In a recent Business Insider article, survey says most businesses already use the Internet of Things, BI Intelligence surveyed companies on how they use IoT (Internet of Things) solutions. The results came in with approximately 65% of enterprises are utilizing IoT solutions for business purposes. BI breaks down how these IoT solutions are being used with 66% of them using the IoT for risk management, 63% for machine monitoring, 33% to provide cellular data and Wi-Fi hotspots, and much more.

If you are unfamiliar with the Internet of Things, it is the network of physical objects (“things”) embedded with sensors, software, electronics, and network connectivity, which enables them to collect and exchange data. According to Julie Bort at Business Insider, if there is one technology that a company can benefit from its sensors. “Sensors can be programmed to sense the environment and share that information over the internet, such as locations of items, their temperature and so on.” Sensors allow you to get the most of your new and existing technology in a variety of ways.

If your business is not currently using the Internet of Things or under-using it’s potential, we would like to show you how easy it is to get started. Contact a Monnit Customer Service Representative by calling 801-561-5555 or use our online chat at www.monnit.com. You can also email us at info@monnit.com and view our products for more information.

Many of us take a lot of pride in our homes and other properties, as we should. Whether your rent or own, you should do everything you can to protect your property. Disasters come in many forms, which is why we install smoke detectors and security systems. But what are you doing to protect your belongings from water damage?

Where do Water Leaks Occur? 

Homeowners and property managers often assume only the obvious places for water leak potential, such as toilets, water heaters, and sinks. Other areas should be considered for possible water leakage as well. For example, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machine, air conditioners/HVAC, radiators, and outdoor faucets.

Basements and crawl spaces should also be carefully monitored as these are the areas builders add to allow workers to easily put in piping and electrical wires. Imagine the amount of mold that could flourish from a small water leak in a dark, damp crawl space.

10 Places Water Leaks Can Occur in Your Home

Problems Facing Water Leaks

Once your basement has flooded, it’s too late. The damage has been done, and you will now have to pay costly fees for repairs and clean up. But in truth, water damage doesn’t commonly come out of nowhere. In many cases, expensive leaks start small and grow over time. Water leaks can create serious issues for your home, and you must fix the problem as soon as you discover them. Damage repairs can vary from $2,000 – $10,000 or more. Not to mention the hassle of dealing with your insurance and figuring out who is to blame.

The Monnit Solution

Water leaks often go unnoticed until significant damage has been caused. With a Monnit Wireless Water Detector, you can ensure that water leaks are quickly identified and don’t turn into a flood or a burst pipe. Monnit’s affordable remote monitoring system makes it easy for homeowners and property managers to keep track of their homes from anywhere, at any time via computer, smartphone or tablet and receive alerts via text, voice, email the moment there is an issue.

View Wireless Water Detection Sensors »

Monnit provides an enormous opportunity to protect your facilities and home. The Monnit Remote Monitoring System is the most intuitive, reliable, and cost-effective solution on the market. For more information, visit our website.

Temperatures are increasing again, and many areas of the United States are guaranteed for temperatures as high as 107° F this week. With high heat comes high humidity for most regions. How are you protecting your business from the heat and moisture?

The humidity in the air needs to be at the ideal level. Studies have shown that indoor humidity levels should between 40-60% for an optimal health and comfort standpoint. However, moisture levels above that can lead to one or more humidity-based problems such as damage to delicate machinery, corrosion of computer components, reduced air quality, and an increase in dangerous levels of bacteria, mold, and mildew.

Here are a few things to watch out for:

Poor Air Quality

If there is extra humidity in the air, it can result in reduced air quality. In fact, our lungs work best when the air has the correct level of humidity in it. When the air is too moist, this can cause respiratory difficulties. A humidity level of 40-60% is optimal to enhance air quality. It’s also the optimal level to prevent microorganisms from growing.

Damage to Sensitive Equipment

Humidity can cause harm to movable parts or the electronics of many devices by corroding, parts can stick together, and other sensitive electronics can quickly become damaged. With most electronics, the loss is hard to identify and is also tough to replace.

Food Storage Conditions

Food can become quickly damaged by moisture and temperature change in both room temperature and refrigeration. Ideally, storage areas for dry food should have a humidity level of 15% or less.

Sensitive Chemical Damage

In the pharmaceutical industry, humidity can become a large issue. An increase in moisture can cause damage to chemicals that are used on a daily basis. For example, any compound that is powdered may adhere together, resulting in a loss of product integrity. It can also negatively influence any experiments that involve these chemicals.

Mold and Mildew Growth

Excess moisture can cause for growth in mold and mildew in multiple areas throughout your building. If this increase gets to the point of being able to see or smell the mold, this means that the spores have multiplied.

The Monnit Solution

There are many ways to prevent heat and humidity damage within your home or office building, but what happens if those methods (AC units) stop working? Humidity can quickly cause damage to your business, and you may not even know it.

Monnit provides an enormous opportunity to protect your products and employees with a Wireless Humidity Sensor and Wireless Temperature Sensors. With Monnit’s affordable remote monitoring system in place, you will be able to keep track of the moisture levels in your building, offices, warehouse, storage, and homes. Monnit’s sensors are small and low profile, so they can fit just about anywhere, allowing you to get the most accurate reading. Receive alerts via text, voice, email, or through a local display if the temperature or humidity levels exceed a safe threshold. The Monnit Remote Monitoring System is the most intuitive, reliable, and cost-effective solution on the market. For more information on our solutions for building monitoring, visit our website.

Vacant buildings and foreclosed homes are becoming more common in our cities and neighborhoods. These vacancies come in a variety of property types from commercial, industrial, retail, residential, and more. As we commonly look at these vacant properties, we think no attention is needed. “There’s nothing in there. What could go wrong?” Vacant properties are more susceptible to vandalism, criminal activity, and mother nature. If you are the owner of these properties, it is important to understand the dangers of these empty buildings, and take immediate steps to prevent them.

