Introducing Maud Godfrey: Our New Operations Assistant

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We are thrilled to introduce the newest member of our team, Maud Godfrey. With her extensive background in Supply Chain and Logistics, Maud brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our operations.

Professional Background

Maud’s career is marked by a diverse range of roles in both Supply Chain and Logistics, as well as significant administrative positions. Her comprehensive knowledge in these areas has equipped her with a unique skill set that is perfectly suited for our team. Maud has a keen eye for detail and a knack for organisation, making her an expert in optimising operational processes and ensuring efficiency across various functions. Her commitment to maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction is particularly noteworthy and aligns perfectly with our core values.

Personal Interests

Outside of the office, Maud has a variety of interests that keep her creatively and physically engaged. She enjoys indulging her creative side with knitting projects, a hobby that allows her to unwind and express her creativity. Maud also finds solace in horse riding, a pastime that offers her relaxation and a connection with nature. Additionally, she loves to unwind by watching captivating series on Netflix, providing a perfect balance to her professional life.

Looking Ahead

We are incredibly excited to have Maud on board and look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to our team. Her expertise and enthusiasm make her a valuable addition, and we are confident that she will excel in her role as Operations Assistant.

Please join us in welcoming Maud Godfrey to our team! We are eager to see the contributions she will make and the improvements she will bring to our operational processes. Welcome, Maud!

cThings Cloud Unveils Full Integration with Spacewell Energy Platform

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In a landmark move for energy management and sustainability, cThings Cloud has unveiled its full integration with the Spacewell Energy Platform, heralding a new era in how businesses and individuals manage, analyse, and optimise their energy use.

Example dashboard from Spacewell Energy (https://www.dexma.com)

This comprehensive integration allows users to seamlessly stream data from their complete metering infrastructure directly into the cThings Cloud, aggregating all relevant information on a single, user-friendly platform. Once data is uploaded to the cThings Cloud, it can be normalised and pushed in real-time into Spacewell using one of the readily available data connectors. This sophisticated feature enables users to effortlessly consolidate their metering portfolio, regardless of the data collection method, and unlock the full suite of powerful insights into energy usage patterns that Spacewell provides. This facilitates informed decision-making for energy efficiency improvements and sustainability monitoring.

Leveraging the combined strengths of cThings Cloud and Spacewell, users are afforded a more streamlined and effective approach to energy management. This partnership is not just about significantly lowering operational costs for users but also underscores a profound commitment to fostering sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Example analytics from Spacewell Energy (https://www.dexma.com)

Marking a significant advancement in the quest for cutting-edge energy solutions, this integration provides a complete toolkit for users aiming to refine their energy management practices. With the potential to realise substantial cost savings and make a meaningful contribution towards a more sustainable future, the collaboration between cThings Cloud and Spacewell sets a new benchmark in the energy industry.

For further information or to explore how this integration can benefit your energy management strategy, please get in touch with our team at info@cthings.io.

We are currently seeking a Business Administrator to join our team

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Location: The Bradfield Centre, Cambridge Science Park
Contract:  Permanent
Posted:  3rd October 2023

Who are we?

We are cThings, a fast-growing start-up based in Cambridge. We develop smart connected devices and services for companies to help them understand and manage their properties and estates. We have an experienced and highly versatile team from the Cambridge technology cluster, who design and deliver products internationally. We provide a range of flexible solutions from rapid device prototyping through to fully managed end-to-end IoT systems.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a Business Administrator who will:

  • Provide administrative support to the team, including tasks such as order processing, quotation preparation, and contract management.
  • Maintain accurate and updated customer records and sales data using the CRM system.
  • Promptly respond to customer inquiries, offering product information, pricing details, and effective resolution of any issues or concerns.
  • Assist in creating sales presentations, proposals, and marketing materials.
  • Aid the sales team in managing sales pipelines, tracking leads, and diligently following up on potential opportunities.
  • Coordinate, prepare, and monitor shipments to ensure timely delivery, promptly addressing any arising issues.
  • Deliver excellent remote support to our valued customers.

What skills should you have?

We are looking for you to have the following core skills:

  • Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, demonstrating the ability to prioritize tasks and plan effectively.
  • Proficiency in utilising Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and other relevant software.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, enabling effective collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills to navigate through changing situations.
  • Previous experience in sales or customer service is advantageous.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to meet deadlines.
  • A team-oriented mindset.

What do we offer?

