Problem statement
- Sentra Systems set out to develop an Internet of Things (IoT) solution for a large enterprise. The aim was to replace an outdated system that monitors dams and reservoirs. The project focused on enhancing scalability and user experience
Approach and solution
- We developed a user-friendly web app featuring live data feeds, photo capture, and 3D visualization from 100+ sites with over 2000 sensors.
The solution
- 28 000+ data points collected & analyzed per minute
- Live alerts for extreme events, i.e. very high water level and risk of overflow (or low level and upcoming drought).
Impact achieved
- The web application we developed for Sentra’s enterprise customer is a notable improvement compared to their legacy monitoring system. It’s characterized by live data feeds from each location, photo capturing capability, photo archive, customizable screens with sensor data, and 3D site visualization.
- Our solution is capable of digesting and analyzing 28 000 data points per minute. It covers around 100 physical locations with over 2000 sensors.
- Sentra’s enterprise customer benefits from our solution because it is a user-friendly web app suitable for use on mobile devices – an important aspect when infrastructure technicians are on the go. It is also a notable improvement over the old software program.
- The dams monitoring system we created has a critical importance for the overall management of physical infrastructure. It helps local and state authorities to anticipate and manage risks like floods, droughts, etc. The app’s live alerts warn users of extreme events , e.g. very high water level and risk of overflow (or, conversely, very low water level).
Expertise and scope
- Technology Stack: Vue.js, Python (Django), HTML (Jinja), jQuery, CSS3 (Bootstrap, Bootstrap Vue), Highcharts.js, Docker, Jenkins, Git (GitLab, Git Flow), Linux, MQTT, MySQL, Mosquito, Web Sockets
Overview
Sentra Systems creates and operates end-to-end Internet of Things (IoT) solutions that track and control various aspects of the physical world like homes, utilities, public infrastructure, smart city systems, etc. By partnering with some of the world’s leading developers in the IoT domain, Sentra’s data-driven products tackle specific real-world problems. Each solution helps end-users manage their connected devices while overcoming the inherent constraints of a given use case.
Challenge
Working for a large enterprise customer, Sentra develops a state-of-the-art monitoring system for physical infrastructure that should replace an existing legacy platform.
Sentra’s business challenge was to achieve greater scalability and improved user experience while ensuring 24/7 uninterrupted on-site monitoring and a seamless transition to the new system. With its expertise in scalable back-end and front-end software, Wiser have been engaged by Sentra in creating a solution that is stable, user-friendly, and future-proof.
Solution
Upon investigating the state of the legacy platform and researching suitable technologies, Wiser planned and developed the new system having in mind other potential use cases like monitoring of parking lots and municipal water supply infrastructure.
The solution followed a successful Discovery phase, completed together with Sentra. It resulted in: 1) Clear project scope with defined business needs, addressed problems, and the things making the product unique, 2) All-in-one storage of requirements serving the development team, including criteria for the project’s success, and 3) Identified technologies matching the requirements as well as the architectural design of the system.
With the back end connected to the front end in December 2020, Both parties moved forward to introduce the new user interface. It features notable improvements such as a live data feed from each location, including photo capturing capability, customizable screens with sensor data, and 3D site visualization.
Wiser’s approach to work closely with Sentra’s engineering and development team also proved helpful. Each development phase was followed by a mini-demo where the team showcased the latest features to Sentra. Feedback and user needs were incorporated as we progressed with development.
The project in numbers
- Around 100 sites to be monitored with the new system
- All locations will have over 2000 sensors in total
- 50 locations already integrated