Remote sprinkler management: cybersecure, sustainable and with less personnel With the Remote Control Platform, Unica offers a secure and future-proof solution for remotely managing and monitoring installations. Thanks to PLCnext Technology from Phoenix Contact, the platform meets strict cybersecurity requirements and makes testing and managing sprinkler systems more efficient and sustainable. Want to know more about this application?
Customer profile
As a pioneer in the application of sustainable innovations and an all-round technical service provider, Unica solves technological challenges in the built environment. Unica's services are in the areas of installation engineering, energy, ICT, industry, internet of things (IoT) and smart buildings. Unica converts clients' wishes and needs into functional customized solutions that contribute to sustainable, digital, healthy and comfortable living and working environments. With a decisive network of nine leading business clusters and over 4,400 employees, Unica is one of the largest technical service providers in the Netherlands. We work intensively together, are agile, can operate nationally but also have a local presence.
Challenge
In developing the Remote Control Platform, Unica faced a complex challenge: How do you provide a secure and reliable way to remotely control and monitor business-critical facilities that meet regulatory requirements? Not only did the solution have to be technically robust, it also had to meet stringent cybersecurity and other regulatory requirements. For example, the solution had to be suitable for remotely managing and testing fire extinguishing systems - where reliability is literally a matter of life and death.
An additional challenge was to create a scalable platform that could be widely deployed, from utility buildings to industrial environments. In addition, the system had to be easy to integrate with existing installations and be future-proof. The choice of the right partner was important. Only with a certified, flexible and safe control solution could Unica realize its vision.
Solution
Unica chose PLCnext Technology from Phoenix Contact as the foundation for its Remote Control Platform. This open automation solution complies with Security Level 2 of the IEC 62443 standard and offers the flexibility to securely and centrally control diverse installations. Thanks to the certified PLCnext Control, the platform resists cyber threats and meets the highest industrial cybersecurity requirements. With Fire Vision, sprinkler systems can now be tested largely remotely - without physical presence on site. This saves time and personnel, reduces CO₂ emissions and increases reliability because important data is now logged automatically rather than in writing. The visit frequency has been drastically reduced without sacrificing security/reliability.
Conclusion
With the Remote Control Platform, Unica is taking a big step towards sustainable and secure management solutions. Thanks to PLCnext Technology, the platform has a solid, certified basis that is ready for the future. Whether for fire protection, climate systems or other critical systems, with this solution customers can count on minimal risk, maximum control and more efficient operations.
