IoT and Embedded Software: Make your devices smart and connected.
We develop the software for your devices, connect them to the cloud and make them manageable remotely through web and mobile.
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IoT and Embedded SoftwareIn short
Industrial IoT solutions securely collect data from machines, sensors and field devices, send it to the cloud or on-premises servers, and make it possible to monitor and manage those devices remotely. At CoreTechs we develop the embedded software (firmware) that runs on devices, build device-to-cloud communication over MQTT or HTTP, set up over-the-air (OTA) updates and make the data usable through a web dashboard and mobile app. For projects that need custom circuit board design, we deliver an end-to-end solution together with our sister brand.
Scope
Scope
- Microcontroller software (firmware)
- Device-to-cloud communication (MQTT, HTTP)
- Over-the-air updates (OTA)
- Device management panel and mobile control app
Hardware support
For projects that require circuit board (PCB) design and manufacturing, an end-to-end solution together with our sister company.
Who is it for?
- Manufacturers collecting machine and line data by hand who want to monitor production in real time
- Energy, agriculture and infrastructure companies that need to monitor and manage devices, meters or sensors spread across the field
- Hardware makers that want to turn their device into a connected product but have no embedded software or cloud team
- Companies that have to send technicians on site just to update device software
- Logistics businesses that need continuous monitoring of cold chain, warehouse conditions or vehicles
How we work
Discovery and site analysis
We define which data will be collected, how often, from which devices and which decisions it will support. We review the communication protocols of existing machines, on-site connectivity (Wi-Fi, cellular, wired network) and power constraints.
Architecture and prototype
We design an architecture covering the device, gateway, cloud and application layers, and build a working prototype with a small number of devices. The prototype validates data flow, connection stability and hardware choices in the field.
Embedded software development
Firmware is developed with power consumption, protection against data loss during disconnections and secure boot in mind. Device authentication, encrypted communication and secure OTA updates are part of the design from the first release.
Cloud, dashboard and mobile app
We build the backend that processes device data, a time-series database, alert rules and the device management dashboard. Where needed, a mobile control app for field teams or end users is delivered in the same project.
Pilot, rollout and operations
The system first runs as a pilot at a limited site, is refined based on results and then rolled out. After launch, fleet monitoring, remote updates and maintenance can continue under an SLA-based support model.
How long does it take?
The duration of an IoT and embedded software project depends on whether hardware is ready or a new board design is needed, the number of devices, on-site connectivity, integration with existing machines and the scope of the dashboard and mobile app. After a free 30-minute initial call, we usually start discovery within a week; after discovery we share the phases and a firm quote in writing. Software work proceeds in two-week sprints.
Phases
- DiscoveryData needs, site conditions, existing hardware and protocols are defined.
- PrototypeAn end-to-end data flow is built with a few devices and tested in the field.
- DevelopmentFirmware, cloud infrastructure, management dashboard and, if needed, the mobile app are built in two-week sprints.
- PilotThe system runs at a limited site under real conditions and is improved with feedback.
- Rollout and operationsDevices are brought online in stages; monitoring, OTA updates and support begin.
What drives the cost?
The cost of industrial IoT and embedded software projects depends not only on software scope but also on hardware and site conditions. We share a budget range in the initial call and a firm quote after discovery. Device hardware, cellular data and cloud usage fees are assessed separately from our service fee.
