Well-connected worldwide, even under difficult conditions
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SEEPEX GmbH is one of the world’s leading specialists in pump technology. Its product portfolio includes progressive cavity pumps, pump systems, and digital solutions. The modular SEEPEX design principle makes it possible to offer precisely tailored progressive cavity pumps for virtually any fluid.
The company is deeply committed to innovation and has recognized that the future of its products lies in intelligent digitalization, in order to provide added value to its customers, who are grappling with challenges such as a shortage of skilled workers and need to better protect their critical infrastructure.
An Interview with Philipp Janssen (Seepex)
Digitalization in a Challenging Environment
To provide customers with critical operational data, SEEPEX pumps are connected to the Internet of Things. However, the machines are often installed in locations where connectivity is scarce: in the basements of wastewater treatment plants, in underground industrial facilities, or at remote sites.
Furthermore, the pumps are often designed as compact, fully sealed units with an IP65 protection rating, which makes it difficult to use traditional SIM card slots.
The system continuously collects data from integrated sensors: vibration sensors for early detection of wear, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and other indicators of pump condition. This data is sent periodically to the company’s own cloud and can be adjusted as needed to conserve bandwidth.
The global scope of the project presents an additional challenge: SEEPEX serves customers on multiple continents, where different mobile network providers and networks are in use.
A1 Digital: A Competent IoT Partner
Seepex was therefore looking for a connectivity partner that not only offers global coverage but also masters specialized technologies for challenging environments. A1 Digital proved to be the ideal choice, in part because its portfolio includes two key technologies:
Low Power Wide Area Network
The LPWAN wireless technologies LTE-M (Long-Term Evolution for Machines) and NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) were developed specifically for IoT applications. They often use comparatively low frequency bands that work well through walls, in basements, and in underground installations, and they consume significantly less power. This also makes them very well-suited for battery-powered or energy-efficient devices.
Embedded SIM
A1 Digital has provided Seepex with a solution based on eSIM (embedded SIM) technology. An eSIM is a chip permanently integrated into the device. The device can be sealed, thereby maintaining its IP65 protection rating.
We chose an eSIM from A1 Digital to keep the footprint of our devices as small as possible. They are used in industrial applications and are IP65-rated. There is no SIM card slot.
The Benefits: From Cost Savings to a Revolution in Customer Service
For SEEPEX, this results in several concrete benefits:
- Having access to key data provides a better basis for decision-making. With digital monitoring, the system can, for example, detect dry-running situations in real time and immediately notify the customer. This dramatically reduces downtime.
- Seepex customers can operate their pumps more intelligently without the need for an on-site technician. And instead of regular maintenance visits, targeted support is provided exactly when a problem is actually detected.
- The company can monitor on a large scale how its machines perform under real-world conditions. This is invaluable for product development and innovation. Seepex can identify weaknesses early on, optimize products, and remain competitive.
- Thanks to the wireless technologies used, no external antennas need to be connected. This reduces installation effort and costs.
- The use of e-SIMs supports the compact design and enables industrial use of the devices.
- Digitalization is opening up a new business model for Seepex. Traditional pump sales are being supplemented by data services, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance. These services offer higher margins than hardware alone.