We offer a competitive salary and the chance to become a leading innovator in a fast-moving and exciting work environment

  • Competitive package
  • A vibrant start-up atmosphere based on Cambridge Science Park with access to workshops, events and weekly meet-ups
  • Opportunity to develop and progress – plus a solid dedication to work-life balance

It all means you’ll have everything you need to advance your career and achieve your full potential.

How to get in touch?

If you are interested in applying for this role, please email careers@cthings.io.

No agencies please.

Reporting - Smart Column

Add more insight to your reports with Smart Columns

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We’ve added a powerful new feature to cThings Cloud – you can now combine the result of multiple report columns into a single one using Smart Columns. With the new drag-and-drop expression builder you can calculate a single value from multiple report columns with simple maths.

Combine multiple report columns into a single column using Smart Columsn

Add a Smart Column to your report

Select the new Smart Column type when adding a column to your report to combine multiple columns into a single column.

Combine report columns using Smart Columns

Add values to your Smart Column

Add as many values to your Smart Column as you need and click the Configure button to configure each one just as you would a normal report column.

Add columns to your Smart Column

Use the expression builder to calculate your Smart Column

Use the powerful new expression builder to calculate a single value from the values that make up your Smart Column using simple maths.

Use the Expression Builder to calculate your Smart Column

New graphs, improved metrics and much more

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The latest release of cThings Cloud is now available. Featuring new graphs, improved metrics, the ability to load manually load data and much much more.

Helping you to fully virtualise your organisation, consolidate data and unlock the real benefits of IoT.

Live Metrics on the Dashboard

You no longer have to create individual metrics to display on your dashboards. Create live metrics directly on your dashboards that will automatically update and reflect whatever asset or device you are viewing.

Reports on the Dashboard

Display your reports directly on your dashboard and select how they are ordered. Using this functionality you can have league tables and a tailored snapshot of how your portfolio is performing at your fingertips, as soon as you login.

Manual Data Loading

You can now manually load device data directly from cThings Cloud. Access the Load Data tool from the Manage menu when on a Device, select a date and manually enter your data. This is useful for entering manual meter reads, testing devices and adjusting existing data.

Graph Drill-down and Estimated Data

Drill-down through your graphed data by clicking on the bars to explore your data at different intervals. Estimated data now clearly appears both on the graph and in the data table to help you identify actual and estimated data.

Device Activation

Better manage your devices by having full control over device activation and deactivation. Inactive devices will be limited in functionality and can be activated by clicking the Activate Device button. Devices can be deactivated (and reactivated) via the Manage menu.

How to find out more?

If you would like to know more please get in touch at info@cthings.io or call us on 01223 944118

Helping to improve the working environment

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Solution: IoT sound monitoring
Industry:  Commercial

The brief

A leading office space provider approached cThings to help resolve an issue with poor sound conditions within their latest flagship building. Shortly after the opening of the building, it became apparent that sound levels within the building were causing a poor working environment for staff. The poor acoustic conditions resulted in meeting rooms being perceived as unsuitable due to background noise and causing employees to report a lack of productivity due to the disruption.

The building operator had conducted several acoustic surveys to identify the cause of the issue and take action to retrofit soundproofing. After the improvements were made, however, the building occupants didn’t notice any change and complaints of disruptive noise continued.

We were requested to deploy sound monitoring equipment to collect and analyse the data before and after the installation of new soundproofing measures, in order to determine the effects. Another aim would be to identify problem areas within the building in order to help determine the specification of future soundproofing modifications.

The solution

cThings deployed Sound Sensors throughout the building. These included meeting rooms, open spaces, and corridors. The sensors are battery-powered and use wireless LoRaWAN communication. This meant the installation, setup and commissioning were completed at a low cost and within a day.

Once the sensors were configured to send data to the cThings Cloud, this allowed us to create a digital twin of the building using our flexible hierarchy enabling us to model the acoustic conditions within the building. The customer also benefited from being able to create and download reports to undertake their own analysis.

Using the cThings Cloud empowered the customer to visualise and understand the conditions of their buildings, before and after the installation of additional soundproofing. For the first time, the customer had numerical evidence to determine the effects of the soundproofing.

The results

Following the installation of the sensors and the implementation of the dashboard the customer was able to identify areas of the building that were suffering from the amplification of background noise.

