ICP DAS IoT Solution for Automated Stores
Introduction
With the growing adoption of IoT technology, automated stores can operate with real-time monitoring, remote management, and reduced labor requirements. Traditional washing machines and vending machines often required staff to visit the site regularly for equipment inspections, maintenance, and restocking, increasing labor and operating costs.
By using IIoT technology, equipment and environmental data can be transmitted in real time via 4G to computers at a control center and mobile devices. Operators can remotely monitor equipment performance, analyze data, and identify potential issues early to support preventive maintenance. This helps reduce the risk of unexpected shutdowns, coin jams, stock-outs, equipment malfunctions, and vandalism that can lead to additional costs.
Automated stores also require close monitoring of liquid leaks, temperature, humidity, gas levels, and potential hazards to maintain a safe and reliable environment. This case study demonstrates how ICP DAS USA’s IoT solution enables remote, real-time monitoring of laundromat equipment, vending machines, and store conditions.
ICP DAS USA Monitoring Solution for Laundromats
In this case, the customer uses environmental monitoring modules, the tGW-715 Tiny Gateway, WISE-5231M-4GE Intelligent IIoT Edge Controller, and IoTstar IIoT software. Real-time data—including machine status, temperature, inventory, operating conditions, and environmental information—is transmitted to a central control center for monitoring, analysis, and management.
When an issue is detected, staff can be dispatched only when on-site inspection, maintenance, or restocking is needed. This reduces unnecessary site visits and labor requirements while helping operators respond quickly to equipment problems and emergencies.
Overall, the solution helps automated store operators improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime and maintenance costs, prevent unexpected problems, and maintain a safer and more reliable environment for customers.
Liquid Leakage and Environmental Monitoring
The iSN-104 Liquid Leakage Detection Module can integrate with various monitoring and control systems to provide remote leak detection and alarms. Used with CA-LLD-EC leader cables and CA-LLD-DC100 liquid leakage detection cables, the iSN-104 detects water leaks from washing machines and sends the data to the WISE-5231M-4GE Intelligent IIoT Edge Controller via Modbus RTU. When a leak is detected, WISE can immediately notify management personnel, helping prevent equipment damage and costly downtime.
The CL-200 Series Indoor Environment Data Logger monitors temperature, humidity, and gases such as CO and CO₂. In this application, the CL-200 Series works with the WISE-5231M-4GE to continuously monitor laundromat conditions. If temperature or CO levels become too high, WISE can automatically activate ventilation equipment using its built-in IF-THEN-ELSE logic. Environmental data is also transmitted to administrators’ mobile devices through a 4G network, enabling fast response to abnormal conditions.
Safety and Emergency Monitoring
The WISE-5231M-4GE, iCAM-ZMR8422X Auto Focus IR Bullet IP Camera, tM-R5 5-channel Power Relay Module, and ALM-04-MRTU Alert Module work together to provide real-time safety monitoring.
If vandalism or a fire is detected, WISE can trigger the iCAM-ZMR8422X to capture images and send them to the control center while simultaneously delivering email or LINE notifications to administrators. The system can also activate the ALM-04-MRTU through the tM-R5 relay module to provide audible emergency alerts and play MP3 evacuation messages. This gives operators immediate visibility and helps them respond quickly to potentially dangerous situations.
Equipment Data Communication
The tGW-700 Series Tiny Modbus TCP to RTU/ASCII Gateways connect serial devices to Ethernet networks, overcoming the distance and bandwidth limitations of traditional serial connections.
In this application, the tGW-715 Tiny Gateway converts machine temperature, inventory, and operating data to Modbus TCP and transmits it to the WISE-5231M-4GE Edge Controller. This allows equipment information to be collected and managed centrally without extensive additional wiring.
WISE Intelligent IIoT Edge Controller
The ICP DAS USA WISE Intelligent IIoT Edge Controller Series provides remote monitoring, control, scheduling, calculations, and automated logic control. Its built-in IF-THEN-ELSE logic allows the system to automatically respond to abnormal conditions without requiring a separate computer or custom programming.
In this application, the WISE-5231M-4GE collects equipment, liquid leakage, temperature, humidity, and gas data and transmits it to computers and mobile devices through 4G. When abnormal conditions such as overheating are detected, WISE can automatically activate ventilation equipment and notify management personnel.
WISE can also control store lighting based on illuminance sensor data. Lights can be switched on or off automatically to provide adequate lighting while reducing unnecessary energy consumption. Operators can also remotely control connected equipment through IoTstar and check device status without visiting the site.
IoTstar Cloud Management
IoTstar is ICP DAS USA’s IIoT cloud management software for remotely monitoring and controlling WISE, PMC, PMD, I/O modules, and connected equipment. It can be deployed on Windows-based private cloud platforms or supported public cloud platforms.
In this application, IoTstar receives data from each laundromat through the WISE-5231M-4GE, stores the information in a database, and displays it through a centralized dashboard. This allows multiple laundromat locations to be monitored and managed from one platform, giving operators a clearer view of equipment status, environmental conditions, inventory, and potential problems.
Key Benefits
Conclusion
By adopting ICP DAS USA’s IIoT solution, laundromat operators can remotely monitor equipment, environmental conditions, inventory, and safety systems across multiple locations. Real-time data and automated responses help identify problems early, support preventive maintenance, reduce unnecessary site visits, and improve operational efficiency.
The integrated system also helps protect equipment and facilities by detecting leaks, abnormal temperatures, hazardous gas levels, fires, and other potential problems. When an issue occurs, operators receive immediate notifications and can take action remotely or dispatch staff only when on-site intervention is required.
With reliable communication, automated control, centralized monitoring, and real-time alerts, ICP DAS USA provides a scalable IIoT solution that helps laundromat operators reduce operating costs, improve equipment reliability, strengthen safety, and manage multiple locations more efficiently.
