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COMPETENCIES

Technology expertise for connected products and digital business models.

From sensors to connectivity and cloud through to data processing and ongoing operations: We possess the technological expertise to implement complex IoT projects holistically.

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Smart products and intelligent solutions—

for a wide variety of industries.

We enable our clients to achieve their very specific "competitive advantage through IoT" and create the foundation for sustainable technological and economic success.
Our references demonstrate how individual IoT solutions optimize processes, make data intelligently usable, and enable new digital business models. From the initial concept through development to successful deployment, we accompany companies on the path to a connected future.

IoT Devices

Intelligent hardware for the Internet of Things

Our agile team transforms existing devices into smart objects that interact with their environment in the Internet of Everything: smart connected products that process data via sensor technology, 24/7. Machines that communicate via M2M (Machine to Machine) technology in the Industrial IoT and Internet of Medical Things.

For our clients, we produce new intelligent devices and IoT products: smart engineering for Industry 4.0 and for billions of connected devices in the Internet of Things.

Connectivity

Secure & reliable data transmission

Without functioning connectivity, no functioning IoT solution. Only with 100% reliable data transmission is secure data transfer guaranteed: from machines, devices, and objects networked via M2M communication through cellular networks to the cloud.

We organize all elements in the Wireless Internet of Things: M2M (Machine to Machine) technology, SIM card management, tariffs, wireless technology (Narrowband NB-IoT, LTE Cat M1, GPRS, GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G), and data transmission.

Cloud + Data

How to make IoT data smart

Intelligent data processing refines IoT data. We provide the IoT platform, collect data and analyze it. This makes them the basis for new, disruptive business models in a networked world.

Our customers benefit from “Infrastructure as a Service”: state-of-the-art cloud solutions for seamless integration into the system landscape. Data management and device management as the ideal basis for predictive maintenance. All based on effective IoT security.

Customer apps

Customer-oriented, smart & flexible

Smart operations: from digital order processing to secure identity of things and people. Comprehensive data visualization enables high transparency and forecasting capability; intelligent solutions for e-marketplaces and white-label shops complete the offering.

We use browser-based standard apps that are also available customized. A powerful standard system serves as the basis for data processing. We adapt this IoT platform to customer-specific needs as required.

IoT Security

Safety first for hardware & software

The Internet of Things collects data for Industry 4.0 via connected devices and intelligent sensors. We ensure reliable IoT security from the outset: all steps in the IoT process chain run securely—for every hardware and software component.

For each client, we develop a detailed security concept adapted to the respective project requirements: a high security standard that actively eliminates potential threats and attack points in advance.

Service + operation

Support becomes added value

We ensure ongoing operation with comprehensive services. We implement every step systematically and reliably: From setting up the IoT platform to data management incl. the comprehensive visualization of the collected IoT data.

Smart Operations ensure that all elements are optimally integrated into your system environment and that the entire IoT process chain functions smoothly. Process control, updates, invoice management and data security: this saves our customers time and money.

Full-service package for intelligent product development

Our design process covers all areas: housing design, engineering, mechatronics development, reverse engineering, injection molding simulation, tool manufacturing, assembly, and parts production. Supplier selection and management are also included. Quality, functionality, and state-of-the-art technology: these building blocks form the perfect foundation for efficiency, cost savings, and tangible competitive advantages.

We harmonize technical and ergonomic requirements, material properties, and certifications. This ensures fast, cost-effective production incorporating innovative processes such as additive manufacturing/rapid prototyping and more.

Capturing data correctly

Sensors as the foundation for successful IoT projects: Our IoT sensors capture data that is transmitted to the cloud via cellular networks, analyzed, and stored. We ensure the right sensor selection, rapid implementation of sensor technology, and meaningful adaptation of sensor data.

Our own portfolio already covers many application areas: printed electronics; customized or standardized sensor solutions; patented Sensofoil® and Sensoink® sensors; foil potentiometer technology and sensor elements; polymer strain gauges with patented “bending beam” technology; SensoForce pressure sensors (FSR technology); in-mold electronics and smart packaging.

