A few things you might like to know about RemoteM
How much does it cost?
We operate on a SaaS (Software as a Service) mode, and the charge is based on the number of sites and areas you need to monitor. It's a monthly subscription with no upfront charges, or any other ongoing charges except the amount per device (for example, there is no charge for dashboard access or alerts). You can add to your devices at any time.
Is it easy to use?
Yes - it's a 'plug and play' approach. In terms of maintenance, the devices run themselves once on site. We use the mobile phone network to send data to our dashboard, so there's no need for extra cables or Wi-Fi passwords. The battery in the temperature sensors typically lasts for more than 18 months. When they need replacing, we dispatch a new device (and ask you return the old one) or alternatively we can send you a kit to change the batteries yourself - this takes less than a minute.
A quick overview of the key advantages of RemoteM:
- The system uses the mobile phone network - all it requires is a mains socket to plug in the base station, so it's very easy to install.
- We are not aware of any other platform that works in the same way as ours. Many rely on Wi-Fi, which often stops working in the event of a power failure (worth thinking about if we are to undergo power cuts this winter). RemoteM keeps on working, logging data and sending alerts. This allows you to view the data in the dashboard and make decisions whether stock should be moved or whether the temperature is still within the specified ranges.
- As well as providing alerts when a fridge goes out of temperature range, we've designed the system to alert immediately in the event of a power failure (we can detect when the power to our base station goes off). The battery backup to the base station will last at least 24 hours, so RemoteM will continue to report during power outages.
- Readings are taken every five minutes and stored indefinitely.
- Alerts can be generated via email, SMS and automated voice calls. These can be sent to one or more people, even those who do not have access to the dashboard. (One common use is to call an 'out of hours' number at weekends.)
- The alerts also allow multiple thresholds. As an example, you could have an email warning if the temperature is outside 2-8oC, but send an SMS outside 0-10oC and start to make phone calls if the readings go beyond this range.
- The same equipment can be used to monitor goods in transit (either between sites or on patient visits).
- We can monitor temperature and humidity now. Later this year, we'll have a revised version of the node (temperature sensor) capable of monitoring other parameters too.
- We're very open to feedback and suggestions to help us improve our dashboard - many of our features have come from customer requests. As we have designed the entire system in-house, we are able to respond quickly to suggestions or improvements.