Our five-stage approach guides projects from the initial assessment through development, testing, implementation and ongoing operation. The activities and level of support are adapted to the scope and complexity of your project.
From concept to implementation in five stages
Developing an integrated monitoring solution requires more than selecting the right sensors. Measurement accuracy, installation conditions, connectivity, data handling and visualisation all influence how the system performs.
Our structured approach helps address these requirements at the right stage of the project. Depending on the application, some stages may be combined or simplified.
Our 5 stages
From concept to implementation
Stage 1: Explore
Understand the challenge and assess feasibility: once the requirements are clear, we translate them into a monitoring concept.
Stage 2: Ideate
Develop the monitoring concept: once the requirements are clear, we translate them into a monitoring concept.
Stage 3: Prototype
Build and test the proposed solution: where required, we develop a prototype or proof of concept to verify the monitoring approach before wider implementation.
Stage 4: Incubate
Validate the system in its operating environment: for projects requiring further validation, we implement the monitoring solution on a limited scale.
Stage 5: Operate
Implement, monitor and support: once the solution has been validated, we support its operational deployment.
Stage 1: Explore (1 day)
Together, we identify the relevant physical parameters, operating conditions and technical requirements. We also assess the feasibility of the monitoring concept and the potential value for your organisation.
Typical activities:
- Define monitoring objectives and measurement requirements
- Review the installation environment and existing infrastructure
- Identify technical constraints and potential risks
- Assess feasibility and expected operational benefits
Outcome: A clearly defined monitoring challenge and an initial assessment of the proposed solution.
Stage 2: Ideate (4 to 5 Days - Design Sprint)
We evaluate suitable sensor technologies, communication methods, data processing requirements and dashboard options. Where relevant, we consider integration with existing machines, systems or customer platforms.
The objective is to develop a practical system concept that meets your measurement and operational requirements.
Typical activities:
- Select suitable sensor and measurement technologies
- Evaluate wired or wireless connectivity options
- Define data collection, processing and visualisation requirements
- Develop the initial system architecture
- Review the concept with your technical and operational teams
Outcome: A proposed monitoring solution with a defined technical approach.
Whitepaper IIoT
Setting up and commissioning an IIoT solution: from selecting the platform with wireless acceleration sensors to monitoring and commissioning.
Stage 3: Prototype (1 to 2 months)
This stage allows us to test sensor performance, communication, data collection and visualisation under relevant conditions. The results help identify adjustments before the solution is deployed.
Typical activities:
- Build and configure a prototype monitoring system
- Connect sensors, communication hardware and data processing
- Test measurement performance and data transmission
- Evaluate dashboard functionality and measurement trends
- Refine the solution based on test results
Outcome: A tested monitoring concept that provides a basis for implementation.
Stage 4: Incubate (2 to 6 months)
A pilot installation allows us to evaluate the system under actual operating conditions, assess measurement reliability and gather feedback from the people using the data.
Based on the results, we refine the system and prepare it for wider deployment.
Typical activities:
- Install the monitoring system at selected assets or locations
- Verify measurement performance and connectivity
- Evaluate dashboards, trends and notification settings
- Gather operational feedback
- Finalise the configuration for broader implementation
Outcome: A monitoring solution validated in practice and prepared for operational deployment.
Stage 5: Operate (Ongoing)
Depending on the project, this includes installation, commissioning, dashboard configuration and integration with existing systems. We also provide ongoing technical support and help adapt the solution when monitoring requirements change.
A monitoring system may start with a limited number of sensors and expand to additional assets, measurement points or locations.
Typical activities:
- Deploy and commission the monitoring system
- Configure dashboards, user access and notifications
- Verify system operation
- Provide technical support and guidance
- Expand or adapt the system as required
Outcome: An operational monitoring solution that provides the information needed to support maintenance and operational decisions.
A flexible approach to your monitoring requirements
Not every monitoring project needs all five stages.
A proven solution may be implemented without extensive prototyping, while a complex monitoring challenge may require additional development and testing.
Althen adapts the process to your application, available infrastructure, technical requirements and project scope.
Whether you need a small monitoring installation or a scalable system across multiple locations, we help you move from measurement requirements to a practical solution.
Start with your monitoring challenge
Do you want to monitor the condition of machinery, infrastructure or other assets? Or are you exploring how sensor data could improve your maintenance and operational decisions? We can help you assess the possibilities and define a suitable monitoring approach.