The partnership between Sitip and Aranet represents a successful example of implementing advanced IoT solutions for the agricultural sector. The integration of Seneca’s data acquisition and communication technologies has enabled the development of intelligent systems for environmental monitoring and agricultural resource management.

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Sitip’s Role in IoT for Agriculture

Sitip, an Italian company at the forefront of business connectivity, has developed an IoT solution for the agritech sector by collaborating with innovative partners such as Aranet and Seneca. Aranet, a Lithuanian company specializing in IoT devices, offers a comprehensive ecosystem of wireless sensors and devices that use LoRa communication to monitor key parameters such as temperature, humidity, and water levels, ensuring reliable operation even in remote areas. Seneca was chosen by Sitip for its advanced data acquisition and telecontrol solutions, providing key tools for data integration and the creation of interconnected systems.

The Sitip Solution

The primary goal of the IoT solution proposed by Sitip is to ensure efficient and sustainable agriculture by optimizing water resource usage and improving crop productivity. Through continuous monitoring of environmental parameters and the automation of corrective actions, the developed solutions help reduce waste and improve operational management.

This solution is based on the integration of Aranet and Seneca technologies. The Aranet system relies on an IoT control unit capable of managing up to 100 sensors, allowing real-time monitoring of various environmental parameters. The sensors measure humidity, temperature, water levels, and other critical data, ensuring comprehensive coverage of operational needs. The communication is facilitated by a reliable LoRa connection, which allows wireless data transmission with battery-powered, self-sustaining sensors ideal for remote or hard-to-reach environments.

Aranet IoT Control Unit for Environmental Sensor Management

A key component of this solution is Seneca’s Z-LTE device, an advanced and versatile data logger that has played a crucial role in data integration. Z-LTE is interconnected with the Aranet system, leveraging advanced communication functions and logical processing capabilities to ensure intelligent and responsive control.

The Role of Z-LTE and I/O Modules

Seneca’s Z-LTE device plays a crucial role in the entire ecosystem, acting as an intelligent intermediary between sensors and automation tasks. Essentially, it operates as a 4G data logger that stores and analyzes historical data, supporting trend-based and predictive decision-making.

The device also implements control and actuation functions with advanced logic, enabling automatic actions based on the received data. Another noteworthy feature is its ability to manage sequences and automation logic through the Seal programming language. Moreover, thanks to its networking capabilities, the Z-LTE device supports remote 4G connectivity and telecontrol of systems from a distance. Integrated with Z-LTE, Seneca’s digital output modules with ModbusRTU/TCP-IP protocol enable communication expansion between different devices, ensuring flexibility and scalability for the entire system.

Seneca Z-LTE Data Logger with 4G Modem and Logic and Telecontrol Functions

Applications and Benefits

Sitip’s integrated solutions have been successfully applied in various agricultural contexts, demonstrating their effectiveness in diverse situations. Notable applications include monitoring channels, tanks, and silos, where level measurement optimizes water resource management. Additionally, these solutions have been used to monitor soil temperature, ensuring optimal conditions for crop growth. Another application area is assessing the effectiveness of solar radiation, particularly useful in greenhouses located in regions with limited daily sunlight.

The benefits of these IoT solutions are numerous. The self-powered sensors ensure long-term operation without frequent maintenance, reducing operational costs. LoRa communication guarantees a stable and reliable connection even in remote areas, facilitating continuous monitoring. Automation and telecontrol, made possible by the Z-LTE data logger and distributed Seneca I/O modules, enable autonomous corrective actions and remote process management, enhancing operational efficiency. Lastly, Z-LTE allows the analysis of historical and predictive data, aiding in the optimization of future planning and supporting trend-based and predictive decision-making.