Keep Your Property Free of Trespassers
One of the biggest problems with vacant properties is trespassing. These intruders can vary from thieves, vandals, and squatters. Trespassers know when a property is vacant, and if given enough time these invaders can cause costly damages and repairs.

Weather and Other Damage
Even in a short amount of time, weather can cause significant damages to an unattended property. Securing doors, windows, and other small openings are also crucial to prevent damages from the wind, rain, snow and other forms of weather. During warmer months set the temperature to a minimum of 85° F to prevent damages due to humidity and mold. In the colder months, keep the temperature of a building or home at a lowest of 55° F to prevent pipes from freezing. It’s also important to monitor areas around water heaters, faucets, and toilets in case a leak occurs which can cause some very extensive damage if it’s not caught in time.

Protecting Vacant Properties

Owners of vacant properties have all experienced the same problem: monitoring properties is expensive. Every year, there are millions of dollars in losses due to property damage, theft, and more. In the past, these problems were difficult to prevent. If you didn’t install state-of-the-art security systems these problems seemed inevitable. Thanks to Monnit, everything has changed.

The Monnit Solution

Monnit enables landlords to monitor and track various conditions of their property. Previously, available solutions were expensive and difficult to use. This has since changed with Monnit’s affordable remote monitoring solutions, which make it easy to monitor multiple aspects of your facilities, from anywhere, at any time.

Problems from property damage can not only affect your bottom line; they can harm the reputation you worked so hard to build. You can save time and money by using a system that automatically monitors your facilities, and focus on what matters most: growing and improving your business. With a Monnit remote monitoring system in place, you add significant value to your property and ensure peace of mind for yourself and your clients without breaking the bank.

Detect water leaks that lead to costly damages: View Wireless Water Detection Sensors »

Avoid excessive temperature fluctuations during hot and cold months: View Wireless Temperature Sensors »

Prevent unauthorized access by monitoring motion near entrances, open spaces, and more: View Wireless Motion Sensors »

Receive alerts if a door or window is opened or left open: View Wireless Open-Closed Sensors »

Track energy consumption: View Wireless AC Current Meters »

Monitor lights to make sure they are not on when a property is not being used: View Wireless Light Detection Sensors »

Monnit offers bundled solutions to get you started: View Monitoring Kits »

Monnit provides an enormous opportunity to protect your properties, attract customers, increase profits, and scale your business. Now you have a better understanding of how you can use Monnit and the Internet of Things, to be a competitive force in today’s market.

The Monnit Remote Monitoring System is the most intuitive, reliable, and cost-effective solution on the market. For more information, visit our website.

“I love the simplicity and mobility of this system! The cell gateway and wireless sensors are easy to install for temporary use. When the home sells, it only takes me 2 minutes to pull the system out and then it’s off to the next home. It’s so comforting to know that I will get a text message if there is a water leak, or a door left open. It even helps me keep track of how many times a home is shown to potential buyers.”

 – Lisa C., Real Estate Agent

The Internet of Things (IoT) is not a trend: it is here to stay and is growing like wildfire. By 2020, Gartner predicts an estimated 20.8 billion devices around the globe will become connected to the Internet. A third of these devices will be smartphones, computers, tablets, and televisions. The other two-thirds of these devices will be sensors, actuators, and newly invented devices that optimize our worlds. By the end of 2020, sensors will make up 75% of the IoT industry, which will connect your car, refrigerator, home, and much more to the internet.

Businesses will become the top adopter of IoT solutions by 2020. Wireless sensors are giving companies opportunities to shift and grow their businesses, to lower operating costs, increase productivity, and expand to new markets. The government is predicted to being the second-largest adopter of the IoT, with the plan to use an IoT strategy to focus on decreasing costs and improving the quality of life for their citizens.

You can transform your business in real-time when you have an IoT strategy in place. Monnit has the technology and experience to help you put the IoT to work in your business today. Stop “running” your business, and start making it grow.

Monnit provides an enormous opportunity to protect your facilities, attract customers, increase profits, and scale your business. The Monnit Remote Monitoring System is the most intuitive, reliable, and cost-effective solution on the market. For more information, visit our website.

Want to become an OEM partner? Nearly $6 trillion will be spent on sensor solutions over the next five years according to Business Insider. Learn More About Becoming a Monnit Partner

When it comes to security for your business’ network, you most likely think of viruses, data breaches, and other virtual threats. While these threats should be prevented, all the firewalls in the world won’t stop the physical dangers that are inside your building right now. These menaces include temperature, humidity, vibration, water leaks, and intrusion. These threats can damage equipment, force hardware to shutdown, and slow performance. Not recognizing all risks is a weakness many companies have when it comes to protecting their server rooms. It is important to identify, monitor, and report all hazards in your facility. Here are five common server room threats and how to prevent them:

Temperature:
Temperature is the foremost environmental threat to computer equipment. Countless amounts of servers become damaged due to, to warm of an environment. The air around your servers needs to be maintained in the range of 68° to 72° F (20° to 24°C) for optimal reliability. Not only must you consider the heat produced by the servers, but you must also account for outside influences that will have an impact on the room’s temperature. Sunlight and other factors may increase the room’s temperature for small periods of the day. It is critical to have visibility on the temperature of your computer or data center at all times, in the case of HVAC equipment failure.

Humidity:
In a computer room or data center, relative humidity (RH) levels should be between 45% and 55%. If RH levels become too high, water condensation will cause corrosion, rust, and short-circuiting within the equipment. Too little of moisture is also a problem, as an overly dry environment can result in electrostatic discharge, which can cause the server to malfunction. Since temperature and humidity are directly related, it is important to monitor the two.

