Reference Stories

Centri

Battery-Free Solar Charging for Global Fuel Tank Monitoring

Today, asset monitoring is the necessity within industries that rely on remote operations and real-time data. According to Transforma Insights, by 2032 the number of asset monitoring devices will reach 181 million to mostly increase safety and asset productivity. In the propane industry, the accuracy of consumption levels monitoring and timely refills are part of maintaining operational efficiency.

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1NCE gave us the ability to provide proactive customer support in real time. The fact that our devices are always connected means we can identify and solve problems before our customers even notice them. Proactivity wins the game.

Nick Theoret, CEO , Centri

Background

Centri specializes in monitoring gas, diesel, and propane tank consumption using solar-powered IoT devices that can be mounted on any size bulk storage tank. These devices automatically connect to the cellular network upon activation, eliminating common obstacles such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth pairing issues. With real-time status updates available through Centri’s MyPropane app, users can access proactive support and seamless monitoring of their fuel tanks, ensuring uninterrupted operations.

Challenge

Initially, Centri relied on another connectivity provider to enable its tank monitors to transfer real-time data. However, the high cost of per-SIM monthly fees was inefficient, especially given the minimal data usage required by the devices. Traditional connectivity methods like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth introduced setup challenges, such as pairing issues and requiring users to input Wi-Fi passwords. This created a barrier to seamless operation, which Centri sought to overcome. Additionally, energy consumption is a common challenge for IoT devices, particularly those deployed in remote locations like bulk storage tanks. Many monitoring systems rely on batteries that need frequent replacements, adding complexity and cost to operations. Centri’s innovative solution, paired with 1NCE’s low-power connectivity package, addresses this issue. Our solar-powered monitors achieve an optimal balance between energy consumption and generation, eliminating the need for battery replacements throughout the product's 10-year lifespan. This energy-efficient design is a major competitive advantage in the fuel tank monitoring space.

1NCE Solution

Four years ago, Centri transitioned to 1NCE, finding a seamless 1:1 replacement for its previous setup. With the 1NCE IoT Lifetime Flat license, Centri’s solar-powered fuel tank monitors could be activated immediately—no need for pairing, passwords, or additional manual setup. The devices automatically connect to the cellular network and offer global roaming, making them ideal for customers across various markets. 1NCE’s REST API also enabled Centri to streamline operations by managing SIM cards and monitoring device statuses directly within its system. This reduced operational complexity and allowed Centri to focus on delivering excellent customer support. With 1NCE’s affordable, global connectivity, and the elimination of complex setup issues, Centri has enhanced its customer experience, delivered proactive support, and expanded its services into new markets

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Cowbell Engineering

Will continue to take on the challenges of Japan's move towards IoT

Cowbell Engineering Co., Ltd, established in 1974, headquartered in Nagano, is a company that develops, manufactures, and sells hotel card locks, payment terminals, and Azure-based IoT gateways.

Smart Agriculture IoT, Industrial Automation IoT
LTE-M
Japan

Datatec

Secure Vehicle Management

Established in 1983 and headquartered in Tokyo, is a prominent Japanese technology player specializing in infrastructure and vehicle monitoring.

Infrastructure IoT, IoT Automotive
2G, 3G, 4G
Japan

Druid

Wildlife and Livestock Tracking

Established in 2015, Druid Technology is a Chinese company that focuses on crafting a variety of trackers for different animal species.

Smart Agriculture IoT, Logistics IoT
2G, 3G, 4G, LTE-M
China

Fahfon Sense by CPS Agri Co.

Climate-resilient and sustainable practices with IoT.

CPS Agri Co. specializes in providing cutting-edge solutions for climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture practices in Southeast Asia.

IoT Smart City, Smart Agriculture IoT
2G, 3G, 4G
Southeast Asia

Hakuto

Turning rugged hardware into intelligent, always-connected logistics solutions

Hakuto and 1NCE transforms rugged IoT hardware into always-connected logistics solutions, enabling real-time RFID, cloud data flow, and scalable cellular connectivity.

Consumer Electronics IoT, Logistics IoT
4G
Japan

Iguazu

Validating Battery Lifespan and Optimizing Electric Forklift Operations

Iguazu is a leading distributor of IT hardware and software equipment in Japan. The company builds it solutions around environmental responsibility, offering solutions like MOTTA, a recycled battery technology that reuses discarded batteries.

Logistics IoT
4G
Japan

InfinitePay

Reliable POS and Online Payment Services

InfinitePay partners with 1NCE to power fast, secure LTE-M connectivity for POS and online payments across Malaysia, enabling reliable retail transaction solutions. 

IoT Retail
4G
Malaysia

Loranet Technologies

Reliable & Scalable Smart Monitoring Across Malaysia

Loranet Technologies partners with 1NCE to deliver reliable, scalable smart monitoring across Malaysia with unified IoT connectivity, faster deployment, and lower costs. 

Infrastructure IoT, IoT Utilities, IoT Smart City
4G
Malaysia

Mamo-L: Innovation in vehicle maintenance in Japan

Safe and Efficient Vehicle Monitoring in Japan

Mamo-L uses 1NCE to power its Lanchester Car Management System, helping tire shops predict vehicle maintenance, reduce downtime, and improve logistics productivity. 

Logistics IoT
4G, LTE-M
Japan

Mictrack

The LPWAN GPS Tracking Specialist

Mictrack is a leading supplier for GPS-Tracking devices based on low power NB-IoT and LTE-M networks. The company specializes in the design and production of mobile cellular GPS trackers and offers OEM as well as ODM services.

Logistics IoT, IoT Automotive
NB-IoT, LTE-M
Asia

Pixoo

Retail and Hospitality with Pixoo's Webiot

According to Statista research, by 2027, global digital transformation spending will reach $3.9 trillion U.S. dollars. The IT service sector is among those undergoing digital transformation (DX) and integrating IoT solutions, in particular, to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.

Infrastructure IoT
LTE-M
Japan

Shower Canary

Smart Showers for a Sustainable Future

Shower Canary - Smart timers for sustainable showers. Save water, energy & money.

Consumer Electronics IoT, IoT Utilities
2G, 3G, 4G
New Zealand

Tanaka Denki

Vehicle GPS Management System "MCM" Powered with IoT

The vehicle GPS management plays a crucial role in fleet tracking, asset management, and risk mitigation for businesses that rely on vehicle financing or leasing models.

Logistics IoT
LTE-M
Japan

1NCE Shop

Buy the 1NCE IoT Lifetime Flat now

Visit the 1NCE Shop and start connecting your IoT devices easily. Simply order your IoT SIM cards, choose the desired type of IoT SIM card and fill out all required forms. After the payment has been approved you get your cards within seven to ten business days. 

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