India-based EasyReach, which specialises in enabling IoT applications for the retail and industrial sectors, has recently developed a new energy and use status monitoring solution targeted for connected retail appliances.
Called “EasyPlug”, the LoRa-based sensor is developed using Semtech’s LoRa devices and LoRaWan protocol to enable simple deployment and real-time data monitoring of usage status of appliances.
“Smart IoT applications leveraging LoRa devices provide customers with accessible and actionable data enabling them to reduce energy waste and monthly bills,” said Marc Pegulu, vice president of IoT in Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group. “LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN protocol allow the simple deployment of flexible solutions to efficiently and reliably monitor power consumption as well as provide new operational efficiencies.”
The EasyPlug LoRa-based sensor is deployed to the power supply cord of appliances in about 10 minutes and immediately begins collecting data on the appliance’s energy usage, on/off status and location data in real time. The appliance could be a coffee machine, printer, LCD screen, refrigerator, vending machine, ATM, server, security camera or any other electrical equipment inside your offices.
EasyReach’s web-based platform creates reports on the collected data for user trend analysis, providing insight into the energy efficiency of their applications. Additionally, automated alerts generated by the system notify managers of changes in equipment use to prevent theft, overuse or abnormalities.
Return on Investment (ROI) begins upon deployment, with applications monitoring energy consumption and reducing associated bills. EasyPlug has enabled a number of successful applications to date, including retail refrigerators, hospital X-ray machines, security cameras, computers, digital signage, and office equipment.
