No code IoT platform for COM modules

congatec in Germany has developed an off the shelf set of hardware and software modules to simplify the development of end-to-end applications in the Internet of Things (IoT).

aReady.IoT is an expansion of the company’s aReady.COM computer on module (COM) offering launched in March last year to simplify the development of embedded systems using COM modules. The modules allow systems to be easily upgraded without having to go through a complete re-design, particularly for adding edge AI inference capabilities in IoT networks.

aReady.IoT aims to reduce the complexity of application development by providing pre-configured software blocks that enable communication and data transfer between different systems and devices, running on COM modules. congatec provides the required software building blocks in the desired combinations, ready for immediate use.

The preconfigured building blocks enable communication with machines, systems, devices, and sensors via protocols such as OPCUA, MQTT, and REST. Developers can use the blocks or data acquisition, remote monitoring, maintenance and management as well as predictive maintenance and also have the option to process data directly at the edge for storage and visualization.

This also enables development of automated processes such as data analysis, software updates, or event-triggered calls to action.

There are three main blocks with a configuration tool for the aReady.IoT offering.

• The ‘COM Manager’ provides remote management, software maintenance, and system visualization via a dashboard.
• The ‘Application Manager’ extends COM management to connected peripherals and carrier boards, offering capabilities like rule sets and push notifications for their applications.
• The ‘Fleet Manager’ enables over-the-air (OTA) updates and facilitates the efficient roll-out of configurations across all existing installations.
• congatec also offers a cloud connection module, which can be bidirectional, through the ‘Cloud Connector’ to services such as AWS, Azure, or Telekom Cloud, although this is on request.

To simplify the configuration of IoT data flows, congatec offers an advanced web interface for creating zero-code solutions using visual or flow-based programming without the need for coding or extensive training. As well as traditional IoT device and network developers, the low-code configuration is aimed at OEMs who want to add additional services to their existing equipment to generate more revenue.

“With aReady.IOT combined with Computer-on-Modules, OEMs can unlock new, future-ready business models. Recurring revenues, such as those from service contracts or Everything-as-a-Service, are becoming increasingly important,” said Daniel Jürgens, CFO of the congatec group.

“To create these sustainable revenue streams, it’s critical to have detailed usage data, simple, secure, and cost-effective maintenance, as well as long-lasting products. Our aReady.COM and aReady.IOT product portfolio, with secure IoT connectivity and easy upgrades across technology generations, provides the perfect basis for this.”