Vibration:
Vibrations are a hazard that can dislodge components that are critical to keeping your server running. Vibrations can also disturb a rapidly spinning hard drive, and even with the tiniest scratch you data can become ruined.

Other than earthquakes, vibrations can come from having your server too close to a wall or hallway. People walking by, machinery or even a large truck on the other side of a wall can cause potential movement. Are your servers in a locked area, or is it in danger of people bumping into it?

Water:
One of the biggest threats for a server is water leaks, as water causes 24% of data center outages. It’s not always possible to choose a room without water pipes behind the wall and ceiling for your server rooms. If you seldom go into the area where your servers are, a slow water leak could cause critical damage. A small amount of water in the wrong place can short circuit several valuable components, which leads to the downtime of your network and lost revenue.

Intentional Destruction:
Intention destruction should not be underestimated when it comes to your data center. Both cyber and physical-intruders are critical, and your servers should be protected from both. Locking the door to your server room is a necessary and vital first step, but installing a motion and door sensor will let you know if someone has entered the room or left a door open.

How Much Would a Disaster Cost You?

Monitoring the environment of your server room is critical to ensuring uptime and system reliability. The average hourly cost for the downtime of a computer network is $42,000. How much will downtime cost you?

LABOR COST = P x E x R x H
P = number of people affected
E = average percentage they are affected
R = average employee cost per hour
H = number of hours of outage

LOST REVENUE = (GR/TH) x I x H
GR = yearly gross revenue
TH = total annual business hours
I = percentage impact (A high percentage would mean you can’t complete any transactions and will lose clients.)
H = number of hours of outage
(http://t1co.com/cost-downtime)

The Monnit Solutions for Data Center Protection

It is not always possible or cost effective to run more cables and wires through your server room, which is why Monnit provides a wireless remote monitoring solution to track various conditions in any environment. For a long time, available solutions were very limited, expensive and difficult to use. Monnit’s affordable remote monitoring system makes it easy for business owners and managers to keep track of their data center from anywhere, at any time via computer, smartphone or tablet and receive alerts via text, voice, email, or through a local alert system the moment there is an issue.

Receive an alert if server rack temperature falls out of optimal range View Wireless Temperature Sensors »

Monitor for water leaks in sub-flooring and ceiling that can lead to costly damages View Wireless Water Detection Sensors »

Prevent unauthorized access by monitoring motion near entrances, open spaces, and more View Wireless Motion Sensors »

Get alerted if doors or cabinets are opened or left open View Wireless Open-Closed Sensors »

Monitor power draw and consumption of server racks View Wireless AC Current Meters »

Monnit provides an enormous opportunity to protect your facility, attract customers, increase profits, and scale your business. Now you have a better understanding of how to protect your data center, and how you can use Monnit to be a competitive force in today’s market.

The Monnit Remote Monitoring System is the most intuitive, reliable, and cost-effective solution on the market. For more information, visit our website.

The Importance of Monitoring Classroom Temperatures
Does the temperature in a classroom affect the ability to learn? Recent studies have shown that classroom temperatures can have a direct impact on a student’s memory, cognitive abilities, and attitude. A study at Loyola University discovered that classroom temperatures have a high impact on memory ability. Over 50 random students were placed in different rooms with different temperatures, 64, 72, and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The results showed that the students’ memories are affected negatively in the classrooms with 64 and 80 degrees. The scores were significantly higher in the room with 72 degrees. Similar studies throughout the United States have shown similar findings with elevated levels of humidity. Humidity is often accompanied by hot weather, and a high level of humidity can make teachers and students feel as though they lack energy.

Energy Efficiency and School Operating Costs
Inefficiency in managing building temperatures can add up. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) points out that buildings built before 1980 do not use energy efficiently due to their poor insulation. Temperatures may also be different in one-half of the school than the other, due to position of the sun and shade. Maintaining temperatures in areas of a building that are not being used can also be an issue.

The IoT Solution
Monnit allows schools and other industries to monitor different conditions in any environment. Pairing Monnit Wireless Temperature Sensors with school classrooms can not only save thousands in utility costs but also goes hand in hand with student’s learning capabilities. Remote monitoring systems are still relatively new, so most people still don’t know about them, or just haven’t implemented them yet (primarily because they haven’t found a cost-effective solution to meet their needs). This has since changed, with Monnit’s reliable and affordable remote monitoring solution, which makes it easy to monitor all of your classrooms at once, from anywhere, and at any time. Monnit’s Wireless Sensors are easy to install, and setup, and there’s no monthly fee required.

Strengthening Your Students and Teachers
We live in the most competitive period in history. Education has become more advanced over the last century, and expectations on education are increasing. Because problems that come from a student’s lack of attention can affect his or her future negatively, it is critical to ensure that we provide a proper learning environment. You have a unique opportunity to become a leader in your field and enhance your student’s learning environment, giving your students the opportunity to succeed.

“Monnit’s products are exactly what we were looking for, and their team is incredible to work with. The sensors were very easy to setup and install, and the system does everything we need. Monnit products are more affordable than other solutions we were considering, and their reliability was the deal closer! This was a great decision for our school! Thanks Monnit!”  – Carolynn R., Elementary School Principle

Monnit Solutions for Classroom Monitoring Include:

» Maintain optimal temperatures in classrooms – View Wireless Temperature Sensors »

» Ensure safe humidity levels around your classrooms – View Wireless Humidity Sensors »

» Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your school – View Wireless Carbon Monoxide Sensors »

» Find the wireless gateway that best fits your needs – View Gateways »

» Monitor classrooms with a bundled solution – View Temperature Monitoring Kits »

[View All Monnit Products]

The Monnit Remote Monitoring System is the most intuitive, reliable, and cost-effective solution on the market. The Monnit Remote Monitoring System is the most intuitive, reliable, and cost-effective solution on the market. For more information, visit our website.

