Solutions Using LonWorks Technology

Solutions enabled by LonWorks networks create new revenue streams, increase productivity, lower operating costs, and enhance competitive differentiation for manufacturers, utilities, cable operators, telecommunications companies, Internet service providers and other service providers.

LonWorks solutions provide a unique opportunity for manufacturers of everyday devices to offer new, revenue-generating services, gain useful data about their products and customers, improve brand value, and increase customer retention. For example, manufacturers of dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances can collect usage data from LonWorks devices that can be used to increase sales as well as improve future product features. They can use the network connection to add new functionality to their products over time with fee upgrades, pay-per-use, or as a free incentive to build customer loyalty. Remote diagnostic capabilities can anticipate appliance failures and trigger service calls, reducing downtime for consumers. The ongoing relationship promotes customer loyalty and increases repeat purchases. Such services can also generate new revenue streams for manufacturers by taking on the role of service provider.

Electric utility companies in Europe are installing intelligent LonWorks network-enabled utility meters to reduce the cost and increase the quality of electric service they provide. When paired with LonWorks networked appliances, these same utilities will be able to allow consumers to enable or disable energy curtailment services for specific appliances in the home. With additional LonWorks devices in the home, utilities can even manage the entire home to minimize electricity usage and save the homeowner money on utility bills. Appliance manufacturers can offer monitoring services that automatically dispatch repair technicians when a dishwasher, stove, or washing machine requires servicing. Security companies provide enhanced levels of security through LonWorks enabled alarms, motion sensors, cameras, and lights.

With smart, LonWorks enabled products, utilities are cutting costs and increasing efficiency by communicating through the network to read their meters, start/stop electrical service, and detect power failures. LonWorks networked meters also enable time-sensitive billing based on peak and off-peak loads. Interactive curtailment programs automatically adjust the thermostats of participating customers a few degrees or turn off air conditioning systems rather than cut power to a large area to avoid brownouts. Utilities can partner with manufacturers to manage appliances throughout the house, turning them off when not in use, or advising the homeowner when maintenance is required.

Telcos and cable providers can leverage LonWorks networks for the delivery of new services that make appliances easier to use and achieve better results through services provided over the Internet. Such fee-based services bring new revenue streams and provide critical competitive differentiation in an increasingly deregulated environment.

Echelon's hardware and software products enable manufacturers and integrators to create smart devices and systems that lower cost, increase convenience, improve service, and enhance productivity, quality, and safety. Thousands of companies have developed and installed more than 24 million LonWorks based devices worldwide.

Markets where LonWorks technology is used:

Buildings Automation
In commercial and residential buildings, LonWorks networks can be found in all key building automation sub-systems including heating, ventilating, and air conditioning, lighting, boilers, air handlers, security, elevators, fire detection, access control, energy monitoring, irrigation control, and window blinds. Products and services are available worldwide from a wide range of suppliers—from established industry leaders to new market entrants.

Utilities Automation
Through Echelon's LonWorks technology, utilities have a platform to extend their core offerings to attract and retain more customers, increase their value to existing customers, and radically reduce operating costs.

Industrial Automation
In factories, LonWorks technology can be found performing a multitude of industrial tasks—from running wastewater treatment plants to checking paint colors to monitoring the arrival of parts at assembly stations. LonWorks networks can increase production, improve quality, and drive down costs.

Home Automation
In homes, appliances use the LonWorks technology to communicate with one another over existing power wiring in the home to coordinate power usage, lower energy cost, and share data. LonWorks networks also provide a platform for the delivery of new services that make appliances easier to use and achieve better results, such as e-washing via the Internet.

Transportation Automation
Transportation companies have adopted LonWorks technology for monitoring everything from brakes to lighting to propulsion. Repairing systems before they fail, or fixing them more rapidly when they do, LonWorks solutions lower maintenance costs and increase passenger safety.

For more information, please visit www.echelon.com