Digi edge controller for industrial remote assets

  • May 30, 2022
  • William Payne

Digi has launched an intelligent edge controller to link remote industrial devices with cloud-based asset monitoring and control. The new controller is positioned as an IIoT-based alternative to conventional SCADA middleware and gateway switches.

The Digi XBee Intelligent Edge Controller (lEC) is designed to provide a deployment-ready upgrade to existing industrial sensors with the latest in wireless and cloud technologies. Combined with Digi X-ON cloud, the IEC can help companies monitor sensors or remote-control assets over Long-Range, Low-Power Wide Area Networks, including LoRaWAN, CAT-M1 and NB-IoT.

According to Digi, industrial devices can be monitored with sub-second latency with alarms and data wirelessly delivered through the Digi X-ON cloud.

The Digi XBee IEC is claimed as compatible with 90% of existing industrial sensors and controls, providing SCADA systems with an IoT alternative. The solution is aimed at industries such as energy and utilities, oil and gas, water and wastewater, logistics and agriculture.

“Two of the biggest challenges companies face in industrial IoT projects are money and time,” said Nik Kitson, Director of OEM Solutions Business Development for Digi. “Traditional SCADA systems are very expensive and can take months to deploy and configure for a company’s specific needs. A new system or software package often involves a substantial learning curve and employee training time. But remaining with a non-secure or outdated system can cost far more in the long run. Unlike legacy systems that could only leverage the tools available at the time, Digi developed the IEC using today’s most advanced technologies to create more intelligent, secure, and cost-effective solutions.”

The Digi XBee IEC solution is being deployed for electrical smart-grid asset monitoring, smart city water management, logistics warehouse operations, and more.

“The Digi solution enables Valmont to offer a proactive condition monitoring experience that complements our scheduled maintenance and operations,” said Trevor Mecham, Vice President of Global Infrastructure Technology Strategy and Industry Relations at Valmont Industries, Inc. “The ability to detect infrastructure anomalies in real time using remote wireless technology unlocks huge potential, enabling our customers to operate tower infrastructure without over-taxing remote operations workers.”