Epec edge computing device

Epec Oy said its new 6000 series HMIs and Internet of Things (IoT) gateways are versatile and cost-effective products for a wide range of applications, including off-highway equipment and commercial vehicles. The company also offers solutions and services for sending and logging machine data to the cloud, enabling data-driven decisions and IoT based business models.

For customers that need a data pipeline and the capability to interact and send data to their own Microsoft Azure based cloud environment, Epec developed the 6200 Azure IoT Edge remote access unit.

It is equipped with the following features:

• Powerful dual or quad-core iMX6 microprocessor enabling development of customized edge computing modules
• 32 GB built-in non-volatile memory enabling local data storage and buffer to prevent data loss in case of an unreliable internet connection.
• 4G/LTE cellular interface supporting global frequencies and versatile approvals.

Epec said its Azure IoT Edge capable solution provide an easily configurable interaction between operation technology and IT systems using its own MultiTool. The solution enables the following functionalities:

• Capability to configure the interface, send data to customer’s own Azure cloud.
• Over-the-air software updates to machines from Azure.
• Remote machine boundary from Azure.
• Possibility to send events and alarms to Azure cloud.
• Device command from Azure cloud.

Edge functionality expansion with customer’s own third-party developed Azure Edge modules.

Epec’s GlobE solution is an IoT platform designed for customers that need a ready-made back-end/front-end service application to enable fast time-to-market, low investment and flexible configurations.

Many off-highway equipment manufacturers are developing digitalization and telematics-based solutions and providing value-added services such as remote control, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, over-the-air software updates and different data exchange and visualizations.

Epec said it has a long history of working with customers to find optimal solutions for IoT use cases. It recently worked with parent company Ponsse to develop an IoT edge device based on the 6200. Ponsse’s forestry equipment continuously collect volumes of data on machine operation and condition, as well as the environment it is working in, data that can benefit all parties in the wood procurement chain.