MachineQ announced the launch of the MQio 9w, an IoT device that transforms non-connected equipment into "smart" assets. Powered by MachineQ's scalable IoT network connectivity platform, the remote equipment telemetry and control device delivers real-time visibility and enhanced operational efficiency across various industries, from foodservice to life sciences, adding equipment intelligence to its solutions portfolio.

As the demand for improved efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the foodservice industry accelerates, the MQio 9w enables operators to remotely collect and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) of equipment across their operations, allowing for data-driven decisions to help optimize equipment usage, maintain food quality, and extend the uptime and lifespan of their assets through proactive maintenance.

The device contains multiple digital and serial interfaces to support a wide range of equipment types. With the edge processing capability, the device non-obtrusively extracts key data points from the equipment and sends it to the cloud, providing centralized visibility and actionable insights to help keep operations running smoothly.

For example, maintaining a consistent supply of ice is crucial to many restaurant brands. With the MQio 9w, operators can monitor ice machines in real-time to ensure they are functioning properly, and production is always at optimal levels. It can also alert staff to anomalies such as low production stemming from compressor malfunctions or temperature fluctuations to prevent potential shortages that could disrupt service.

Further, operators can remotely monitor fryers in their kitchens, gaining instant access to crucial data such as batch size, cook time, oil quality, temperature, and energy use. This level of insight helps operators enhance operational efficiency and supports more informed decision-making, such as proper and timely oil changeout to maintain quality and taste-leading to a better customer experience.

"The MQio 9w helps eliminate inefficiencies associated with managing multiple systems from the individual store level to global store locations," said Bryan Witkowski, head of product and strategy at MachineQ. "This device uses IoT technology to connect equipment, effectively turning them into smart devices capable of real-time communication. And its design ensures seamless integration with existing equipment and easy installation."

Beyond food services, the MQio 9w has broader applicability in other verticals. Witkowski adds, "Most enterprises have commercial or industrial equipment they rely on for operational needs. And data from that equipment can be of value. For example, life sciences customers can use this device to extract data from original equipment manufacturer (OEM) equipment, incubators, refrigeration units [cryo, ultra-low temperature], and other lab instruments for workflow efficiencies."

The MQio 9w leverages MachineQ's scalable network connectivity platform, allowing businesses to quickly deploy additional solutions, like power monitoring, which the company announced last month. The power monitoring solution enables operators to get visibility into consumption data to help reduce usage, aiding in sustainability efforts-all while using the same network infrastructure.

Other solutions include real-time temperature monitoring, smart restrooms, leak detection, asset utilization, and more - aimed at providing a holistic view and opportunities for achieving operational effectiveness.