Mr Eichberger, could you briefly describe the BITZER Digital Network?
The BITZER Digital Network connects our product and application experience with the real-time data of customer systems in operation, thus providing our business partners with usable insights which allow them to optimise key aspects of their systems. The network also offers access to all relevant technical information about the BITZER products installed, ranging from a database of electronic components, servicing history and online documentation to the selection software and compressor monitoring with expanded data analysis.
The BDN represents our most important step towards a digital infrastructure, with a focus on intelligent products for data use. The systems on-site are connected to a master network for monitoring and intelligent data analysis.
How does the BDN benefit users?
The BDN makes it possible to observe the components from a bird’s-eye view and prepare detailed analyses, and offers access to the latest technical information which is relevant for compressors and other system components. Remote access is also available for BITZER IQ products: for the first time, the BDN enables data storage in exceptional resolution and thus remote troubleshooting in real time. If any anomalies are identified, the specified person is notified directly. The compressor operation report provides users with implementable insights which can be used, for example, to prevent unnecessary visits as well as reduce or entirely eliminate unplanned refrigeration system shot-off periods. If the system fails, contractors can identify the problem remotely, determine any necessary work to be done and procure the spare parts required – all before visiting the site. Everything is ready for immediate repair, resulting in significant savings, as there’s need for multiple visits: one for inspection and diagnostics and another for repair and parts replacement.
Thanks to the BDN, we now have an unrivalled pool of real-time and historical data, allowing us to fully exploit the potential for system optimisation and thus reduce the impact on our environment. After all, operating costs need to be minimised to make work sustainable. What would make more sense than optimising system settings?
What form do data collection and BDN access take?
The BDN is accessible to all BITZER partners via the myBITZER portal at www.bitzer.de/mybitzer, where they can set up a personal account or a company account for employees. Once allocated to the account, the monitored systems can be viewed. Users can upload or enter all the background information about their BITZER components such as documentation, service information, certificates and approvals as well as manage servicing activities in the BDN. The network then takes care of the rest itself: there’s no need for users to export any data into another program. They simply log in to their account and generate a report in the BDN. This report can be fully configured to focus on certain questions or periods of time. Accounts can also be set up in myBITZER for end users – for all systems and with access for authorised contractors. BITZER provides a fully configured gateway for remote access, which links to the devices via a Modbus RTU interface and can be seamlessly integrated into existing Modbus networks.
How secure is it?
Data security is our top priority. Our BDN fulfils the highest standards in terms of encryption and online security. The password-protected accounts on myBITZER are allocated to individual users, and different user types are granted access to different types and levels of information. This multilevel access is important considering the volume of data available.