Reliable data transmission via cellular networks

Developing the appropriate electronics in conjunction with connectivity is crucial for a successful IoT project. Based on our core competency in cellular technology, we deliver the complete package: detailed solution approaches, products, and development services for electronics, data transmission, electronics development, server technology, and wireless solutions.

We particularly focus on managing cellular transmission, including with our own patented methods. Modern transmission technologies from 2G to 5G ensure optimal transmission of collected sensor data: from hardware through middleware to the cloud, in

Comprehensive in-house expertise

We use state-of-the-art tools and draw on specialized expertise, for example for custom Android applications. Our engineers’ approach is comprehensive: software programming goes hand in hand with electronics hardware development. We deliver the complete package: software, hardware with matching firmware and middleware, circuit layout, prototype assembly, component procurement for series production.

We support the project until the desired device runs stably in the field. Our strength lies in individual solutions: designed simply as needed, but also highly complex in conjunction with edge computing.

Future technology: 3D printing

Rapid prototyping: high-quality plastic parts using 3D printing as an alternative to injection molding. We use this innovative additive manufacturing technology for prototypes, medium, and small series. This not only saves weight and costs sustainably: we can also respond quickly to changed requirements during production, order situationally, and avoid complex warehousing.

Assemblies with highly complex mechanical properties can often only be realized with rapid prototyping. Additionally, this creates the foundation for PoCs (Proof of Concept) and functional models to test the technical functions of all parts and components.

From technical concept to series production

Intelligently developed and manufactured hardware protects the integrated electronics. Whether standard housings or customized solutions: we integrate input systems and electronic components into perfectly coordinated plastic/metal housings and carriers. This ensures hardware and software are perfectly aligned in the IoT project.

Our hardware engineers deliver all components to our clients: design, plastic engineering, CAD design, prototyping, assemblies, housings, control elements, input systems, and complete devices. Complete SMD assembly via automated manufacturing processes. Certifications and radio approvals, series tools, embedded systems, control electronics. Everything included.

Security, frequency, speed

The right wireless technology for your IoT project: security, speed, and frequency—we master the most important parameters for optimal data transfer.

We use Narrowband IoT for efficient networking of many end devices: latest cellular technology based on Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) and highly standardized by 3GPP. NB-IoT operates on 200 kHz and is ideal for smaller data volumes. The advantages: reception even in shielded areas, deep building penetration, cost-effective, extremely secure, high energy efficiency, low energy consumption, simple installation. As needed, we also use the transmission standards: LTE Cat M1, GPRS, GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G.

Complete service from a single source

In data transmission via cellular networks, many SIM cards are involved in every IoT project. We handle complete SIM card management including billing.

Our logistics service ranges from storage, quality and quantity control, picking, packaging, delivery, and returns processing to reporting. SIM card management processes ensure reliable implementation: interface analysis, support, ticketing systems, and continuous optimization of ongoing operations. This includes seamless tracking of all serial numbers including serial number validation, SIM card activation, and card replacement as needed.

The right choice for every project scenario

With our network, we find the perfect tariff for your IoT application scenario: we have worked closely with all network operators for decades. And we know exactly which tariff from which provider is best suited and most cost-effective for which IoT solution.

Our market position enables complete network operator independence: we secure top conditions for clients. With the introduction of the new 5G mobile generation, we also leverage national roaming: switching between national cellular networks depending on signal strength enables the best possible network coverage.

Safety first for sensitive data

Essential for implementing your IoT project: globally functioning Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication. For reliable transmission of collected data, we rely on the absolutely secure transmission medium of cellular networks. We establish an unassailable connection via established networks.

We use the established transmission standards GSM and UMTS, and LTE on request. Machine and sensor data transmission is encrypted via standardized and proven transmission protocols with sophisticated security concepts, via MQTT or AMQP depending on the project. Secure connection to the IoT cloud or our clients’ servers is also guaranteed.

The IoT gateway system

Specifically for IoT applications, we have developed a sensor interface that functions as an IoT gateway system, operated via battery or continuously. Communication with the cloud runs via an integrated modem equipped with an M2M SIM card. With its robust IP65-rated housing, it serves as a gateway for any type of sensor in industrial environments.

