Use a mobile application and QR code / NFC tags to streamline the process of the IoT devices commissioning (adding new IoT devices to the network).
A scan of the QR code or NFC tag with a smartphone identifies the device, reads device information and instantly adds a device to the IoT network.
- Use a secure, password-protected system to make sure only authorized personnel can commission, configure and control IoT devices.
- An authorized installer uses a mobile application to scan QR code or NFC tag on the newly installed IoT device.
- A QR code or NFC tag scan identifies an IoT device, obtains the device information and instantly adds it to the IoT network.
- You can combine devices provisioning and configuration in one process, or separate this process into the two steps.
- Allow a user to make selections during the IoT devices configuration, or make this an automatic process that does not require user input.
- Once all newly installed IoT devices are provisioned and configured, group them to define how the IoT devices should work together.
- Use QR code scanning or NFC tags to easily identify IoT devices through the entire commissioning process (provisioning, configuration and grouping) and obtain required device information.
- Only logged in users who have an authorization to work with the selected IoT network can commission IoT devices. Unauthorized users won't be able to use the commissioning mobile application, or obtain any information on the
IoT devices by scanning QR codes or NFC tags with a generic mobile application.
IoT Devices Commissioning Process
The process of IoT devices commissioning includes provisioning of the new IoT devices into the network, IoT devices configuration and grouping (defining how network IoT devices should work together).
Interconnected IoT (Internet of Things) devices provide significant benefits in many areas. IoT devices networks create interactive, self-controlling and easily configurable environments in the smart homes, offices,
warehouses, factories or cities. Creating an easy and straightforward process for the commissioning, configuring and controlling of the IoT networks is imperative for the widespread Internet of Things adoption.
Currently one of the problems that makes commissioning of the IoT devices somewhat cumbersome is the process of identifying the IoT device to work with (matching the IoT device in the
available devices list in the mobile application with the actual on site device).
The IoT network commissioning process starts with the adding of the newly installed devices to the network (provisioning). A commissioning mobile application scans for the unprovisioned IoT devices
that can be added to the network, and creates a list of the discovered devices. IoT devices of the same type will usually have the same name, so an installer ends up with the list consisting of many identical entries.
To assist the installer with the matching device in the list with the actual physical on site IoT device there is an Identify command. Assuming that the IoT device supports this command, clicking on the Identify button
next to the IoT device in the mobile application list will make it identify itself based on the device capabilities (blink, make a sound, etc.).
The situation is similar when the provisioned IoT devices have to be configured or grouped together. Each time a user has to perform a commissioning step, he needs to identify each device to make sure it is
the right IoT device to provision, configure or include in a group.
QR codes or NFC tags make the process of the IoT device identification much easier. An installer just needs to scan a QR code on the device, or tap a device with an external or built-in NFC tag with a smartphone to uniquely
identify an IoT device. In addition to the device identification, QR code or NFC tag can securely transmit all data that are required for the commissioning of the scanned IoT device.
How QR Codes / NFC Tags Help With The IoT Devices Commissioning
QR codes or NFC tags are both scannable by a smartphone, and allows a user to easily identify an IoT device he wants to work with. QR Code or NFC tag eliminates the need for the installer to repeatedly hit the Identify button next to each device
in the list until he finds the correct IoT device. Instead, a user simply scans a QR code with a smartphone, or taps a device with a smartphone to read external or built-in NFC tag to indicate which device he
wants to provision, configure, control, or add to a specific group.
QR code / NFC tags scanning can be used for all steps of the IoT network commissioning: provisioning, configuration and devices grouping. Depending on your specific requirements, IoT devices provisioning and configuration can be combined in one step
if the configuration does not require any user input. One scan of QR code or NFC tag will be enough to add a newly installed IoT device to the network and apply pre-set configuration to the device.
Alternatively, if your use case requires an input from the installer for the device configuration, scan one or multiple devices and apply configuration parameters using a mobile application interface.
Grouping of the IoT network devices is equally easy and straightforward. Scan all IoT devices that should be grouped together, and apply the group settings with a click of a button in the mobile application. Similarly, use QR code scanning or NFC tags for the
IoT devices identification when you need to control the IoT device with the mobile application, change device settings or grouping, or remove an IoT device from the network.
In addition to device identification, R code or NFC tag can securely transmit all data that are required for the commissioning of the scanned IoT device.
The QR code or NFC scanning for IoT networks commissioning is completely secure. A user needs to log in into the mobile application which is used for the IoT network commissioning, and will only be
given access if this user is authorized to work with this specific network. A non-authorized user who scans a QR code or NFC tag with a generic QR code or NFC mobile application will not be able to see the device details,
or perform any actions on the IoT device.
What Can AHG Do - IoT Networks Commissioning Software
AHG has experience developing
bluetooth mobile applications,
which is commonly used for the communication between the smartphone and the IoT devices. We also have experience in developing
IoT mobile applications and cloud software, as well as
QR code / NFC scanning mobile software.
We will work with you to create a customized software for the IoT networks commissioning that fits your needs and provides an efficient and secure way to provision, configure, group and control IoT
network devices:
- We will use our existing bluetooth mesh commissioning software as a base for your custom IoT project.
- Our existing codebase and IoT software experience allows us to complete the custom IoT projects in a shorter time and with less investment that is required for a custom software.
- We can create a stand alone mobile application for the commissioning of the small IoT networks, cloud software for the larger customers with multiple IoT networks, and / or a cloud software / mobile
application combo.
- We create mobile applications for iOS and android that work on both smartphones and tablets.
- You decide which aspects of IoT networks configuration should be controlled by you and what parts should be managed by the installers / customers.
- You can always control system users and their access level.
Please
contact us to discuss your IoT project and if / how we can help.
