OVERVIEW/SITUATION ANALYSIS

For over 15 years, UTR has been a leading player in the field of humidification and environmental control in industries such as textiles, manufacturing and agriculture. All of them rely on accurate climate levels as a critical part of their business.

UTR’s humidity systems contain a series of stainless-steel tubes that route high-pressure water to atomizing nozzles placed throughout a factory.

Monitoring environmental variables is critical for optimal results. Using UTR’s new Thread-based system, sensors allow humidity levels to be actively and remotely monitored and adjusted, generating valuable insights and reducing the cost of operation and maintenance.

THE CHALLENGE

UTR wanted to differentiate its humidification business which was originally based on “analog” technology. By upgrading to digital technology, the system generates data from sensors in the nozzles so that the exact moisture levels can be provided, based on environmental conditions. This eliminates the need for businesses to manually open or close windows or perform other costly and time sensitive operations in order to get the desired results. The sensors also provide valuable information to plant managers that was previously unavailable.

Furthermore, the new system allows UTR to move from a product-based offering to a service-based offering.

THE PROCESS

UTR partnered with Pratt Miller, an engineering and product development company, to work on a solution. Early on, it became clear that the system needed to be installed and operated in large facilities and factories without relying on existing data infrastructures.

The data generated by the system needed to be easily monitored while the large number of nodes and components throughout the installation required remote updating using an over-the-air update process. All of these requirements result in reduced maintenance while improving reliability and durability.

THE SOLUTION

Pratt Miller recommended Thread for UTR’s needs since the mesh networking protocol allows for the operation of large node networks and Thread’s IP foundation simplifies cloud connectivity for remote monitoring, analysis and upgradability.

The system leverages a Thread mesh network to monitor the temperature and humidity throughout different zones in factories along with sensors to monitor the system and provide data on when servicing will be needed. The system monitors and reports the status of all filters along with the performance level of the atomizers, motors and pumps.

Additionally, Thread makes communication with the remote temperature and humidity sensors in the factory secure and resilient. Thread’s mesh network provides a secure and resilient solution to maintain the code and monitor the remote sensors.

Competitive  Advantage

UTR’s system offers a number of key advantages:

• Thread’s networking technology has enabled UTR to pivot their business from providing humidification machines to providing a humidification as a service business.
• UTR can service the machines more cost effectively than the factory with a system that provides data informing customers when their machines need to be services.
• UTR’s clients are now able to be proactive instead of reactive. Trends can be analyzed, and conclusions can be drawn from the data.