Digitalization has long since found its way into industry. An important part of this is the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Many decision-makers in German SMEs are faced with the challenge of how to tackle this topic in the context of Industry 4.0. TeamViewer, a globally active provider of connectivity solutions founded in Germany, has launched TeamViewer IoT, a product that enables companies to expand their existing offering with IoT functions. This allows systems to be modernized and product functions to be expanded through remote access options. At the same time, new sources of revenue can be tapped into, for example in the service sector. The solution covers the entire range of possible IoT applications, which can be divided into three cross-industry application scenarios: Remote Operations, Remote Assistance and Remote Alarming.

Device operation in the cleanroom with remote operations

Remote operations refers to the remote-controlled operation of systems and devices such as wind turbines, production machines, pumps, vehicles or digital signage via the internet. This allows companies at globally distributed locations to check, change and manage system statuses from any location at any time, for example to increase output or reduce energy consumption and wear. This reduces the need for on-site visits and therefore cuts operating costs in the long term.

A manufacturer of measuring instruments for laboratories, which are often used in cleanrooms, uses TeamViewer IoT, for example, to enable its customers to check and adjust devices remotely without entering the cleanroom and possibly contaminating them.

Selling innovative tractors better with IoT Remote Assistance

With Remote Assistance, problems at IoT endpoints can be diagnosed remotely and, in the majority of cases, rectified immediately. Where this is not possible, important data on the cause of the fault can be recorded and any necessary spare parts can be identified and sent directly. This allows the field service to work more efficiently and productively, as they no longer have to be on site for every support case. This reduces the costs for the support service. At the same time, the availability of the respective systems, such as production machines, elevators, charging stations for electric vehicles, port cranes and others, increases.

Here is a practical example: A leading global manufacturer of tractors offers its customers location-independent support based on TeamViewer IoT. Support staff can access the screen in the tractor in real time in the event of problems, no matter where the vehicle is at the moment. This allows them to monitor processes, identify and resolve problems and explain displays, functions and tractor operating procedures to the driver. This promotes the acceptance and economic benefits of the innovative products. The result: satisfied customers, increased efficiency through reduced machine downtime, lower support costs and increased sales opportunities for the manufacturer.

Remote alarming: automated prevention of malfunctions

In the remote alerting scenario, machines and devices report irregularities automatically - before a malfunction occurs. To do this, users first define parameters and threshold values that should trigger a warning message. This could be increased rolling resistance of a wheel on a conveyor system, delayed start-up of a waste water pump or a rise in temperature in a refrigerated container.

If the defined parameter is reached, Remote Alarming triggers a predefined action depending on the configuration: The range of possible actions extends from a simple notification to the service department to a multi-stage workflow for checking the relevant sensor data to automated immediate measures, such as starting an emergency cooling system. For example, a British manufacturer of industrial robots uses remote alerting with TeamViewer IoT to detect faults in joints and servomotors or excessive temperatures at an early stage and initiate the necessary measures to prevent downtime.

Secure connectivity is the basis

Regardless of how IIoT is to be used, a whole range of requirements need to be considered when setting up an IoT infrastructure. Security issues are particularly important: how can data be prevented from being read out unnoticed when service employees access customers' devices? TeamViewer IoT offers administrators the option of defining specific content that should be accessible for service purposes. They can differentiate between "read-only access", "read/write access" or "full access". Audit logs, which can be activated as an option, also make it possible to log activities such as file transfers during a session.

GDPR-compliant infrastructure

As TeamViewer IoT is based on the existing infrastructure of TeamViewer's connectivity solution, which has been tried and tested for 15 years, all connections run via completely secure data channels. They are set up with a 2048-bit RSA public/private key exchange and encrypted with 256-bit AES. This technology is also used for https/SSL and is considered completely secure by today's standards. As the private key never leaves the end device, it is technically ensured that intermediary computers on the Internet cannot decipher the data stream. This also applies to TeamViewer's routing servers. In addition, users have the option of storing the IoT data in the TeamViewer cloud, which is hosted exclusively in Germany and therefore meets the data protection requirements of the GDPR.

Starter kit with hardware, software and advice

TeamViewer offers a special IoT Starter Kit to make it easier for companies to set up their own Industrial IoT business models. The core of the offer is the six-month license to use the TeamViewer IoT platform with several SDKs for integration and adaptation to the respective circumstances, easy integration into third-party platforms and support for common protocols such as MQTT. The kit also includes a Dell 3001 Edge Gateway with antennas and connections for internet connectivity of the endpoints. Three wireless Bosch XDK110 multi-sensors are also part of the package and provide data on temperature, humidity, acceleration, rotational speed and magnetic field strength, among other things. In addition, customers who purchase the starter kit can receive six months of support for training and advice from a TeamViewer expert with practical know-how in the implementation of IoT projects. The Starter Kit costs EUR 1990 (plus VAT).

TeamViewer also offers free use of the TeamViewer IoT solution for the first two endpoints. The best way for interested companies or experienced hobbyists to get to know the advantages of IoT is to try it out.

Roll-out: fast and secure

TeamViewer IoT supports larger projects in which a large number of endpoints need to be connected to the IoT solution quickly by enabling mass deployment via scripts and an assignment token. The assignment token determines which account the individual device is assigned to. Security is also the top priority here: if spoofing or other irregularities are suspected, the validity of the token can be revoked and a new token generated. Because in the IoT, too, only a secure product is a good product.

The author

Lukas Baur is Vice President IoT at TeamViewer.