Supplement: Networks in Printing & Papermaking

Make money and save time with an off-the-shelf communications infrastructure

Matti Kuivalainen, CEO of Keko Technologies, explains how system integrators and software developers can maximise their profits and productivity simply by getting experts to look after the machine-to-machine communications infrastructure

As one of the recognised leaders in designing and manufacturing middleware software for machine-to-machine communication (M2M), Keko Technologies has developed a unique product range, offering a complete infrastructure for system integrators and manufacturers of embedded devices. Keko's products are the ideal software tools for any application where data needs to be communicated to and from remote assets, operations and sites.

Keko offers software that is truly independent of a network or computer environment, and able to communicate seamlessly from, for example, an embedded device right through to the corporate business system. It links via any wireless network - GSM, GPRS, Tetra, for example - to any recognised computer environment.

Core Keko elements

The open and scaleable middleware products provided by Keko Technologies, comprises two core elements: KEKO Terminal and KEKO Server.

KEKO Server is located between wireless networks and business systems and effectively handles the complexities of wireless networks and different communication protocols. It allows system integrators to focus on developing business applications, not building M2M communication infrastructure.

KEKO Terminal is a software tool for embedded device manufacturers. It provides a platform for wireless machine-to-machine communication and a framework for easy creation of applications. KEKO Terminal enables manufacturers of embedded devices to focus on their core competencies of developing applications within the devices. The application programmers need to define the protocol using XML , write a code to handle protocol events, and select the correct communications device driver. This is typically only a small amount of code, even just a couple of dozen of lines. In addition, the application programmers can write code to deal with custom hardware and application logic, such as reading the page counter and other sensors in a copying machine and reporting this to service personnel. The resource requirements of KEKO Terminal are modest, to enable inexpensive hardware to be used for mass-market products.

The ideal partner

Keko's M2M communications software is the ideal partner for any embedded device where data is created and needs to be transmitted. Machinery and other heavy equipment have a high capital and operating cost and it is important to monitor the way in which they are operating. Data generated will provide several benefits: greater knowledge of how the machine is working will result in improved maintenance and lower 'downtime'; increased efficiency and customer satisfaction; cost savings; and direct integration with Customer Relationship Management or Supply Chain Management systems.

In another example, manufacturers of office equipment can collect information in real time on what the products are being used for. Such data can open up the opportunity to offer a service contract based on actual machine performance, not random or predicted timescales, and the sales team is informed or aware of the optimum product replacement time. This information can be exclusive or shared, and it will provide a competitive advantage to achieve increased customer loyalty.

Technology is constantly being developed with the combined aims of saving money and increasing efficiency. Keko Technologies takes this a stage further. The Keko range has been developed to achieve wealth and business creation, and a significant improvement in productivity - all at the same time.

Keko's M2M middleware software uses advanced telecommunications to integrate embedded devices and machines with corporate business systems. As a result it enables increased productivity, improved customer or end user loyalty, and opens up new opportunities to generate service business in virtually all manufacturing and service sectors. Wherever there is a need to communicate data, Keko Technologies' middleware software provides the M2M infrastructure.

Matti Kuivalainen
Chief Executive Officer
Keko Technologies
Tammasaarenkatu 5
FI-00180 Helsinki, Finland
Tel. +358 20 1500 764
www.keko.fi

• Keko Technologies
  g100@industrialnetworking.co.uk