Grid Connect’s Smart Power Cord Links Legacy Foodservice Machines to the Cloud for Data Tracking
Grid Connect has a new ConnectSense Smart Power Cord that turns non-networked machines like commercial kitchen appliances, industrial pumps and healthcare equipment into IoT devices that stream operational data as it happens to machine makers, owners and operators, so they can predict maintenance, track usage and manage energy consumption.
“As an example, a beverage-machine maker or owner could connect to the internet with the Smart Power Cord and learn how many drinks, and of what size, employees are making; owners can even see which sizes are filled the most or learn when the unit was last cleaned,” said Gary Marrs, solutions architect at Grid Connect. “If you’re an engineering manager, CIO or anyone in an organization trying to securely collect data on a legacy device, this is a quick, cost-effective method that’ll reap outsized returns.”
Grid Connect supplies its industrial-grade, UL- and RoHS-certified Smart Power Cord with a cloud-based application that machine builders and operators can use to monitor an unlimited number and array of remote devices such as ovens, espresso machines, motors and EKG equipment. Plugging in and setting up the Smart Power Cord takes approximately five minutes. Once a machine is plugged into The ConnectSense smart AC power cord and connected to Wi-Fi, machine makers and operators receive emails or texts about data such as voltage consumption, operating temperature and excessive loads. Users can also enable settings via the cord to remotely shut down a machine. Using an API, Grid Connect can securely link data from the Smart Power Cord to other critical software systems of interest to machine operators.
According to Marrs, equipment manufacturers and product marketing managers who want insights from the field about their products can plug in the Smart Power Cord and begin streaming data to perform predictive maintenance, track usage or even build a better product.
“Equipment-leasing companies are another excellent use case for the Smart Power Cord,” adds Marrs “Owners can monitor their equipment use and ensure that it is being properly maintained.”
The Smart Power Cord network interfaces include Wi-Fi (802.11bg) and comes in several standard models, including 15, 20 and 30 amps and accommodating input voltage ranging from 100 AC to 240 AC. Smart Power Cord pricing starts at $129.95.
About Grid Connect, Inc.
Naperville, Ill.-based Grid Connect Inc. is an ISO 9001:2015 company and has been a leader in the embedded and networking marketplace for more than 20 years. Grid Connect’s products range from smart devices, including its ConnectSense branded smart power cord, and security controllers to bridges, switches and diagnostics tools. Along with the products Grid Connect makes, the company also distributes and supports complementary products from other high-quality technology makers.
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