www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I March 2024 15
Business exchange . The ability to tap into international partnerships leaves i4 Group better equipped to meet evolving market demands . “ The shift towards a more client-focused and adaptable business model , coupled with a commitment to education and support , positions i4 Group as the premier South African HVAC controls industry supplier ."
The most recent strategic shift by i4 Group centres on embedded research and development ( R & D ) that Potter has focused on , having earlier withdrawn from the day-to-day management of the group . This detachment from operations has enabled him to develop edge systems utilising the Internet of Things ( IoT ) concepts .
“ Recognising the increasing demand for small IO ( input / output ) application-specific devices , we have spearheaded the development of a product range . These devices allow seamless connectivity , monitoring and control without the need for extensive wiring or infrastructure . Our visualisation and reporting console allows users to seamlessly visualise , report and control using our cloud-based SaaS ( Software as a Service ) platform . Our products support open protocols such as BACnet , Modbus , DLMS with additional drivers added as the product matures ,” explains Potter .
Expanding on the edge devices , i4 Group has developed a series of products with a common design core , which have been released over the past year on pilot and are now ready for broad release early 2024 . “ A unique aspect of our strategy is the continuous evolution , with new application-specific products being introduced every two to three months . Plans are underway to update the website with detailed data sheets and catalogues , providing a comprehensive overview of the innovative solutions that the i4 Group is introducing to the market . The website development phase is anticipated to coincide with this expansion , reaching interested consumers and companies beyond South African borders ,” adds Potter .
The group ’ s current route to market is direct engagement with local systems integrators . This method adopts a hands-on strategy , providing physical product demonstrations and training sessions to systems integrators . “ This direct interaction ensures a thorough understanding of the products and encourages integrators to embrace and apply them effectively ,” explains Potter .
“ We have touched on edge devices – let me expand on this . Within the group we have the expertise to manufacture edge devices locally . BMS has been around a long time with the best systems in the world focused on the plantroom . There has been a massive increase in demand for IoT applications . For instance , somebody wants to measure a tank level or generator where the location has no BACnet or Modbus connectivity – in other words the location is ‘ disconnected ’. To bridge the gap between the edge and an upstream database is costly using standard BMS controllers . I saw an opportunity to manufacture edge devices to bridge the gap using dedicated application specific low IO count devices .”
Disconnected controllers use an air gap such as cellular ( 2G / 3G / 4G / LTE ), LoRa or other technologies to connect to a
database . Each technology has considerations . For example , a cellular SIM card and data contract introduces a cost per data byte . To manage costs the edge device must only send data as needed , such as an alarm condition . A communication protocol called MQTT allows data transfer back from the edge and further integration into the clients database for visualisation using any of the numerous available platforms .
Potter describes the specific use cases that the products aim to address . Examples include leak detection solutions and fan coil controllers designed for applications in various sectors . Potter shares an example involving a major South African bank , whose building and essential equipment was near to being crippled by an undetected water leak from its water-cooled system . i4 Group ’ s specialised water leak detection products resolved this critical issue in a practical and efficient manner by providing early detection and notification of leaks . Further examples include branch static pressure control where the controller and sensor are located on the branch duct and connected by a communications cable or Wi-Fi . The number of applications for these cost-effective application specific controllers is immense .
“ All the devices produced by us include communication ports , facilitating seamless integration with BMS controllers . This open systems approach positions us as a solution provider , allowing major brands to interface with our products and address specific challenges ,” he says .
“ We have received positive feedback from industry professionals who have actively engaged with our products , while marketing manager Darren Black has been spreading awareness , and garnering interest .” RACA
The training facility at i4 ’ s premises .
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I March 2024 15