Comlink’s Next Generation Hardware has been Future-Proofed!

The competitive advantage offered by Comlink has just got even better! The latest version of Comlink Cloud Unit uses the LTE network, has numerous new interfaces for control units, and uses GPS technology to make site management of automated gates, doors, bollards, and barriers more efficient. Comlink enables manufacturers to sell connected gates complete with their very own mobile app – a smart solution for controlling and monitoring gates – offering extras like real-time remote monitoring and predictive maintenance. Comlink’s entire system, including all of the built-in services, can be white labelled so that your brand is on the app, website and hardware.

 


Specifications

The Comlink Cloud Unit comes with a new analogue input design that allows it to monitor most types of signals, including 8,2 kOhm safety devices, and two relay outputs that can be controlled via smartphone app, phone call, web platform or by the built-in annual timer. The inputs enable the remote access of vital data – are the gates open or closed? Has there been a power outage? Is the emergency stop pushed? In essence much of the information that is available to technicians when they visit sites. Customized expansion boards can be developed and integrated, such as CAN, RS-232, RS-485, and MODBUS, to name a few. These interfaces are common within the industry for control units in automated gates.

Being able to read this information off site, saves both time and money.

The next generation hardware includes new features such as:

  • Built-in GPS interface which automatically identifies the positioning of all installations
  • Over the air update, enables new Cloud Unit firmware updates remotely
  • 8 analogue inputs, 2 relay outputs
  • Customized expansion boards for CAN, RS-232, RS-485, MODBUS, and more
  • Future-proofed LTE-M1 network

 

The Importance of GPS

Johan Borg, Co-founder & CEO at Comlink, said: “The GPS functionality is important for several reasons. Frequently organizations rent mobile gates, especially on construction sites. Knowing exactly where the gate is located on a large, industrial site, isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Using GPS this issue is solved.”

Borg continued: “In addition, when a gate needs to be serviced by a technician, they are often just given a post code which isn’t helpful when you are trying to service a particular gate on an expansive site – it could be anywhere! The new GPS function enables technicians to identify the exact location of the gate.”


Long Term Evolution (LTE) Network

Comlink’s next generation hardware uses the Long Term Evolution (LTE) network – reassuring Comlink’s customers that they are using a network that is widely recognized as being the future. The new LTE-M1 network enables businesses to support millions of connected devices. It has the highest bandwidth and lowest latency of any LPWA technology, making it ideal for static and mobile applications. Comlink’s next generation hardware uses 4G, however GSM remains as a 2G fallback option.


Adding Value to Manufacturers’ Product Suites

A major audience for Comlink is manufacturers who make their own gates or barriers, provide service level agreements and have their own maintenance team. These manufacturers are able to integrate Comlink’s technologies into their own offering and by doing so upgrade their product suite. A white label solution that has the manufacturers brand on the app, web platform and hardware.

Anders Österlin, CMO at Comlink, elaborated: “When a gate owner calls their supplier and states their gate is not working, an evaluation normally takes place over the phone which can frequently lead to a site visit, which may or may not resolve the problem. This no longer needs to be the case as troubleshooting can take place remotely – vital data in the control unit can be accessed by the manufacturer, who in real time can monitor the gate via sensors.”

 

Built-in Tool for Remote Troubleshooting

For example, you might see that the emergency button has been pushed. In that scenario, the issue can be dealt with quickly and without the need for a site visit, ensuring the service organization is more efficient. In addition, the manufacturer can set alerts so it is notified if, for example, the gate has been open for more than an hour.

For more detailed problems, manufacturers can access event logs remotely to, for instance, identify whether the cabinet has been opened, or whether there has been a power failure. Remote monitoring enables manufacturers to be proactive and offer more value. They are now able to advise customers on specific issues, such as whether the photocell has been blocked for more than 10 minutes – providing customers with real-time alerts and exceptional service.

 


Enhance Brand Value

Another important audience for Comlink is manufactures who sell through resellers. Manufacturers are now able to sell gates to resellers, but also provide a service platform. For these organizations there is no real value on the maintenance side, as this is the remit of the reseller. However, tangible value can be found in supplying connected gates with their own branded mobile app.

A white labelled solution heightens brand value, and enables them to offer state-of-the-art technology – this also benefits the reseller, who is not only taking to market a more sophisticated product but one that is easier to support when the customer calls for assistance.

Österlin concluded: “These diagnostic innovations enable manufacturers to gain a true competitive advantage in their market and offer clients a truly customized solution.”

 

More About Comlink

Comlink is an all in one Internet of Things (IoT) solution for remote monitoring, access control and predictive maintenance. It connects gates, doors, bollards, and barriers to the cloud to help manufacturers create more value for their customers. Comlink collaborates closely with the gate manufacturer, and personally ensures the white label technology becomes a seamless part of the manufacturer’s offering. There are three products in the portfolio:

  • Comlink App, used to open/close gates, monitor remotely (if the gate is open, if there’s a power failure, etc) and receive alerts. The app can be branded and published in the App Store and Google Play under the manufacturer’s name.
  • Comlink Web Platform, used for remote monitoring, troubleshooting, administrating access restrictions for users, etc.
  • Comlink Cloud Unit, hardware which is compatible with all types of gates, barriers, and bollards. Once activated, communication is established to the cloud via a secure VPN tunnel using available mobile networks.

Watch the three minutes video overview here.

 

Comlink AB | Office +46 31 20 86 00 | Email info@comlink.se