Industrial IoT – One System to Do It All
The OpenSmartMonitor is a powerful all-rounder designed to make remote monitoring and data collection easier, smarter, and more affordable. Developed as a true Industrial IoT solution, it allows users to track a broad range of operational and environmental metrics from a single compact system. In its complete configuration, the OpenSmartMonitor measures:
- Energy usage
- Single or Three-Phase power
- Gas or water flow
- Energy or machinery cost
- Particulates (PM1, 2.5, 5, 10)
- NOx and VOC
- Humidity
- Temperature
- Sound
- Light
Even if you already have monitoring equipment in place, the OpenSmartMonitor can typically connect to your existing hardware. By centralizing all inputs into a secure cloud platform, the system delivers easy access to live and historic data through a browser-based dashboard, unlocking the full potential of IoT, Ambient VOC Monitoring, and advanced IoT Analyzer functionality.
Download and read the OpenSmartMonitor datasheet
The Origin Story
The journey of developing such a versatile device didn’t happen overnight. Devtank Ltd began manufacturing the OpenSmartMonitor after a customer approached them with a mix of needs: air-quality compliance, workforce safety measurements, and rising energy-cost concerns. Traditionally, meeting these requirements meant installing numerous independent sensors, quickly driving up procurement and installation costs.
This challenge inspired the creation of a unified monitoring solution capable of handling 10 key parameters within a single device.
To support this innovation, Devtank partnered with Derby University and several local businesses through the DECARBONISE programme. This initiative funded research, development, and deployment of sensors with a goal of reducing energy consumption. One participant achieved a 25% cut in electricity usage, with others seeing even greater savings.
For the original client, the IoT data highlighted several inefficiencies, including outdated lighting, taps left running, and machinery performing below optimal efficiency. The system also revealed a recurring 30–40 minute productivity gap at the start of each day before staff began work. Acting on these insights improved energy efficiency, workforce productivity, and profitability, with projected annual savings of £25,000.
Further Development
Building on early success, Devtank refined the OpenSmartMonitor to enhance reliability and navigate global component shortages. The updated version introduced a Freeport interface supporting RS485, RS232, 1-Wire, and CAN-bus, significantly extending compatibility with external probes, meters, and analysers.
This enhanced connectivity created the perfect opportunity for collaboration with Focal Point Technology.
Focal Point Technology + OpenSmartMonitor
Focal Point Technology partnered with Devtank because the OpenSmartMonitor provides seamless communication with a wide variety of external probes and analysers. This makes it an ideal Industrial IoT platform for bringing FPT instrumentation online, giving customers real-time access to emissions, environmental, and stack-probe data directly through the cloud.
The partnership expands capabilities for:
- Ambient VOC Monitoring
- Air quality and environmental assessments
- Emissions tracking from process stacks
- Energy and process optimisation
By connecting FPT probes to the OpenSmartMonitor, users unlock the full benefits of IoT Analyzer capabilities, including:
- Access to both historic and live data
- Secure cloud storage and simple remote retrieval
- Real-time dashboards for rapid interpretation
- Faster response times to changing conditions
- More accurate operational decision-making
Cementing Its Place in Industry
With its refined design and expanded compatibility, the OpenSmartMonitor quickly gained traction across the UK industry. A major boost came from the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub, which facilitated the deployment of 500 units nationwide.
These units support a wide range of industrial applications, including:
- Standalone air-quality and VOC monitoring
- Machine monitoring and predictive maintenance
- Factory health and safety compliance
- Integration with external sensors such as pulse meters, Rayleigh meters, dust probes, and vibration sensors
Why the OpenSmartMonitor Matters for Focal Point Technology
FPT’s collaboration with Devtank reflects a shared commitment to providing high-quality, accessible, and scalable environmental monitoring solutions. The OpenSmartMonitor acts as a flexible Industrial IoT gateway, significantly enhancing data accessibility from FPT stack probes, ambient monitors, and process analysers.
Together, our combined technologies provide:
- Advanced Ambient VOC Monitoring
- Broader environmental oversight
- Deep analytical insights through IoT Analyzer tools
- More efficient energy and operational monitoring
The result is a powerful, future-ready IoT ecosystem that helps industries operate more safely, sustainably, and intelligently.