Remote Access for CRIUS®4.0 – Control InSite

The CRIUS®4.0 is the first water analyzer controller to use MQTT as the communications protocol for remote access. This Internet of Things communications protocol (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) allows very small packets of data to be transferred very frequently. When coupled with the power of the CRIUS®4.0 this allows for the display of LIVE DATA either in Control InSite or in its sister product Data InSite® (please click here for more information).

Using MQTT means that communication with the CRIUS®4.0 is quick, inexpensive, reliable and secure. The two way remote access is achieved by using a customers LAN (local area network) or by using an optional in-built 3G or 4G modem that can use any data enabled sim card.

Setup is easy and largely pre-configured meaning that as soon as the power is on the CRIUS®4.0 can be configured remotely.

Control InSite gives the user three unrivaled benefits:

  • Live Data – The frequency of communication that MQTT allows means that the data you are looking at is effectively live. The size of the packets mean that there is no increased data overhead so the costs are effectively the same or lower than other communications protocols that can’t provide live data.
  • Security – MQTT has security built in with data encryption as standard.
  • Flexibility – The way the communications works is that the CRIUS®4.0 is in communication to a cloud based “broker”. It is then possible for other cloud based services to “subscribe” to the data of that CRIUS®4.0. This means that at the same time the CRIUS®4.0 is talking to Control InSite, it can be talking to a data storage and reporting portal like Data InSite® from Pi or another proprietary portal.
Control InSite provides remote access over LAN or Modem to Pi’s water quality controllers and offers a number of benefits to the user over other remote access systems.
  • Cloud based – accessible from any internet enabled device anywhere in the world
  • Accessed via any browser – no software or app to install
  • Live data – never have to wait for an update
  • Remote configuration – never have to return to site to “tweak” configuration
  • Remote process optimization – alter setpoints, PID settings, alarms and alerts without getting in your car
  • Share connections – work with others remotely, for both you and the site
  • Full access to everything on the analyzer – no restrictions on what is accessible on remote access
  • Free – Control InSite from Pi is a fully functional, extremely capable remote access and once the hardware has been installed it is free to use.

FAQs

MQTT is a communications protocol initially used to transfer data to and from satellites. It has been adopted by the Internet of Things as the standard communications protocol for Industry 4.0 as it allows for the transfer of data with very small packet sizes thereby keeping costs down on mobile data transfer.

Remote access is a term that means the ability to “talk” to an analyzer or device when you are remote from it (not in front of it). A good remote access solution such as Control InSite allows a user to;

  • Remotely set up the analyzer
  • Download and analyze data
  • Remotely troubleshoot any issues
Control InSite is Process Instruments’ remote access solution for the CRIUS®4.0 water quality controller. It is cloud based and utilizes MQTT communications.
An internet connection for the CRIUS®4.0. This can be via an internet 4G modem or via a LAN connection on the CRIUS®4.0.
No. Any data enabled SIM card will work with the modem in the CRIUS®4.0 controller.

Yes. Contact Pi and one of the team will happily show you the Remote  Access over a Zoom or Teams call.

Nothing! When you buy the hardware, you get access to Control InSite for free!

Data InSite® is a sister product to Control InSite and allows for the automatic collection of compliance and other data with automatic online reporting.

Data InSite® is a subscription based service with monthly or annual payment plans based on the number of data streams connected and the number of users.

The security of data is one of the reasons for using the MQTT communications protocol as it is encrypted data.

Yes. You would need to do some industry standard MQTT integration but then the data would be available to your application.

Yes. Data InSite® can take data via HTML, MQTT, .csv and manually. If you have data in another format, please contact Pi to discuss.

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Related Posts

Remote Access - LIVE DATA

You probably know that Process Instruments offers a cloud based remote access service for our CRIUS®4.0 analyzer, but did you know that… …nearly everything you can do in front of the analyzer you can do remotely? …the CRIUS®4.0 is the first analyzer in the world to utilize MQTT, allowing for real time data without a delay? …customers have seen the number of engineer callouts drastically reduce, saving them time and money? …Control InSite has been allowing engineers to access CRIUS®4.0 remotely, keeping them safe during COVID?
Control InSite Desktop

Pi’s sleek and modern remote access solution Control InSite now utilizes MQTT (an Internet of Things communications protocol)

Pi has always been a leader in developing new technology and have had a remote access system for over 15 years! The latest iteration of remote access, is called Control InSite and is now a key part of our solution toolbox. Here are some of the features of our remote access: User interface – A modern and intuitive user interface makes using Control InSite simple. Anyone requiring training can now be trained remotely using remote access and Teams or Zoom. Speed – The service now runs around 50 times faster than its predecessors, allowing users to connect and download the current sensor values and settings in under 30 seconds (test performed on a CoagSense coagulation controller with 27 different devices such as sensors).CRIUS4.0 Instrument Controller Reduced data costs – By making the connection between the server and analyzer more efficient, Pi has reduced the amount of data required for nearly all tasks thereby significantly reducing costs. SIM card – By utilizing IoT protocols, CRIUS®4.0 remote access can use any data enabled SIM card. Customer branding – On request, Pi can brand the remote access theme to promote a customer’s brand. Data analysis – The graphical interface is a powerful and flexible tool for viewing your sensor data. The way we handle your analyzer’s data means that every single data point is stored in the cloud, allowing a user to download 3 months’ worth of data with a single click. Email and text alarms – Direct from the server, cheap and reliable to up to 5 SMS recipients and 5 email recipients. Data limit – Users can now limit how much data each analyzer can use per day, meaning no unexpected data costs.

So what can Control InSite do for you?

Control InSite MobileThe remote access service has always been designed to save you time and money by allowing you access to the analyzer and its data from anywhere in the world. Now remote access can assist as a tool in doing a lot more:
  • Remotely checking and changing settings for customers who may not be confident in doing so or who may not have access to the analyzer.
  • Allowing Pi’s service team to temporarily remotely connect to the analyzer if customers have an issue and are unsure about how to solve it.
  • Easily view when maintenance is required or due on analyzers, allowing users to efficiently plan which sites to visit and when.
  • Know when alarms activate on the unit within seconds by enabling text and/or email alerts direct from the analyzer.
  • Tune control values to optimize dosing without the need to visit the site.
  • Analyze stored data to investigate incidents, explain issues or validate the process.
  • Save money by reducing the number of callouts and the number of miles your engineers travel!

But what about security?

MQTT is an encrypted ‘internet of things’ communications protocol designed to provide excellent security, so no worries there.

How does user access work?

Each user has their own username and password. This means that what they see and what they can do can be customized so only authorized users can make changes.

Conclusion

Using MQTT means that communication with the CRIUS®4.0 is quick, inexpensive, reliable and secure. The frequency of communication that MQTT allows means that the data you are looking at it effectively live. The size of the packets means that there is no increased data overhead so the costs are effectively the same or lower than other communications protocols that can’t provide live data. The way the communications work is that the CRIUS®4.0 is in communication to a cloud based ‘broker’. It is then possible for other cloud based services to ‘subscribe’ to the data of that CRIUS®4.0. This means that at the same time the CRIUS®4.0 is talking to Control InSite, it can be talking to a data storage and reporting portal like Data InSite® from Pi or another proprietary portal. Control InSite is cloud based meaning it is accessible from any internet enabled device anywhere in the world, meaning you can access it without even getting into your car or standing in front of the analyzer. This feature is one of the biggest advantages of Control InSite and has been particularly useful during COVID, a time when reducing the number of site visits has been of utmost importance.