with larger systems, sending and receiving commands.
Browser-Based UI
Set up and manage your devices and logic through the embedded user interface using any standard web browser.
Extended I/O
ControlByWeb modules can link through peer-to-peer networking, allowing for wireless I/O across a wide location.
Test the Platform
We’re confident that you’ll find our embedded UI simple to navigate and program. Click the button below to access a live controller running here at our office in northern Utah. You can set up I/O, create logic, see the state of relays and inputs, and more.
X-410™ Live Demo
Take a self-guided tour of the built-in firmware included with our best selling X-410.
Use the Setup Page to set up I/O, change settings, and create logic with intuitive dropdown menus.
Use the Control Page to see and change the state of relays and inputs at a glance.
*Setup page login information: Username: admin Password: webrelay
Schedule A Guided Walkthrough
Want a little extra guidance? Schedule a 15-minute guided demo with our sales engineers. They’ll show you how it works for your application.
We offer free demo units to qualified integrators and OEMs, ensuring our controllers are the perfect fit for your application. To be considered, submit a sample unit form for review. We’ll collaborate to determine the best device for your needs.
Remote Data Acquisition Case Studies
7 Ways Cellular Networking Improves IoT Security
Traffic Sign Remote Monitoring and Control
Wireless Door Sensor Monitoring
Car Wash Maintenance Control
Garage Door Control & Monitoring
Tailor-Made Solutions
At ControlByWeb, we’re happy to work with you to choose the right I/O for your application. If you’re looking for a remote data acquisition solution, to bring logical control to the edge, or to develop a personalized solution like white labelling, please contact us.
References
- Chris Isidore (2024, July 21). Costs from the global outage could top $1 billion – but who pays the bill is harder to understand. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/21/business/crowdstrike-outage-cost/index.html