Hussmann – PAPRADSG

IoT Project: Hussmann Refrigerated Display Cases

Here at Panasonic Appliances R&D Center Singapore (PAPRADSG), we are constantly looking to innovate and elevate the functionality of our everyday products and devices in new and creative ways. We work closely with clients from various sectors, one of whom is Hussmann.

Customer background

Hussmann is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Panasonic and is a manufacturer of refrigerated display cases and systems. Their display case products are typically mechanical cooling systems that are not equipped with advanced monitoring or diagnostic features. Hence, their customers will hire third-party companies to provide control and management services for these products.
To add value to their products and increase the company’s competitiveness, a HusSmart IoT solution was initiated as the first step to add automated features to Hussmann’s display cases. The aim was to provide management and data collection functionality, and to convert these cases into self-adaptive and self-diagnostic appliances.

Our Role

PAPRADSG’s main objective for this project was to implement creative diagnostic and monitoring tools to transform Hussmann’s traditional display cases into smart products fully capable of monitoring and maintaining themselves.

Another main objective was to achieve these functions while ensuring cost-effectiveness. This was essential to ensure that Hussmann could add value to their products, while maintaining competitive prices.

Solution Overview

In a nutshell, the solution consists of designing and developing a sensor control box system with built-in sensors and smart algorithms. The sensors constantly collect data, which is evaluated, processed and then sent to the Hussmann Cloud. It is then redistributed to various platforms (e.g. Notifications, Web app, Mobile devices) for users to view and take action.

Information Architecture

System Features

Smart Sensors

The sensor with smart algorithm system developed by PAPRADSG has helped to deliver the following benefits for Hussmann:

On-demand Auto-Defrost functionality, reducing unnecessary energy costs and keeping product temperatures more stable.
Automation capabilities for light switch control, and fan speed control for energy savings.
Early drain blockage detection to prevent undesirable downtime.
Enhanced safe temperature monitoring via a vast network of temperature sensors, including sensors that detect when the door is left open, or has been opened too many times.
Fan motor failure detection.
Air inlet blockage detection to reduce efficiency loss for the cold air return cycle.
A people counter was also added to study customer traffic and provide planogram feedback. The data collected can be used to evaluate the efficacy of advertising media on the display cases and for identifying premium slots for advertisements.

With the goal of cost-effectiveness in mind, our approach for these solutions was to innovate with inexpensive existing technologies and produce effective solutions.

Web app management

The real-time statistics collected in the Hussmann Cloud can be displayed in various formats, and accessed via the HusSmart web app developed by PAPRADSG that manages all cases from locations all around the world.

The easy-to-navigate web app offers Hussmann with useful, compiled information in the form of case status, log data, analytic graphs, customized reports, notification records.

It provides Hussmann and their customers with valuable insight, including

Auto identification of problems (for improving the productivity of the maintenance crew)
Monitoring the status of display cases (for pre-emptive maintenance for Hussmann’s customers)
Study and analysis of product performance (to gather data for improved product design)

Summary

PAPRADSG offered substantial improvements and benefits for Hussmann’s display case initiative in the form of

Energy savings
Self-Maintenance
Self-diagnostic, Error Monitoring and Notification
Analytics (for future improvements)

Thanks to these features, Hussmann has been able to not only provide an enhanced asset management experience for their customers, but also add value and automation to their product offerings.

Last but not the least, the study phase of the project was completed in just a few months, highlighting the efficiency and productivity with which the project was handled.

This is just one of the various innovative projects that we have strived to develop here at Panasonic Appliances R&D Center Singapore.

Are you searching for an IoT development company to increase the value of your company’s products?

PAPRADSG is a solutions provider that designs and develops connection solutions for home appliances. We create innovative, secure, and controllable IoT platforms that are specifically catered to small and medium-sized traditional hardware manufacturers. Our company’s core niche is in providing IoT solution design and development services, including mobile application, central control system, cloud service, data analysis, and home gateway control box development. Our team of experts is comprised of experienced IoT solutions architects, electronics engineers, mobile development engineers, and cloud computing experts to name a few. Our company leverages a cloud-based platform to craft state-of-the-art products and business models that serve home users and businesses alike.

*If you have any queries, contact us for more details on our work and expertise.