Equipped with a variety of sensors and connections to different bus systems, the interface can send virtually all types of information to the cloud service. Security was particularly important to us here: communication with the cloud is validated via multiple unique identifiers.

Standardized and flexible

The right cloud platform for your IoT project: We select the right services and take care of the ideal configuration: data backup services, analysis software and service management tools for managing the connected devices.

Our solutions are based on proven standard web applications from globally established partners. Clients do not need to enter into expensive license agreements: we operate vendor-independently and assemble components as cost-effectively as possible. Our standard: reliable cloud hosting, security, high-performance and fault-tolerant transmission, high availability, appropriate storage sizes, backups, export interfaces, and latency—all GDPR-compliant.

Intelligent, holistic, safe

One of our core competencies that sets us apart from the competition: intelligent data utilization, guaranteed through holistic data preparation and data analysis—regardless of scale. Speed, scalability, security, and simple data management: for this we use state-of-the-art technology and collect sensor and machine data centrally in the cloud: in modern, scalable databases, they are available for further analysis and visualization.

The topic of (IT) security is the basic principle behind all steps of an IoT project. We develop an individual, detailed IoT security concept for each customer.

Define, apply, draw conclusions

Intelligent data analysis: We use individual rules engines to define processes, set rules and draw conclusions as to how data can be meaningfully summarized. In addition, there are centrally controlled, compiled notification functions for automating and managing business rules.

Rule definitions are saved and adjusted as required. The core of rules engines is automated execution – meaningful, rule-based data handling. Project-oriented implementation via time-based summaries, groups of sensor data as average values, incremental changes and much more, such as additional external data (weather, etc.).

Predictive maintenance & artificial intelligence

We use predictive analytics: forward-looking analyses of data series based on statistical methods and machine learning. This involves identifying patterns in historical data and analyzing risks and probabilities. In this way, we obtain valuable information about the status of machines and initiate predictive maintenance processes: Flexible, demand-oriented maintenance intervals instead of rigid service cycles.

Artificial intelligence as the next evolutionary step makes huge amounts of data manageable: Predicting demand and sales, optimizing the sequence of service orders including route planning, event scoring, project-related forecasting models.

API gateway

We use project-related APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) developed in-house to ensure that the data is integrated seamlessly into our customers’ system landscape in a customized manner. They can also rely on easy integration of third-party software and problem-free rights management: The flexibility and openness of common standard software products and platforms offer unlimited possibilities for all conceivable neighboring applications.

With our APIs, we provide a fundamental success factor: only a reliable online connection to internal customer structures (ERP/CRM) enables the meaningful evaluation of the collected data material.

Secure, efficient and infinitely scalable

We provide complete device management: centralized management of all end devices within the infrastructure of the entire IoT process – securely and efficiently. The huge stream of data from the machines, devices and objects involved is collected centrally in the cloud.

Depending on the project, we act very flexibly, very quickly and guarantee limitlessly scalable performance. Regardless of whether we are evaluating data from one sensor/device or a million sensors/devices: any amount of data can be processed, there is no limit. The service provided is individually and flexibly scalable to current demand, and billing is transparent and based on individual usage.

Individual & configurable

An individually customized dashboard frontend delivers optimally visualized information: command buttons, action builder and tickets, channel editor, and live dashboard. We provide detailed reports via a clear cockpit. All views are responsive and scale seamlessly across devices.

Our solutions are based on customizable standard software (Microsoft, Salesforce, etc.) and can be adapted to customer specifications: project-tailored native apps and browser-based web apps developed by us ensure high user-friendliness and optimal functionality.

Acceptance & usability

Raising awareness among all stakeholders is a critical factor for the success of an IoT project and for a positive user experience. We involve all individuals who collaborate within an IoT network.

We support the change process in the IoT project with professional training. Step by step, we familiarize all involved individuals with the new systems, new data views, analyses, and processes. This way, everyone understands the purpose and potential of the project and optimally accepts their own role. We ensure the best possible usability of all components within the overall IoT system: this also significantly increases acceptance.

