Interoperability of electrical distribution systems with IP-Everywhere solution

Issue

In the rapidly evolving technological landscape, Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT) aim to revolutionize the way we perceive and manage communication within electrical distribution of buildings/infrastructures.

The predominant challenge lies in the current systems' inability to offer complete native interconnectivity. Current fieldbus communication systems, such as KNX, Profibus, or Modbus, present compatibility challenges as well as limited cybersecurity. They are often limited to communication within their own family, hindering the establishment of a unified system. While the devices are physically connected, in many cases, the information doesn't reach the higher-level systems.

This lack of interoperability increases complexity, making the overall system more prone to errors and latencies, and adds to integration costs. Contractors and system integrators oftentimes deliver the system without being able to use its full functionalities and extracting the whole value. Finally this complexity limits the serviceability and the connectivity to cloud platforms.

Your advice

1. To what extent do you agree with this statement on the lack of interconnectivity in current electrical systems?

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly agree

2. Is this a critical issue in your activity?

Not at all critical

Not very critical

Neutral

Critical

Very critical

3. Rate the following issues in terms of criticality:

☆☆☆☆☆ = Not at all critical / ★★★★★ = Very critical

Solution

The proposed solution is IP-Everwhere for comprehensive communication to electrical distribution systems within buildings and infrastructures. IP-Everywhere merges the finest attributes of TCP/IP protocols and bus systems. It's designed to handle all communication tasks by using a single protocol over Ethernet.

The proposed solution directly tackles the issue of interoperability, making devices that were previously "invisible" beyond gateways now accessible and communicative. By utilizing a single protocol, it simplifies complexity, thus reducing error risks and boosting system-to-system communication efficiency.

Compared to current solutions, IP-Everywhere boasts several advantages:

Protocol Unification: By using a single protocol for all communications, it eliminates the need for multiple, incompatible systems, greatly simplifying the overall network.
Enhanced Cybersecurity compliance.
Significantly reduced commissioning time thanks to self-described circuits & functions.
Faster communication enabling better serviceability (firmware upgrades, faster alarms...).
Easier integration in Cloud platforms for remote management of the system.

Your advice

4. Does this new solution seem relevant to you?

Not at all relevant

Not very relevant

Neutral

Somewhat relevant

Highly relevant

5. Could you use this solution in your activity?

Definitely not

Probably not

Neutral

Probably

Definitely

6. Based on your perception of the solution, how do you see IP-Everywhere benefiting your daily activities?

7. Based on your perception of the solution, what are the improvements you would recommend to serve your daily activities?

8. Today, on average, what is the additional cost of connectivity compared to a non-connected panel?

9. Based on your understanding of IP-Everywhere, what should be the additional cost of connectivity compared to a non-connected panel?

Please justify in comments.

10. What is the best way to contact you?

Mail, Linkedin, Phone, ...