| Factor | Effect on cost |
|---|---|
| Hardware status | Writing software for an existing device is narrower in scope than a project requiring new circuit board design and manufacturing. |
| Number and spread of devices | Fleets of thousands of devices across a wide area need scalable infrastructure and robust device management. |
| Integration with existing machines | Reading data from older machines over industrial protocols such as Modbus or OPC UA may require extra analysis and gateway development. |
| Connectivity and power constraints | Battery-powered devices or sites with weak connectivity need power saving and offline data buffering, which adds development. |
| Dashboard and mobile app scope | Scope ranging from simple monitoring screens to role-based management, reporting and a mobile control app drives the budget. |
| Security and update requirements | Per-device authentication, encrypted communication and secure OTA are an upfront investment that should not be skipped. |
| Operations and support model | Post-launch fleet monitoring and updates are priced separately under SLA-based support. |
Technology options
Microcontrollers and boards
- ESP32
- STM32
- Nordic nRF
- Raspberry Pi (gateway)
Embedded software
- C and C++
- FreeRTOS
- Zephyr RTOS
- ESP-IDF
- Embedded Linux
Communication protocols
- MQTT
- HTTP and REST
- Modbus RTU/TCP
- OPC UA
- BLE
- LoRaWAN
Cloud and device management
- AWS IoT Core
- Azure IoT Hub
- EMQX
- Eclipse Mosquitto
Data and visualization
- TimescaleDB
- InfluxDB
- Grafana
- PostgreSQL
Dashboard and mobile
- React and Next.js
- Node.js
- React Native
- Flutter
Example solution scenario
Real-time monitoring of production line machines
Representative scenario, not a real client project.
- Profile
- A manufacturer with several production lines made up of machines of different ages and brands, recording production data on paper forms at the end of each shift.
- Need
- Machine stoppages and their causes were logged at the end of each shift, largely from memory. Management could not see actual line uptime or the reasons for stoppages in real time, and maintenance only learned about failures once a machine had stopped.
- Approach
- Each machine's communication options were reviewed; newer machines were read over OPC UA and Modbus, while older ones were fitted with ESP32-based data collection modules and sensors.
- A gateway was installed per line, designed to buffer data during outages and send it once the connection returned.
- Data was sent over MQTT to a central server and stored in a time-series database.
- A dashboard showing uptime, stoppages and stoppage reasons per line and machine was built, along with alert notifications for the maintenance team.
- The system ran as a pilot on one line first, then was rolled out to the others.
- Technologies
- ESP32
- OPC UA
- Modbus TCP
- MQTT
- TimescaleDB
- Grafana
- Outcome
- Management now sees line status and stoppage reasons in real time, based on data. Maintenance is alerted to abnormal readings and can plan interventions earlier, end-of-shift paper forms are gone and improvement decisions now rest on measurable data.
Frequently asked questions
Can we collect data from older machines?
In most cases, yes. If the machine's PLC exposes a protocol such as Modbus or OPC UA, data is read directly. Machines with no communication interface can be fitted with an external data collection module using current, vibration or count sensors. We decide the right method machine by machine during discovery.
Do you supply the hardware as well?
For projects that can use off-the-shelf development boards and industrial modules, we handle hardware selection. For projects that need custom circuit board (PCB) design and manufacturing, we deliver an end-to-end solution together with our sister brand.
Is data lost when the internet connection drops?
We design the system for exactly that. The device or gateway stores data locally while offline and sends it in order once the connection is restored. Buffer capacity is sized to the connectivity conditions on site.
Can we update device software without going on site?
Yes. With over-the-air (OTA) updates, new firmware is pushed to devices remotely. Updates are signed, rolled out to a small group of devices first, and a device reverts to the previous version if an update fails.
How are IoT devices kept secure?
Each device gets its own identity, communication between device and server is encrypted, and no default passwords or unnecessary open services are left in place. Because updates are signed, unauthorized software cannot be loaded onto a device.
Does our data have to be stored in the cloud?
No. Data can be kept on a cloud platform such as AWS or Azure, or we can build a setup that runs entirely on your on-premises servers. We make the choice with you based on data privacy, connectivity and your existing IT infrastructure.
Who owns the firmware and software source code?
Once the project fee is paid, the source code for the firmware, cloud infrastructure, dashboard and mobile app, along with all intellectual property rights, is transferred to you. You can continue developing your product with your own team or another provider.
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Cloud, Infrastructure and Security
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