For the unique identity of things and people

Every IoT project requires individual Identity & Access Management (IAM). Our IAM platform is reliable, scalable, highly available, and intuitively operable. It maps the multi-layered structure of an IoT project and grants the required access permissions. We deliver a modern IAM solution that assigns a unique digital identity to every thing and every person, centrally created, managed, and monitored.

Our solution also integrates the identities of external resources and individuals. This is what ideal Identity & Access Management looks like: scalability, standardization, management of relationships between all entities, agility, and security.

Intelligent entry into the online world

Whether for medium-sized businesses or large industrial companies: we develop e-marketplace models that enable simple and intelligent entry into digitalization. Including the required hardware and the complete accompanying ecosystem: this allows clients to make their products and services accessible online to their partners and their own customers.

Regardless of industry or niche solution: we make all our clients’ products and services visible and available online. With a tailored, cost-effective e-marketplace that is ideally suited to individual requirements and is simple and intuitive to use.

Flexible marketing

We build multi-campaign-capable white-label shops: based on proven shopping processes and flexibly adapted to individual requirements.

We handle all important steps: development of the shop system including analytics; conversion-optimized and responsive design; individual branding; study-based optimized customer guidance for short click and order paths; intelligent shopping carts with availability checks and bundle offers; SEO; integration of tracking and analysis tools; hotline and chat service; integration of payment systems; incentivization; voucher solutions; cashbacks; bonus points; fulfillment; content creation; product and price maintenance and campaigns.

Comprehensive & sustainable

“Security end-to-end”: Our experts build data protection concepts for IoT projects sustainably. Cellular technology in data transmission already ensures a high security standard with end-to-end encryption, separate storage of user and operational data, and unique assignment of device identifiers. Building on this, we install additional security layers depending on the IoT scenario.

Functioning IoT security secures the entire IoT infrastructure against unauthorized intrusion. Therefore, we constantly monitor functionality: with quality control, security test scenarios, regular performance and interoperability tests, and individual risk management.

Guaranteed system security

We ensure an overall IoT system protected against external attacks with absolutely secure transmission paths for all data.

Our comprehensive security concept covers all integrated software components: secure reception and evaluation of all data; secure storage and processing of IoT data in the cloud platform; maximum fault tolerance; protection during deployment of new software for device management; guaranteed data security and control; hierarchy-based data viewing and individually established rules; vulnerability analysis; regular software updates against security gaps; security awareness training for employees.

Devices securely networked

Within an IoT infrastructure, we protect all connected devices—machines, equipment, objects, sensors—from external attacks. Our package of measures is comprehensive:

Automated commissioning, activation, and decommissioning of all connected devices; complete SIM card management; deactivation and blocking of stolen devices; generation of alarms for suspicious user parameters and subsequent automatic device blocking; remote triggering of states and processes in the respective device; end-to-end encryption; unique assignment of device identifiers; multi-factor authentication

Automated & reliable

Our customers can rely on every point within the complex IoT process chain to run absolutely silently and error-free. With our comprehensive know-how, we take care of browser-based process control and monitoring.

We keep an eye on every area: Embedded SIM-CHIP management, setup and control of the data rulebook, message management, NFC chip management, dashboard builder & action builder, error management and abuse control, automated contract control, volume monitoring. And we secure all steps with a comprehensive IoT security concept for data security.

Safety Over-The-Air

The best method against security vulnerabilities: Hardware updates over-the-air and automated software updates in the sense of continuous integration. This is how we optimally protect the infrastructure of an IoT project. Updates provide new functions and important patches. In this way, we actively prevent IoT devices from becoming obsolete and posing a risk for our customers.

Strict control and restriction of user rights during updates is mandatory. Additionally, only updates from official manufacturer sources are installed—counterfeit updates can cause significant damage within an IoT network. We ensure this does not happen.

Monetizing data

Our payment experts ensure optimal commercial utilization of collected and analyzed IoT data.

We adapt multi-level, dynamically configurable billing systems to customer-specific sales structures. We deliver transparent billing of all IoT services to end customers: Scalable and independent of the type of billing – daily, monthly, usage or event-based. Calculations can be broken down to the lowest booking level: Departments, retailers, partners, end customers, periods, usage, events, etc. And if necessary, we integrate automated micropayment solutions into the billing models.

