Our world is generating more and more data, making it increasingly important to find the right hardware and software solutions for individual applications. Welotec and FLECS offer innovative solutions together, enabling the easy and quick aggregation, processing, and utilization of data. We interviewed Jan-Phillip Damerau, Key-Account Manager at Welotec, to take a closer look at our partnership.
Who is Welotec?
At Welotec, we understand the challenges and opportunities in the fast-paced fields of Energy and Productivity. As a leading technology company, we focus on developing solutions tailored to the specific needs of these sectors. Our customers appreciate our ability to translate their complex requirements into effective and efficient solutions.
What added value does the collaboration with FLECS bring to Welotec and its customers?
The collaboration between Welotec and FLECS enables seamless integration of hardware and software. Together, we offer our customers a comprehensive end-to-end solution. The introduction of the FLECSBox significantly simplifies the installation of applications, making automation projects easier, faster, and more efficient. The application deployment has also become much more intuitive, optimizing the implementation process. FLECS offers user-friendly solutions for the rapid deployment of automation solutions, unlocking additional potential for our devices. With just a few clicks in the web browser, our customers set up their automation communication, leading to significant time savings. Say goodbye to manual adjustments – automated implementation processes simplify and accelerate the setup. And of course, we have top-notch hardware! 😉
The simple deployment of the FLECS Marketplace allows customers to quickly build complex automations themselves. Our cooperation offers machine builders a one-stop-shop experience with long-term support and quality.
Jan-Phillip Damerau, Key-Account Manager at Welotec
How do you ensure easy management of devices in the field?
Managing and updating a fleet of devices in the field sounds like a monumental task, but it isn’t! With our in-house software SMART EMS (Enterprise Management System), this is done in no time. Additionally, the remote maintenance feature offers our customers the possibility of remote maintenance thanks to VPN security. Data is collected, processed, and utilized, and maintenance services are performed – all from one device. Sounds good, right?
What kind of support and technical assistance can customers expect from our partnership?
We offer customized service and support packages, including personal care from a dedicated contact person. This allows for quick solutions to technical challenges, for instance, in online meetings. To ensure a smooth start and use of the devices, we support our customers with the setup and deliver the boxes already pre-provisioned as a plug-and-play solution. Additionally, we offer a remote maintenance and fleet management solution to minimize time and effort. Our working method is transparent and efficient. Thanks to fast delivery and high availability of our products, our devices are quickly deployed in the field. And if something goes wrong, our customers have direct contact persons for personal support. As a German family business, we stand for reliability and quality in all our services without losing focus on innovation.
What security standards can a customer expect at Welotec?
Regular security and functional updates ensure optimal maintenance and protection of devices, especially in mission-critical environments. Our in-house operating system based on the Yocto Project offers flexibility and long-term security. It is hardened and has a small footprint, providing a minimized attack surface. The additionally installed TPM module and the integrated open-source firewall raise security levels to the highest standards. Our SMART EMS and VPN Security Suite software solutions also meet high security standards according to BSI criteria. In general, IT & OT security plays a central role at Welotec in our organization and development processes. Our team carefully examines new CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) and automatically checks our source code for them. We strive to not only meet market requirements but to be one step ahead.
How does the partnership with FLECS help strengthen Welotec’s position in the market for edge computing and industrial IoT solutions?
The development of joint end-to-end solutions with partners has been our focus for a long time. The partnership with FLECS strengthens Welotec’s position in the market for edge computing and industrial IoT solutions. Together, we further develop our offering as a complete provider of end-to-end solutions, offering our customers a comprehensive range. The simple deployment of the FLECS Marketplace allows customers to quickly build complex automations themselves. Our cooperation offers machine builders a one-stop-shop experience with long-term support and quality. Our customers benefit not only from our powerful hardware and software but also from the seamless integration and support provided by the FLECS Marketplace, helping us position ourselves as one of the leading providers of edge computing solutions in the industrial IoT market.
What role does FLECS play in the development and adaptation of solutions to meet the needs of your customers?
The seamless integration of software solutions (e.g., from FLECS) on our hardware allows projects to be implemented easily, quickly, and efficiently. This end-to-end solution significantly accelerates the speed of innovation and product development for our customers. Thanks to the partnership between FLECS and Welotec, customers save time and money when implementing software solutions. The easy provision of applications on our hardware via the FLECS Marketplace allows customers to smoothly implement their projects.
What specific technological challenges regarding compatibility and integration into the FLECS Marketplace have already been addressed or are still in focus?
Integration into the FLECS Marketplace presented no major challenges thanks to our powerful hardware and optimized operating system. Our operating system and Docker deployment are already developed and proven. We could seamlessly integrate FLECS without needing additional technical adjustments. Our robust hardware with various connection options such as USB and LAN facilitates integration and communication with FLECS solutions. For our powerful edge computers, there are no limitations for automation possibilities. Customers can choose between different models depending on specific requirements for RAM, SSD, and connectivity (4G/LTE/WiFi). Currently, we offer the EG500 as a FLECSBox. This device is seamlessly integrated with the FLECS Marketplace.
How do you assess the importance of FLECS’ cloud and edge computing capabilities for the future of technology from Welotec’s perspective?
Cloud and edge computing represent the future as we continue to generate growing amounts of data and data points. It is important not to forget that cloud capacities are limited and come with costs for storage, capacities, and power. It is not rocket science to work with available capacities by outsourcing data processing tasks to edge devices. This enables faster data collection, aggregation, and provision as well as improved response times. Additionally, pre-processing data at the edge increases data quality by eliminating unnecessary data. The integration of AI into edge devices allows for clearer presorting and ultimately increases the performance and effectiveness of automation technologies.
