IoT: Technology that saves time and money

IoT is all around us in the world of technology. Essentially, IoT connects devices to the internet, making them “smart” and capable of sharing data with each other or with people. In everyday life, you might run into IoT for remote water meter readings. At ACRIOS Systems, we’re all in on this technology.

Our work with IoT enables us to add intelligence to standard measuring devices using converters. This process, called retrofitting, allows even traditional devices to transmit data remotely.

What is IoT (Internet of Things)?

Imagine any object that can connect to the internet and communicate wirelessly with other devices – that’s IoT. Each of these “smart” devices contains sensors, software, and other technologies that allow them to communicate, (with each other or with people, and even automate routine or labor-intensive tasks. Examples of IoT include smart lighting, phones, cars, or production lines in factories.

Where can you find IoT?

IoT-enhanced devices are everywhere. You’ll find them in:

• Industrial complexes

• Public buildings

• Homes and apartment buildings (energy consumption monitoring)

• Agriculture (automated irrigation), healthcare (patient monitoring)

• Logistics and transport (inventory tracking, route optimisation)

• Environmental monitoring (forests, wildlife)

How IoT supports smart metering

IoT plays a key role in our specialty: remote meter readings. Smart metering allows data of energy consumption to be sent remotely from homes and businesses. At ACRIOS, we turn standard meters into “smart” ones through IoT networks like LoRaWAN and NB-IoT.

Here’s how IoT is helping us streamline smart metering:

• Water meters: IoT-enabled water meters monitor consumption and send data to a central system.

• Electricity meters: Smart electricity meters record real-time power usage, sending updates to property managers or directly to energy providers.

• Gas meters: IoT-enabled gas meters track consumption precisely and provide regular reports.

Remote monitoring in action

Let’s look at a real-world example.

Traditional consumption readings typically involve a technician going door-to-door to record each meter’s status manually. This method is time-consuming and leaves room for error. Smart meters simplify this process. With IoT-enabled meters, you can monitor water, electricity, or gas remotely – no more home visits or complicated scheduling. Smart meters can also quickly detect anomalies. Instead of waiting for a reading, managers can receive updates on potential issues, like a gas leak or meter malfunction, almost immediately.

IoT makes compliance easier for apartment buildings

Our smart meters do more than just save time. The European Union’s Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) requires property managers to provide monthly reports on heat and water usage by 2027. IoT-enabled meters can help fulfill this requirement effortlessly.

The benefits of IoT-enabled meters

• Accurate, up-to-date data on energy consumption, available anytime.

• Reduced costs through automated readings, meaning no need for technicians to visit each property.

• Data-driven insights, with continuous monitoring, companies can adjust processes, optimise routes, or lower energy use in homes – leading to even more savings.

• Regulatory compliance, IoT technology supports adherence to EED and ESG requirements. ‍
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ACRIOS Systems: Your partner in remote meter readings

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We’re applying IoT at ACRIOS. Our converters are compatible with older meters, sending data remotely with ease. Here’s a look at the converters we offer:

• M-Bus converter: Connects wired meters, like electricity meters, to IoT networks such as LoRaWAN or NB-IoT.

• Wireless M-Bus converter: Works on the wireless M-Bus protocol, ideal for apartment buildings and EED compliance.

• Modbus converter: Primarily used for industrial applications, it connects sensors, meters, and control units for remote monitoring.