Industrial Fluid Logistics Web Platform (PoC) - Case Study
The client required a Proof of Concept (PoC) for an IoT platform designed to validate the automated logistics of collecting used technological fluids from distributed service and industrial points. The PoC successfully demonstrated how leveraging sensors mounted in tanks to transmit fill-level data to a central system can determine exactly when collection is required in real time, proving the platform’s ability to eliminate unnecessary transport runs and significantly limit the risk of tank overflows.
Project Context
To validate these goals, the PoC integrated physical sensors with ThingsBoard and a backend application. During testing, sensors transmitted readings via an energy-efficient wireless network to the system’s communication layer, which then passed the data to ThingsBoard.
ThingsBoard’s automation mechanisms were configured to continuously analyze the current measurements. The PoC demonstrated that when a specific threshold is crossed, the system successfully and automatically updates the tank’s status to indicate that service is required.
This information was immediately routed to the dispatcher interface, proving the capability to factor the location into route planning and create a collection order. To validate the data flow, ThingsBoard widgets were built to communicate directly with the backend application via REST API, ensuring that all distinct user roles could access the current state of devices, orders, and executed services.
Project Context
To validate these goals, the PoC integrated physical sensors with ThingsBoard and a backend application. During testing, sensors transmitted readings via an energy-efficient wireless network to the system’s communication layer, which then passed the data to ThingsBoard. ThingsBoard’s automation mechanisms were configured to continuously analyze the current measurements. The PoC demonstrated that when a specific threshold is crossed, the system successfully and automatically updates the tank’s status to indicate that service is required.
This information was immediately routed to the dispatcher interface, proving the capability to factor the location into route planning and create a collection order. To validate the data flow,
ThingsBoard widgets were built to communicate directly with the backend application via REST API, ensuring that all distinct user roles could access the current state of devices, orders, and executed services.
Firmware Stack
Business Layer & System Implementation
The business layer of the PoC focused on validating the automated administrative and financial workflow following the physical collection of fluids. In the test environment, once a driver confirmed a pickup, the system automatically initiated the billing process.
The PoC validated the logic for calculating the exact volume of collected fluid based on the difference in tank levels before and after the service. This calculation successfully utilized the individual geometric and calibration parameters strictly assigned to each specific tank in the test group.
The system demonstrated the ability to dynamically calculate the final price by factoring in the simulated service zone, the type of fluid collected, the total volume, and additional tariff parameters. Upon completion of these calculations, the PoC system automatically generated a sample billing document and forwarded it to the client. As a result, the PoC successfully proved that the entire operational lifecycle—from initial level measurement and route planning to transport execution and final financial settlement—can operate in a highly automated manner.
Roles and Dashboards
The PoC environment successfully modeled and supported multiple user types, each with dedicated interfaces and permissions managed within ThingsBoard:
Point Operator
Had access to view current tank levels and the history of completed fluid collections.
Service Technician
Provided with tools for device registration, configuration, and direct sensor calibration during simulated on-site installations.
Dispatcher
Utilized a map of serviced points to manage routes, create collection orders, and assign specific tasks to drivers.
Driver
Provided with a daily list of assigned service points, integrated navigation, and a tool to confirm the completion of the collection.
Administrator
Retained full access to the administrative panel and the complete ThingsBoard environment to oversee the PoC.