Lighting and traffic products manufacturer Mallatite approached AdvaNova for a modern solution to remote-controlled school safety systems.
West Midlands-based Mallatite contacted AdvaNova after we worked with their sister company, Prolectric. The company produces a range of traffic products and signage, including lighting, signal poles and road maintenance materials. In January 2023, they approached AdvaNova for consultancy on IoT platforms to remotely control traffic lighting systems.
Mallatite needed a hardware platform that would allow them to change settings on a range of traffic lighting systems in Angus, Scotland. The project would involve 134 light control systems outside primary schools between Dundee and Aberdeen, making safety a top priority.
The company would be working with their own end customer, Angus Council. As a result, the AdvaNova team needed to liaise with multiple stakeholders to ensure the technology was installed correctly and operating as it should.
On top of this, Angus Council were working to strict deadlines. Mallatite initially approached AdvaNova in January 2023 and would need a full installation in a matter of weeks.
We installed our off-the-shelf IoT platform in Angus Council’s flashing school lights, upgrading their existing system. Previously, the council had relied on out-of-date technology that could not be controlled remotely.
Our pre-existing technology could integrate with Mallatite’s new light control systems, allowing the council to change light settings remotely. The system works by connecting to a cloud server, offering enhanced security and accessibility with a simple internet connection.
We provided Mallatite with documentation, empowering them to wire our product to their lighting solutions without the need for ongoing support. While we were on hand via telephone during the initial installation phase, the system could be customised based on their own requirements. We also developed a portal to monitor how the hubs were performing.
Angus Council needed a safe, reliable solution installed within a matter of weeks. Working with Mallatite’s new traffic lighting system, we were able to roll out the project throughout 134 units in just a month and a half. Our staff were on hand to update software remotely, allowing for a quick and simple integration.
The project posed a number of challenges, but our off-the-shelf solution was developed to integrate with systems like this, thereby minimising disruption. In particular, the Angus area is relatively remote, so we had to overcome signal challenges.
Likewise, we had to liaise not only with Mallatite but with Angus Council to ensure everybody understood how to use the product. As a result, Angus Council can now remotely control flashing lights outside 134 crossings in the area. This has allowed them to switch off the lights during ‘off’ periods, such as out of term time. The remote monitoring also improves uptime without costly on-site maintenance, ensuring children’s safety throughout the school year.
Angus Council were thrilled with the results and Mallatite are pleased to upgrade their client to a modern, reliable solution. Kishan Ram, Research and Development Manager at Mallatite, said:
“We knew we could rely on AdvaNova after their outstanding consultancy work with Prolectric. We had a tricky brief, with lots of stakeholders and potential points of error, but AdvaNova’s solution fit the bill. We’re very happy with the speed and quality of the project.”
Here at AdvaNova Consultancy we offer a range of services including end-to-end design and manufacture, testing or layout, PCB production & testing and more. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss any project.
