Customer Background
Headquartered in the US, our customer is a global leader in delivering highly efficient manual, automated, and motorised solar shade systems. The company’s rich experience of 50+ years in designing sustainable shade solutions for industries like healthcare, education, and hospitality has won them multiple awards and accolades, along with considerable competitive advantages.
Customer Need
The customer wanted to modernise their existing product line consisting of shade controller devices and systems by facilitating Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. They sought a shade controls solution that effectively enhanced occupant productivity and comfort, enabled third-party integrations, improved device performance and field servicing. The customer collaborated with Softdel to devise a reliable and comprehensive IoT-led solution that seamlessly integrates with their existing devices and applications.
Softdel’s Solution
- Softdel developed a highly automated modular and scalable floor controller platform, which included: hardware development using Toradex SOM and Linux operating system integration of wired and wireless protocols like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and other proprietary protocols middleware API (Application Programming Interface) layer for easy application development and 3rd party integration native BACnet integration for seamless interoperability with building management systems automation algorithm-based applications for monitoring and controlling the shades.
- Softdel further enhanced the platform solution by adding a cloud connectivity feature via MQTT (MQ Telemetry Transport) protocol and cloud agents.
- The platform was also enabled with data aggregation and edge analytics for accurate error detection and enhanced performance.
Standards and Technology
Communication Protocols: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, BACnet, PoE, USB, HTTP, SMTP, MQTT
Certification Standards: EMI/EMC, UL
Operating System: Linux
Tools: Toradex, PADS
Simulating Tool: BOSS (Softdel’s BACnet Simulator)
Benefits
- Extensible and modular platform: Softdel's solution can easily host, manage, and control a variety of shading systems and new applications for varied projects irrespective of the size.
- Enhanced interoperability: The BACnet-certified platform permits third-party integrations with all major building management systems for peak efficiency and control.
- Better management: The platform supports legacy as well as modern cloud-based architecture to cater to diverse use cases and offer improved expansion capabilities for applications, tools, and devices.