Once these areas were highlighted, the customer targeted these areas for additional soundproofing. With the assistance of external consultants using the collected data, the customer was able to identify high-decibel areas of the building, which in turn were causing other areas to suffer from noise pollution by contagion. These areas were also targeted with the rollout of soundproofing. At the conclusion of this installation, the acoustic performance of the building was significantly improved

The benefits

Low-cost solution

The sensors are battery-powered and use wireless communications which leads to quickly deployed and low-cost projects

Cost savings installation

The sensors can be used to help plan soundproofing or the acoustic performance of buildings. Helping to reduce the cost of retrofitting buildings and to assist in the design of new buildings.

Key performance metrics

The sensors record key parameters such as peak or average sound levels allowing for detailed analysis and to help create the best environments for offices, homes, and public spaces.

Expandable network

The cThings sound monitors also feature secondary sensors to help determine the environmental conditions within the building (temp/humidity/light) and occupancy. Allowing you to understand your building in more detail.

How to get in touch?

If you are interested in this solution, please email info@cthings.io.

We are hiring an IoT specialist

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Location: The Bradfield Centre, Cambridge Science Park
Contract:  Permanent
Posted:  9 January 2023

Who are we?

We are cThings, a fast-growing start-up based in Cambridge. We develop smart connected devices and services for companies to help them understand and manage their properties and estates. We have an experienced and highly versatile team from the Cambridge technology cluster, who design and deliver products internationally. We provide a range of flexible solutions from rapid device prototyping through to fully managed end-to-end IoT systems.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for an IoT Specialist who will:

  • Work with our team to turn creative concepts and ideas into reality
  • Work on a wide range of challenges including: designing and building new products, developing IoT solutions, managing the deployment of IoT systems and networks
  • Work directly with industry leading clients to identify new product developments and resolve issues
  • Undertake data analysis on devices, assets and properties
  • Work closely with all areas of the company, from product management through software development and hardware engineering – to make sure that we are solving the right problems

What skills should you have?

We are looking for you to have the following core skills:

  • Knowledge of the latest IoT technologies
  • Excellent organisation and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritise and plan effectively
  • Experience in designing IoT products
  • Knowledge of engineering design principles
  • Excellent communication skills
  • The ability to work as part of a team
  • The ability to meet deadlines

It would be useful if you have an understanding of the following technologies/software:

  • Arm Mbed
  • LoRaWAN
  • NB-IoT
  • Python
  • Altium or equivalent electronic design software
  • MySQL

What do we offer?

We offer a competitive salary and the chance to become a leading innovator in a fast-moving and exciting work environment.

  • Opportunities to lead and define the products you work on
  • Competitive package
  • A vibrant start-up atmosphere based at the Bradfield Centre with access to workshops, events and weekly meet-ups
  • Opportunity to develop and progress – plus a solid dedication to work-life balance

It all means you’ll have everything you need to advance your career and achieve your full potential.

How to get in touch?

If you are interested in applying for this role, please email careers@cthings.io.

No agencies please.

Say hello to our new frontend software developer Marina

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At the start of this month, we welcomed the newest member of our team Marina Kleinaki, an experienced web developer with a very impressive resume.

Marina is a highly motivated front-end developer who has many years of working with Javascript, HTML and CSS. More recently she has utilised more modern frameworks such as Blazor and React. Marina’s passion is to create beautiful and intuitive web interfaces with a focus on reliability for users.

She will be joining our team to work on a wide range of software challenges that include designing and building new web portals and further developing our IoT platform, the cThings Cloud.

In her spare time, Marina likes watching movies, reading books and baking. She also spends time taking care of her rescue cat; Colin Furrth.

We wish Marina the best of luck in her new role.

Introducing the connected plant room

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Solution: Smart buildings & utilities
Industry:  Residential and commercial
Return on investment:  Less than 6 months

Our brief

We were requested by a facilities management company to help them remotely monitor boilers and Air Handling Units across the portfolio of buildings they manage. They currently maintain over 300 buildings across Europe.

They were struggling to meet their customer SLA’s due to the obstacles involved in responding to issues reactively. Additionally, they were undertaking a fixed maintenance schedule based on time rather than based on hours run.

The customer enquired as to if we could help develop a solution to make their plant rooms smart. The requirements of the proposed solution would be the ability to remotely monitor multiple boilers, made up of various manufacturers and utilising different fuel types, as well as air Handling Units. The solution would need to provide real-time status of the equipment, the long-term performance and to determine when servicing was required.

We were requested to display this information on a dashboard within their operation centre whilst also being available to their onsite engineers, using mobile platforms.

