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.

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