Hardware Introduction
Fentrica hardware acts as the physical bridge between your building's infrastructure and the intelligent Fentrica Cloud platform. Whether you are installing a single edge controller or deploying a network of sensors, understanding the hardware configuration workflow is essential for a successful setup.
Hardware Portfolio
Our ecosystem is built around robust, industrial-grade components designed for reliability and security:
- Edge Controllers: The brain of the local installation, responsible for executing automation logic, managing local connections, and securely communicating with the cloud.
- Sensors & I/O: A range of environmental sensors and input/output modules that allow the controller to perceive and interact with the physical world.
- Gateways: Specialized bridges for integrating with existing building protocols and legacy systems.
Configuration Workflow
Setting up Fentrica hardware typically follows a structured process, all managed through the device's local web interface:
- System Access: Secure the device by configuring local System Users, ensuring that only authorized installers and administrators can modify settings.
- Network & Cloud: Establish connectivity via the Settings menu, configuring network interfaces and linking the device to the Fentrica Cloud for remote management.
- Physical I/O: Define how the controller interacts with the building by configuring Analog and Digital Inputs/Outputs, tailored to your specific sensors and actuators.
- Logic & Automation: Use the Configuration Bench, a powerful flow-based visual programming tool, to "wire" your hardware inputs to logical processes and outputs. This is where the intelligence of the building is defined.
- Spaces & Access: Organize your hardware into Smart Spaces (e.g., offices, parking garages) and manage user access rights locally, such as PIN codes or license plates.
Monitoring & Maintenance
Once configured, the hardware provides several tools for ongoing maintenance:
- Diagnostics: Real-time telemetry on power status, battery health, and internal system metrics helps pinpoint physical issues.
- Technical Connections: View the status of secure tunnels to third-party systems like HVAC or Access Control, which are managed via the cloud.
- Logs: A detailed history of local events, from access attempts to manual system overrides, provides a clear audit trail.
This section of the documentation guides you through each of these steps, ensuring your Fentrica hardware is securely configured and fully operational.