Related Blogs:
Monitoring and Protecting Your HVAC/Boiler Systems
Preventing the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

We are sad to hear the news that a beloved K-9 who served with an Illinois sheriff’s office died Sunday due to heat exhaustion. While the officer was away, the car had been left running, and the air conditioner had been left on, per standard procedure. The SUV that the K-9 was left in also had a heat alarm system that was programmed to roll down the windows and send an alarm if the temperature inside got above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It appeared the vehicle air conditioning malfunctioned, and the temperature safety system failed as well, allowing the temperatures inside the vehicle to quickly reach upwards of 126 degrees.

The Illinois Sheriff’s Department K-9 vehicles, along with many others units across the nation, are equipped with these safety systems to prevent the dogs from experiencing heat exhaustion in the case that the vehicles AC fails while the officer is away. It is great that many police units have an active safety system in place, but even these systems can fail, which is why it’s recommended to have an additional safety system in place.

You always need to be prepared for the likelihood that things may not go according to plan. That’s why Monnit provides a low-cost reliable and affordable remote monitoring solution, which makes it easy to monitor the vehicle temperature from anywhere, at anytime, and receive alerts via text, email or voice call to multiple phones or devices. Monnit’s Wireless Sensors are easy to install and setup, and there’s no monthly fee required.

Monitor the temperature in your pet’s environment View Wireless Temperature Sensors »

Use any computer with an existing internet connection View USB Gateway »

Connect from anywhere through cellular data (data plan needed) Monnit Cellular Gateways » 

The Monnit Remote Monitoring System is the most intuitive, reliable, and cost-effective solution on the market.  For more information, visit our website.

Learn more about Protecting Your Pets From The Heat With Monnit.
Read the full article about the Illinois Sheriff’s Department K-9.

There is a lot of talk around the Internet of Things (IoT). The basic idea of the IoT is to connect everyday objects to the internet and each other, allowing these objects to communicate in new ways. The industry with the biggest impact from the IoT, is the food industry. Many companies within the food industry have started implementing an IoT strategy to meet food safety regulations more easily and cost effectively. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and the FDA now require detailed monitoring and record-keeping to meet food safety laws. The best way to achieve these regulations is to employ smart sensors, which allow food manufacturers and distributors to monitor food safety from farm to fork.

Meeting FSMA Regulations
With the IoT, food manufacturers and distributors are now able to prevent and identify inadequate temperatures during transportation and storage. If temperatures go above or below the proper storage level, it increases the chances of dangerous bacterial growth which can cause food-borne illnesses. With the IoT, food and transportation companies can now place temperature and humidity monitors in these refrigerated transportation compartments to monitor temperature levels throughout the entire trip.

The Monnit Solution
Monnit Wireless Sensors enables people to monitor and track various conditions in any environment. Previously, available solutions for monitoring food during transportation were expensive and difficult to use. This has since changed with Monnit’s affordable remote monitoring solutions, which make it easy to monitor multiple aspects of your food storage and transportation processes, from anywhere, at any time. Monnit Wireless Sensors can collect data and warn companies when refrigeration units are beginning to malfunction. The system can send alerts to the shipper’s mobile device, allowing them to address and correct the issue before there is any harm to the products. By using Monnit Wireless Sensors companies can not only improve food quality and reduce the chances of food-borne illnesses, but they can reduce the amount of food wasted and increase the shelf life.

Monnit Solutions for Food Refrigeration Monitoring Include:

» Maintain proper storage temperatures during shipping or at the warehouse – View Wireless Temperature Sensors »

» Avoid moisture and humidity issues  – View Wireless Humidity Sensors »

» Wireless gateways for a variety of connectivity needs – View Wireless Gateways »

[View All Monnit Products]

Monnit provides an enormous opportunity to protect your customers, prevent spoilage, reduce waste, increase profits, and scale your business. The Monnit Remote Monitoring System is the most intuitive, reliable, and cost-effective solution on the market. For more information, visit our website.

“Monnit’s sensors and monitoring software save us so much time and money. It’s great to be able to automatically track our cooler temperatures! I love that the system alerts me and my team if a door isn’t shut or if the temperature gets close to our limits. Thanks for making such a great product!

– Lauren T., Production Manager

The costs of equipment downtime for most companies is significantly high, which is why many companies are servicing their machines on a routine basis. This regular maintenance process has also become costly due to the amount of unnecessary maintenance being performed. With the Internet of Things (IoT) the methods for preventive maintenance (PM) and maintaining equipment has changed over the years. Manufacturers and service providers are beginning to implement predictive maintenance strategies that use reliable real-time machine data to determine the health of a machine and when maintenance should be performed.

Studies show that companies that implement preventative maintenance strategies out-earn businesses that don’t. By using Monnit wireless sensors on heavy equipment, businesses can easily implement a PM strategy and prevent costly and timely repairs. Monnit’s cloud-based software and analytics allow you to see how a machine is currently operating compared to historical data on how it should be performing. This is helpful in remote situations, such as oil-drilling platforms, wind farms, and power substations. The value of PM is to allow timely scheduling of corrective maintenance to eliminate unexpected equipment failures. Monnit’s affordable remote monitoring system makes it easy for owners and managers to keep track of their machines from anywhere, at any time via computer, smartphone or tablet and receive alerts via text, voice, email, or through a local alert system whenever there is an issue.

Problems from equipment failure can not only affect your bottom line but can harm the reputation you worked so hard to build. You can save time and money by using a system that automatically monitors your equipment, and allows you and your team to focus on what matters most, growing and improving your business. With a Monnit remote monitoring system in place, you add significant value to your business and ensure peace-of-mind for your clients and employees.

