System Integrators

Adapting Legacy Systems Part I: Systems Integration and Digital Retrofitting

Article

When it comes to updating industrial infrastructure, cost is usually the first and biggest obstacle to moving forward. These price obstacles are present in both hardware and software, which means multi-faceted digital operations face upgrade expenses at all stages of the process.

The newest technologies, at the edges of high-volume adoption, generally have much higher price tags. Moreover, specialization and custom work on top of novelty further increase expenses. This latter aspect also affects commoditized technology outside of the early adoption phase, but to a smaller degree due to familiarity with alternate configurations. Even with standard commoditized products, large-scale investments often present amounts that exceed budgets.

The Top Three Challenges Facing IIoT Integrators

White Paper

Technology integrators have the potential to transform businesses in terms of logistics, processes, and revenue as they introduce IIoT. But before companies even consider IIoT adoption, there are recurring hurdles that many integrators face. In this white paper, we’ll address the top three challenges:

1. Perceived “High” Investment Cost & Communicating ROI
2. Retrofitting Existing Hardware
3. Understanding & Implementing Cybersecurity

PCIe Mini Card Synchronous Serial Interface

Case Study

Connecting modern computer equipment to proprietary, often old, infrastructure is a common requirement in military applications. Sealevel worked with a manufacturer of a rugged, military computer server to design an interface to radio modems installed in aircraft. The radio modems use a proprietary, synchronous protocol as the host interface with little documentation available and no opportunity for modification.

Retrofitting Military Containerized Solutions for IoT Operations

Case Study

A military contractor reached out to Sealevel for help retrofitting containerized installations and portable generator stations with IIoT. Part of temporary camps, these facilities are deployed in operations such as disaster relief. A primary containerized installation is the base kitchen, which runs standard kitchen equipment. Generators supply power to the camp and lighting.

During disaster relief deployments, most troops and personnel are dedicated to relief operations. The contractor wanted a cost-effective solution to track assets and monitor processes to reduce the burden on personnel. The company needed a smart device that could upgrade current equipment without requiring a new fleet. It needed to automate tasks, remotely monitor assets and log data in a cloud service. The device needed to be secure and use encrypted communication as well as operate on a local network.