As a result of their partnership, MBS GmbH and logiccloud AG are presenting a joint solution that considerably simplifies both the commissioning and operation of a property. By integrating the tried-and-tested gateways from the Krefeld-based building automation specialist into the cloud solution from the award-winning Buchen-based start-up, sensor data from the field level can be collected using standard bus protocols such as BACnet, LON, DALI, Modbus etc. and further processed using the MQTT (Message Queue Telemetry Transport) network protocol.
‘We are delighted to have gained a strategic hardware partner in MBS as an experienced provider of expertise for the popular BACnet standard,’ says Bernhard Böhrer, CEO of logiccloud AG. ‘By combining two mature technologies, we have created a convincing solution that generates considerable customer benefits,’ adds Nils-Gunnar Fritz, Managing Director of MBS GmbH.
Control common bus protocols from the cloud
The innovative solution involves MBS gateways being used as edge devices to read and manage field sensors. Two variants are possible, namely either their control from logiccloud 365 – as a software-as-a-service solution in the cloud – or on premise, i.e. as an on-site installation at the property operator’s premises. The key point here is that the entire automation process, from development to administration and control, can be parameterised in the cloud.
‘The first advantage for users is that they don’t have to decide whether they want to handle higher-level control functions in the cloud or on site,’ says Böhrer. For example, they can prepare the commissioning of a new building in the cloud first and make this decision later.
Flexible commissioning from the desk
This is because – and this is another advantage – the user can develop, simulate and test the entire software environment for the building technology virtually in the cloud, regardless of the actual building. ‘During commissioning, there are always large or small changes in the network, whether it’s the connection of an additional plant or the correction of a data point,’ reports Fritz. ‘With our solution, a project planner can make all settings and revisions to the system flexibly from their desk and demonstrate them to their customer before installation.’ This saves development costs and saves time. Once the building has been completed, the software environment can simply be installed without the need for time-consuming hardware tests or expensive journeys to the facility. In addition, a controller can also be installed in the system at a later date if the property operator deems this appropriate.
‘Through our cooperation, we offer a modern solution from a single source that focuses on end-to-end digitalisation. We thus offer many starting points for overcoming the current challenges of building automation,’ the two company bosses are certain.
You can find information about MBS here: https://www.mbs-solutions.de/