Monnit Solutions for Life-Cycle Monitoring Include:

» Track machine operating temperatures – View Wireless Temperature Sensors »

» Measure movement to tell if your machinery is operating within specifications – View Wireless Accelerometers »

» Monitor liquid, gas and vapor pressure within machinery – View Wireless Pressure Sensors »

» Track how often machinery is running – View Wireless Activity Timers »

» Monitor the power draw and consumption of your equipment – View Wireless AC Current Meters »

[View All Monnit Products]

The Monnit Remote Monitoring System is the most intuitive, reliable, and cost-effective solution on the market. For more information, visit our website.

“The Monnit wireless sensors paid for themselves in the first month of use. We are able to track our production machines and optimize processes, saving us time and money! What a great investment!”

– Todd L., Process Development Engineer

The future of the Internet of Things (IoT) is within the network of sensors collecting data and bringing real-time data to different industries. With wireless sensors, companies can run applications for critical business processes, which can run better with real-time awareness. Wireless sensors provide the real-time information and eliminate the guesswork out of many day-to-day operations. The value proposition for wireless sensors is different for each business, meaning, the same sensor data may be used differently depending on the industry.

Wireless sensors can feed a company data to make inefficient processes much more efficient and profitable. The data is collected from the wireless sensor network (WSN) then sent to a software system, which allows the company to effectively predict issues to prevent malfunctions, create more efficient processes, and save both time and money.

The University of Huddersfield’s Institute of Railway Research (IRR) investigated new methods of railway crossing controls. The IRR suggested a network of wireless sensors that could not only improve safety at the railroad crossings but is also more cost efficient as there will be less to install and maintain. A conventional detection system cost up to £500,000 with a running cost. A network of wireless sensors in the same application would cost less than £20,000, and be self-powered.

As wireless sensors grow faster than smartphones many companies are beginning to implement wireless sensor networks (or already have), and are finding ways to make them better. Companies are using sensor data to track shipments; prevent perishables from spoiling; send alerts before critical equipment is about to fail; save energy when heating or cooling homes and buildings; track fleet of vehicles – and many other uses we have not imagined yet.

Read more about how the University of Huddersfield’s Institute of Railway Research plans on implementing a wireless sensor network.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly changing the landscape of modern industries. The IoT is also changing how consumers interact with the things around them such as connected cars, smart homes, and wearable devices. By 2025 a family of four could have more than 100 connected devices within their home. It is likely to say that you are using a few connected devices in your everyday life already, and you are not alone.

The ability to connect physical objects to the Internet will have huge implications for the insurance industry over the next decade. With the IoT, insurers will begin implementing “connected coverage” to innovate their policies and encourage you to take risk management into your own hands.

With Monnit Wireless Sensors insurance providers and homeowners can detect things like water leaks, humidity, motion, temperatures and more in real-time which can help you avoid substantial claims later. Not only could more home or business owners prevent costly damages but they could also qualify for better premiums. With access to Monnit’s customizable data, you can reshape industry boundaries and create new opportunities. Monnit and the IoT have the power to transform many areas of the insurance industry, and deliver significant competitive advantages to early adopters. As the IoT continues to grow into a must-have, all insurers will find themselves benefiting from its results.

Monnit Solutions for Home and Property Management Include:

Detect water leaks that lead to costly damages
View Wireless Water Detection Sensors »

Avoid pipe freezing during the colder months
View Wireless Temperature Sensors »

Prevent high humidity levels and mold growth in cellars and basements
View Wireless Humidity Sensors »

Detect unauthorized access by monitoring motion near entrances, open spaces, and more
View Wireless Motion Sensors »

Receive alerts if a door, window, etc. is opened or left open
View Wireless Open-Closed Sensors »

As an insurance provider, Monnit provides an enormous opportunity to protect your clients, attract customers, increase profits, and scale your business. Now you have a better understanding of how you can use Monnit and the Internet of Things, to be a competitive force in today’s market. For more information, visit our website.

“They say you never know when disaster will strike. Well, now we do! Monnit’s remote monitoring system is such a valuable tool when it comes to protecting our buildings and everything in them.” – Leroy R., Property Manager

A student is sitting in class, and their stomach is beginning to rumble. Finally, the bell rings, and it is time for lunch. However, due to a recent refrigerator malfunction, all of the prepared food for the day has become spoiled.

School meals are crucial to students, just ask any teacher. Children who are hungry have a difficult time focusing in school, which ultimately affects their learning experience. Our schools develop the future of our children, which is why we also depend on them for providing our children with meals. What happens if a school is unable to serve a nutritious meal, or makes children sick from food that has spoiled from improper storage temperatures?  

How to determine if frozen food is safe after increased temperatures

https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/frozen_food.html

In San Diego, California 22 elementary students became ill and suffered from abdominal pains and became nauseous after eating lunch from the school cafeteria. The children had to be transported to a local hospital just as a precaution. After an investigation, it is believed that the children became sick from spoiled milk.

The Monnit Solution
With Monnit Wireless Sensors, school cafeterias are now able to prevent and identify inadequate temperatures within their freezers, refrigerators or other temperature sensitive storage units. If temperatures go above or below the proper storage level, it increases the chances of dangerous bacterial growth which can cause food-borne illnesses.

Monnit Wireless Sensors enables you and your staff to monitor and track temperature changes in your walk-in cooler, freezers, or warmers. Previously, available solutions for monitoring food temperatures 24/7 were expensive and difficult to use. This has since changed with Monnit’s affordable remote monitoring solutions, which make it easy to monitor multiple aspects of your food storage from anywhere, at any time.

Monnit Wireless Sensors can also collect data and warn companies when refrigeration units are beginning to malfunction. The system can send alerts to a supervisor’s mobile device or through a local alert system, allowing them to address and correct the issue before there is any harm to perishable foods. By using Monnit Wireless Sensors schools can not only improve food quality and reduce the chances of food-borne illnesses, but they can reduce the amount of food wasted from spoilage.

