Planer PLC is a pioneer in the development and use of many controlled temperature products, as well as the equipment and sensors for monitoring and logging key laboratory parameters. Their products are used across the biological, medical and industrial sectors.
The Project
We became involved with their next-generation monitoring solution, ReAssure.
The ReAssure requirements specified a cross-platform, scalable, configurable system for monitoring over 50 sensor endpoints, with concurrent user access, reliable data acquisition, logging and display. The user interface had to be simple and intuitive, in order for users to configure the system quickly and easily.
At the same time, the solution had to meet the standards required of devices in the scientific and medical fields.
Our Role
We defined the system architecture and detailed design for ReAssure, working closely with the Planer engineering team to ensure that system requirements were addressed cohesively and that the final system operated as designed.
This was conducted in a phased approach, with an initial systems analysis and design reviews, an implementation phase, comprehensive test framework and stage reviews.
The resulting ReAssure system combined simplicity of use with a sophisticated monitoring solution, and the support for multiple user privilege levels.
The Technology
ReAssure uses Jetty, a Java HTTP server, and was developed using Java and Wicket, a Java-based web application framework, which provides the cross-platform support. Sensor endpoints and the ReAssure server / cloud are connected via the local area network.
The business logic is modularised, and performs the background logging, alarm and reporting functionality. Users can view the current status of all sensors, and the graphs of sensor readings over time, in addition to performing configuration tasks.
The Benefit
When it comes to the design and implementation of a scientific system, we understand the need for an audit trail and reliability.
Our software demonstrated ease of installation and system commissioning, a smaller physical footprint, flexible configuration, scalability and dependability with lower management overhead, all of which resulted in a lower price point for our client.
The ReAssure monitoring solution has proved another innovative product for Planer, well received by both new and existing Planer customers.
What our client said
“We have worked with LeoTel on a number of different projects, confident in the knowledge that they will produce a clean, well-structured system that not only fulfills the initial requirements but also provides a stable, easily maintainable base.
Working with James and the team, we know we have access to expertise that can help us identify the correct technical solutions for the various challenges that arise during development. In addition, the software development process has been extremely straightforward, with their procedures integrating seamlessly with our own internal software control systems. If I were summarising our experience with LeoTel I’d say: professional, responsive and easy to work with.”
— Steve Butler, Engineering Director – Planer plc