Protection at every step

The infrastructure of an IoT project is particularly sensitive: for IoT devices, for apps managing IoT data and applications, for transmission paths, and for the backend processing data in the cloud.

We ensure that collected and valuable IoT data is protected at all times—via data security through IP-VPN access, specific heartbeat control (log file), and additional measures: multi-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, principle of least privilege, granular control of applications and user activities, security by design, state-of-the-art identity and access management, and threat intelligence via machine learning.

IOT USE CASES:

Messen + Verstehen

Ermittelte Daten tracken, auswerten und visuell anschaulich gestalten: möglich durch die Kombination aus intelligenter Sensorik und Clouddiensten.

IOT USE CASES:

Überwachen + Warten

Verlässliche Wartungs- und Alarmierungssysteme, die beobachten, analysieren und sekundengenau mitteilen, wenn Probleme auftauchen. Rund um die Uhr.

IOT USE CASES:

Bestellen + Abrechnen

Schnell, günstig und einfach alle Zahlungsarten verwalten: State-of-the-art Payment Services, basierend auf bewährten Systemen & mobilen Technologien.

IOT USE CASES:

Interagieren + Werben

Marketingkommunikation via E-Marketplaces, Matching Window, Digitaler Terminkalender: die Offline-Promotionfläche wird zum digitalen 24/7-Online-POS.

IOT USE CASES:

Tracken + Verfolgen

Schnell, einfach und kostengünstig erfahren, wo genau sich welches Objekt befindet: mit Unique QR-Code oder Retrofit-tauglichem NFC Smart Button.

IOT USE CASES:

Orten + Alarmieren

Verlässlicher, kostengünstiger Datentransfer via Mobilfunktechnologie: selbst an entlegensten Orten, in abgeschotteten Bereichen & Industrieanlagen.

WHY HK.DIGITAL?

Your Partner for Smart Digitalization Solutions.

Decades of industry experience meets modern digitalization:

Through its close connection to its sister company Hoffmann + Krippner GmbH & Co. KG, HK.digital combines deep expertise from industry, sensor technology, and electronics with modern IoT and software solutions.

Digitalization with holistic technology expertise:

As part of HK.SYSTEMS AG, we draw upon a strong technology network and comprehensive expertise along the entire digital value chain.

Practical solutions instead of theoretical concepts:

From hardware and connectivity to cloud and data solutions. We create holistic digitalization solutions that make processes more efficient, transparent, and future-proof.

BEREIT FÜR EFFIZIENTERE PROZESSE UND NACHHALTIGE DIGITALISIERUNG?

Innovative IoT-Lösungen schaffen die Grundlage für den nächsten Schritt.

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IOT WORKSHOP - FIRST STEPS

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towards digitalization will look like!

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COMPETENCIES

Smart products and intelligent solutions—

for a wide variety of industries.

IoT Devices

Intelligent hardware for the Internet of Things

Connectivity

Secure & reliable data transmission

Cloud + Data

How to make IoT data smart

Customer apps

Customer-oriented, smart & flexible

IoT Security

Safety first for hardware & software

Service + operation

Support becomes added value

Design + Engineering

Sensors

Electronics design

Software Development

Rapid Prototyping

Hardware

Wireless Technologies

SIM Card Management

Tariffs

Secure Data Transmission

Sensor Interface

Cloud platform

Data Services

Rules Rules Engines

Predictive Functions

Integration into existing processes

Device Management

Frontend

User Experience

Identity + Access Management

E-Marketplaces

White-label shops including order flows

Data Protection Concept

IoT Security Software

IoT Security Hardware

Process control

Updates

Invoice management

Data security

IOT USE CASES:

Messen + Verstehen

IOT USE CASES:

Überwachen + Warten

IOT USE CASES:

Bestellen + Abrechnen

IOT USE CASES:

Interagieren + Werben

IOT USE CASES:

Tracken + Verfolgen

IOT USE CASES:

Orten + Alarmieren

WHY HK.DIGITAL?

Your Partner for Smart Digitalization Solutions.

GET IN TOUCH

IOT WORKSHOP - FIRST STEPS