Monnit Solutions for Food Refrigeration Monitoring Include:

» Maintain and monitor proper storage temperatures – View Wireless Temperature Sensors »

» Avoid moisture in dry storage areas  – View Wireless Humidity Sensors »

» Receive alerts if cooler door is left open – View Wireless Open/Closed Sensors »

» Monitor power usage to predict equipment failure in time to repair  – View Wireless  AC Current Meters »

[View All Monnit Products]

Monnit provides an enormous opportunity to protect your students and staff, prevent spoilage, and reduce waste. The Monnit Remote Monitoring System is the most intuitive, reliable, and cost-effective solution on the market. For more information, visit our website.

Ice cream is one of the world’s most favorite treats. Have you seen the face of a child that accidentally drops their ice-cream? It usually ends in crying and a temper tantrum. Just like a child that loses their ice cream, manufacturers of the same delicious treat don’t like to lose theirs either. That is why they are using Monnit’s remote monitoring solutions to track cooler and freezer temperatures and to detect if cooler doors are left open.

The Hershey Creamery Company was founded in 1894 by Jacob Hershey and his four brothers: Isaac, Paris, Ephraim and Eli Hershey (no relation to Milton S. Hershey of the Hershey Company). Since 1894, Hershey’s® has strived to “guarantee quality products, provide excellent service, establish competitive prices and provide a true value to the customer.”

Hershey’s Creamery wanted to update their cold storage temperature tracking and reporting process, which previously used old style tachographical charting (where a pen connected to a physical thermometer scribes a mark on a round chart) to record freezer temperatures. They wanted a reliable and accurate temperature monitoring system that could provide alerts if something was wrong and also relay temperatures back to their headquarters quicker. Their previous process did not provide alerts and took about 3-4 days to manually change out the charts and mail them to their headquarters for review and record keeping. In testing, they found that their existing charts were less accurate in tracking temperatures to Monnit’s wireless temperature sensors which are accurate to within 1-2 degrees.

They are currently using Monnit sensors at 5 of their production locations and will push out to an additional 28 locations in the coming months. Since installing Monnit’s solution this year, the system has already helped them at least 2 times, one of which was a refrigerated storage truck cooler failure where the system alerted them, saving ~$10,000 worth of ice cream.

< Read More About Hershey’s Use of Monnit Remote Monitoring Solutions at Food Quality News

< Learn More About Monnit Remote Monitoring Solutions for the Food Service Industry

Whether it’s cold offices, frozen pipes or ducts, water damage, product quality, property management, HVAC systems or warehouse peace of mind you’re after, Monnit remote wireless monitoring solutions have an answer.

For the second consecutive year, Monnit has been recognized by CRN magazine, as a Top 50 IoT Solutions Provider alongside IT leaders such as Cisco, Dell, Intel and Samsung.

Monnit is the world’s best remote monitoring solution allowing users to track and monitor potential issues before they become costly problems in food service, property and asset management, pharmacy or labs to name just a few of its applications.

Preparing for the winter months, homeowners seal drafty windows, check the plumbing and get boilers serviced. It’s no different for business, but such things are often overlooked. In celebration of the 2016 Yuletide season, Monnit offers a wireless monitoring solution for each of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

1. No More Burst Frozen Pipes
   Monnit remote wireless sensors provide temperature change alerts before the cold has a chance to freeze your pipes.
2. Extend Your Workforce
   When winter storms prevent your employees from getting to work, or your engineers can’t be everywhere at once, Monnit remote wireless solutions can be on location when you or your staff can’t be.
3. No Leaks
   Monnit remote monitoring sensors help you avoid costly water damage in sensitive areas.
4. Safely-Lit Paths, Walkways and Parking Lots
   Winter weather can make life slippery, which is why Monnit sensors maintain safely-lit paths, walkways and parking lots to help prevent expensive and time-consuming litigation.
5. Trespasser Control
   Monnit motion activated sensors help to ensure your premises remain trespasser free.
6. Theft Deterrent
   Knowing what’s happening at your business when you’re not there provides management insights and a great deal of peace of mind.
7. Asset Protection
   Temperature, voltage, and climate monitoring are vitally important to preserving the value of your perishable assets.
8. Vacant Premises
   Keep an “eye” on your vacant properties during winter months, with Monnit remote wireless sensors anytime, from anywhere.
9. Warehouse Peace of Mind
   Sensor alerts can reduce spoilage from uncontrolled variations in warehouse temperature.
10. Boiler Damage
    Boilers can breakdown during winter after long periods of non-use, but Monnit wireless sensors can detect a faulty thermostat or clogged valve before the boiler fails.
11. Animal Environment
    Animals feel winter cold, especially when the heating and air systems aren’t working or monitored with care.
12. No Hassle Installation and Preventive Maintenance
    Monnit system ease-of-use and painless installation will help lower your costs to maintain and manage commercial properties.

Freezing winters add risks to businesses that include ice, snow and temperature hazards responsible for a wide variety of property damage, employee injury and slowed productivity. This makes loss prevention crucial to maintaining a successful and profitable business.

It doesn’t matter where you are, or what time it is, Monnit’s low-cost wireless sensors and monitoring solutions will connect you to your business from anywhere, anytime. Please visit www.monnit.com for more news, global product updates, and best-in-class support.

Happy Holidays from Monnit 

Another big holiday has passed, and we hope yours was bright and merry. The tinsel, wrapping paper, tree-lights, boxes, carolers and guests are gone, and you’re now digging in for the long cold.

Subzero winter temperatures can stress boilers and burst frozen pipes in any commercial building. Steam or water leaks, drips and power losses can also disrupt business or result in costly repairs, downtime and occupant discomfort. No one is happier than those doing emergency repair when your boiler takes a dive.