 

Our solution

Utilising our collective expertise and experience, we designed a bespoke modular solution that consisted of both devices and software to enable our customers to remotely monitor their plant rooms.

A key design consideration was to form a flexible solution which allowed for the necessity of monitoring a plant room composed of different types of plant equipment, regardless of the manufacturer.

Using our extensive range of sensors, we were able to monitor the status of the plant, as well as energy efficiency and other key performance indicators. This data was then automatically conveyed to our IoT platform, the cThings Cloud.

Once the data was in the cloud it could be analysed to detect faults and alert the maintenance team to potential issues such as boilers going into fault, pumps failing or faulty control systems. Additionally using our machine learning algorithms, servicing could be scheduled based on usage which saved cost and minimised service interruptions.

This data was then visualised using our bespoke dashboards to provide a real-time overview of our client’s portfolio. An additional benefit was that time-consuming monthly KPI and service reports could be generated automatically by the platform, freeing up time for personnel to concentrate on other duties.

The results

The IoT deployment across more than 300 sites has led to the customer successfully meeting all their customer KPI’s over the past 12 months and resulting in them obtaining new maintenance contracts. The analytics from the platform has allowed them to identify when and where maintenance is required and has enabled them to lower costs whilst reducing the number of emergency visits due to unforeseen equipment failures.

The ability of real-time monitoring has enabled them to increase the efficiency of their customer’s plant, allowing them to reduce energy usage and therefore costs even in the face of rising utility prices.

 

The benefits

Preventative maintenance

Remote monitoring of plant has reduced the amount of emergency site visits by more than 20%.

Improved service quality

Using our fault notifications our customer is instantly notified of issues and can rectify them proactively.

Low cost

The solution has had a return on investment in under a year.

Improved reporting

Using the cThings Cloud, complex and time-consuming monthly reports have been eliminated. The customer can now automatically generate reports, providing up-to-date status and performance information at any point.

A smarter leak detection solution

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Solution: IoT leak detection system
Industry:  Residential and commercial
Return on investment:  Less than 2 years

Damage caused by water leaks represents a significant threat for many housing providers and property owners. Undetected leaks can cause costly structural damage, as well as give rise to poor living conditions and health hazards for residents. Within just 24 hours of a leak occurring mould can begin to form.

Our brief

We were approached by a leading housing provider who had been experiencing leaks and floods within their properties. Our client had estimated that they spend more than £5,000 to repair and refurbish each property following each incident. In addition, the client has limited housing stock, so with each property undergoing refurbishment they were also missing out on rental income.

The client requested cThings provide a solution and deployment of Smart Technology to identify leaks and alert their maintenance team to issues, allowing them to rectify the situation immediately and mitigate the need for expensive remedial work.

Our solution

cThings deployed an IoT leak detection system to remotely detect and alert the customer to potential risk.

The solution consists of easy-to-deploy, battery-operated, wireless leak detection sensors. These sensors were installed within each apartment at points of high risk (washing machines, beneath basins, etc).

The sensors connect to a private LoRaWAN network that cThings deployed on behalf of our client. The network is fully managed to ensure it is always operating, all data is kept within a secure environment and all personal data is protected.

When a sensor detects a leak, a real-time alert is sent to notify the maintenance team of the issue. This enables the maintenance team to undertake immediate action to prevent any serious damage from occurring to the property.

The client also decided to expand their IoT solution to include air quality sensors to assist in the early detection of damp and also to help identify any potential cases of fuel poverty.

The results

Since the solution has been deployed the customer has not suffered from any water damage resulting from leaks or mould. It has been estimated that the leak detection system will stop more than 90% of leaks causing damage.

The benefits

Reduced repair costs

A leak detection system can prevent costly leaks. It’s estimated that each leak can costupwards of £5,000 to repair.

Fewer refurbishments

Detecting and preventing damage due to leaks means that properties are available to provide rental income and return on investment.

Reduced insurance premiums

With the presence of a leak detection system, insurance premiums can be reduced.

Low cost

The LoRaWAN enabled sensors and license free communication network provides a cost-effective solution. The customer estimated that if the system prevented just two leaks during its lifetime it would represent a return on investment.

Simple installation

The wireless and battery-operated sensors are simple to install. All the equipment can be installed within the property in 15 minutes.

Secure

The system has been designed to be fully end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that privacy and protection for both our client and their residents.

How to get in touch?

If you are interested in this solution, please email info@cthings.io.