Pilot lights that keep going out can be a sign of buildup or corrosion. Lime deposits can restrict water flow to heat exchangers. Excess internal boiler pressure during operation might cause that expensive machine to explode or rupture.

Commercial boilers commonly burn fossil fuels that produce toxic emissions, so clear ventilation, exhausts and efficient combustion must be maintained. Boilers are huge sources of stored energy, which makes safety and regular maintenance a major concern.

Don’t let your boilers crash this season or the next, and save time and resources at the same time. Monitor and maintain boiler performance to prevent expensive downtime and repairs using best-in-class, low-cost remote monitoring boiler solutions from Monnit.

About Monnit Corp.
Monnit is a global leader in the design and manufacture of self-installing,  low cost wireless sensor solutions for commercial, industrial and consumer markets. Monnit’s sensing solutions are easily installed and used by anyone wanting to remotely monitor access to operational system temperature, vibration, or the presence of water and light in a variety of environments.

As you may already know, business technology is getting “smarter” all the time. But all too often business simply can’t keep up with smart innovations in favor of managing everyday tasks. In an independently organized TEDxCIT event, Head of Academic Studies at the Nimbus Centre for Embedded Systems Research at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT), Dr. John Barrett advised, with over 90 percent of the earth’s land surface now in possession of a mobile signal, the Internet of Things offers astonishing potential for positive change.

If you haven’t already begun to feel the increasing momentum toward connectivity, ISO, an independent non-governmental organization that brings experts together to share knowledge, support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges, described the race for IoT standards in “ride of your life” terms.

Whether your goal is greater operational efficiency, reduced cost, tighter asset management or closer property control, the same ISO article predicts IoT business technology will provide “billions in revenue growth and productivity over the next decade.” ISO added, “networked devices perhaps hold the most promise to cut costs and raise efficiency in production and manufacturing.” More importantly, IoT technology smartens not only management by making it more effective, but also the work itself gets smarter.

The Gartner Inc. Newsroom counted wireless sensor networks among the top ten IoT technologies to keep an eye on in 2017 and 2018, that will affect everything from business strategy to network design. Gartner spoke of IoT tools that must “be capable of managing and monitoring thousands and perhaps even millions of devices.”

In addition to the massive amounts of systems data such technology will produce, the big challenge according to Garnter Inc. is the commercial-technical trade-off which means a marketplace of many available solutions, but no single winner in the “vendor ecosystem.”

Forbes online suggests even if you don’t manage inventory or deal directly with technology (is that really possible?) IoT is still going to change how we do business in 2017. Wired into the same network, IoT will allow remote work and workers to be more connected and able to remotely manage the factory floor better than ever. Forbes also suggested, IoT will speed up consumer buying cycle and allow businesses to serve customers faster.  There’s also IoT’s “Holy Grail” of pay-offs, greater productivity and efficiency capable of scaling an enterprise to the next level.

IoT is the dawn of vast operational improvement, resource savings, and potentially, even a smaller Carbon footprint for a wide range of enterprise and leisure activities.

About Monnit Corp.
Monnit is a global leader in the design and manufacture of low-cost turnkey monitoring solutions for commercial, industrial and consumer markets, recognized by CRN as one of the “20 Coolest IoT Hardware Vendors,” for its innovation, devices, analytics and infrastructure that have transformed and improved the way we work and live.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is really about efficiency, which means the next chapter in better facility management will be smarter than last year’s.

Most commercial property owners, and many of its managers don’t arrive on-location equipped with a ‘Facilities Guide for Dummies’ in hand. Unquestionably, it’s no easy thing to manage and maintain any property when rain and storms are soaking the floors in the office suites next door. Despite nature’s unpredictability, such costly problems can be prevented using the IoT without an advanced degree in facility management.

Say you’re a large property manager with several office buildings in your portfolio, and you’ve been hunting for ways to lower operating costs. Here’s a cost-saving, Monnit Property Management Solution Case Use example.

Monnit was contacted by a large property management company looking for ways to prevent plumbing damage because of water leaks, and to ensure tenants could depend on appropriate heating and cooling in their offices.

Just earlier that week, a water heater failed, resulting in water damage to several vacant offices and two suites that were already occupied. A call came in from one of the occupied suites, but too late to prevent the unexpected repairs you’re still paying for,  and worse, those especially painful losses of rents. Here’s where the ‘next chapter’ comes in.

You could have earned peace of mind at a fraction of your actual cost. For about $500-$600, Monnit’s comprehensive, Remote Monitoring Solution for Commercial Properties, coupled with Monnit’s best-in-class support would have warned you before the downpour on your bottom line, while helping you maintain appropriate and comfortable environments in your offices at the same time. You paid roughly $15,000 for furniture and asset replacement.

Monnit Water sensors can be used to detect and alert owners of the immediate presence of water around water heaters and plumbing in office building water closets. Temperature sensors keep track of  heating and air conditioning systems temperature output and provide alerts of potential issues before they become expensive, time-consuming problems.

After installing Monnit’s Remote Monitoring Solution, temperature sensors detected a failing boiler over a particularly frigid winter weekend. Though temperatures began to drop inside the facility, the property manager was notified before building temperatures reached freezing. Had the preset temperature sensors not alerted them, there was a high probability the plumbing would have frozen and caused damage. Instead, they were able to repair the system and maintain normalized temperatures by start of business on Monday. Low-cost, easy, and efficient.

How’s that for a new chapter in better facility management? Here’s more information about Remote Monitoring Solutions for Commercial Property by Monnit, the leader in low-cost, remote monitoring solutions.

About Monnit Corp.
Monnit is a global leader in the design and manufacture of low-cost turnkey monitoring solutions for commercial, industrial and consumer markets, recognized by CRN as one of the “20 Coolest IoT Hardware Vendors,” for its innovation, devices, analytics and infrastructure that have transformed and improved the way we work and live.

It’s about sharing the love, right?

Thinking about this week’s postings, I asked myself a question. Why do we love wireless, remote monitoring solutions? And more importantly, why should you? Here’s a quick, maybe even obvious, list of top-five reasons we love wireless, and you should too.

1. Peace of Mind from Anywhere 

Borrowing from Helpsystems.com’s Technical Solutions Consultant, Kevin Jackson, it makes sense to note, in today’s networked age of disparate locations, up-time can be tricky for many businesses. That’s the first thing we love about remote monitoring solutions, you can monitor and manage your systems from anywhere, anytime.

Helpsystem.com’s example uses network management for a school district and financial institutions, both of which represent perfect opportunity to employ remote monitoring solutions to improve operations efficiently from one central location. But the love doesn’t stop there. Here’s a list of Monnit applications.

2. Low-cost Can’t Lose

We’ll use last week’s facility management post as our cost-saving hero example. I hate to overstate a good thing, but helping businesses save money is a big deal. For about $500-$600, Monnit’s comprehensive, Remote Monitoring Solution for Commercial Properties, coupled with our best-in-class support can warn you before any downpour on your bottom line, while helping maintain appropriate and comfortable environments in your offices at the same time.

In this scenario, paying $15,000 to replace furniture and business assets wouldn’t be a surprise. We love remote monitoring because low-cost solutions mean greater peace of mind. Here’s the Case Use, again.

3. Easy Set-up

Monnit remote monitoring systems can be set-up in a few minutes, and our intuitive interface makes managing your system a snap. A snap! Enough said.  We love remote, wireless monitoring because time saved can equal more time for important things.

4. Wireless Sensor Variety

The fourth reason we love wireless, remote monitoring is variety, or ‘the spice of life,’ according to some. With over 55 different sensor types, and more being developed by our crack team of engineers all the time, the sky is the limit for remote monitoring applications.

5. Best-in-Class Support

We love wireless monitoring so much we package it with best-in-class support and a “top-notch product every step of the way,” says Eli in Monnit Customer Service. “There are so many awesome people who call us on a daily basis. It’s one of the main reasons I look forward to coming into work.”

About Monnit Corp.
Monnit is a global leader in the design and manufacture of low-cost turnkey monitoring solutions for commercial, industrial and consumer markets, recognized by CRN as one of the “20 Coolest IoT Hardware Vendors,” for its innovation, devices, analytics and infrastructure that have transformed and improved the way we work and live.

As of December 31, 2016, the Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing (NACS) Fact Sheets tells us the U.S. convenience store count increased to a record 154,535 stores, a 0.2 percent increase (340 stores) from the year prior, according to the latest NACS/Nielsen Convenience Industry Store Count.

Food-Forward 

Here is the context. You’re a C Store chain owner, which means you know about credit card fees and time-consuming debit holds for unpaid fuel bills. You’re in the business of providing quality goods in the least amount of time at a fair price.

A word on surpassing C Store values in the premium food game from Quick-service and Fast-Casual Restaurant News (QSR) asks: Is your C Store a threat to restaurants? 

This has you now thinking ‘food-forward,’ after reading a comment from NPD Group food-service industry analyst, Bonnie Riggs, “C Stores are here to stay as a competitor to quick-service restaurants.”

C Stores have been in the business of providing fresh, prepared foods for years, and that NACS bit you just read now urges your response to rapidly accelerating demand for sublimely tasty C Store food. The best decisions are well-fed decisions.

This fiercely competitive market demands your guest experiences surpass the next level. But is there a useable, common cents, adaptable solution?

Yes, there is a comprehensive, low-cost, remote monitoring solution for C Stores. That’s where that especially nice word surpass and IoT come in.

C Store Advantage

Buyer experience can be improved using the renewed efficiency IoT provides. The menu is written ‘on the C Store wall,’ dear owners. In short, you owe these improvements not only to your beloved customers, but also to your enterprising-minded selves.

Also noteworthy: C Store beer sales account for 30 percent of all beer sold in the U.S. The Internet of Things can help you prime that appetite by elevating customer experience. How’s that for opportunity to bank better customer experience?

C Stores must surpass mere fuel stations who sell food incidentally, to become food retailers that also sell gas.

Remote Monitoring Solutions can help you tap thirsty, pick-up business using IoT applications whose data insights using a remote monitoring solution for C Stores, can lead to real operational improvements that mean better customer experience. Call it preventive enhancement.

IoT applications for C Stores include everything from sensor-enabled kitchens that make menu and food service updates more efficient, to temperature or vibration sensors that efficiently maintain HVAC systems, coolers and refrigeration units to ensure product excellence, and an appropriate environment for maximum guest satisfaction.

“With the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), detailed monitoring, record keeping and reporting of food temperatures for commercial food producers and suppliers, including convenience stores, will be critical. Connected store equipment can provide real-time updates of temperature and other necessary data for compliance with new food safety regulations.” (Convenience Store Decisions)

Call to Surpass Convenience

It’s time you surpassed convenience in your C Stores using a cost-saving, easy-to-use Internet of Things (IoT) solution. I won’t kid you, I especially mean, by using the remote monitoring solutions for C Stores kind, from Monnit, the leader in low-cost, remote monitoring solutions. Practical improvement beginning with every customer smile.

About Monnit Corp.
Monnit is a global leader in the design and manufacture of low-cost turnkey monitoring solutions for commercial, industrial and consumer markets, recognized by CRN as one of the “20 Coolest IoT Hardware Vendors,” for its innovation, devices, analytics and infrastructure that have transformed and improved the way we work and live.