Technical Components of ASMU: From Sensors to Cloud Technologies

Automated Systems for Monitoring and Control (ASMU) are an integral part of modern facilities. They monitor critical parameters, ensure safety, optimize resources, and enable rapid response to threats or equipment deviations.

To fully appreciate the potential of such a system, it’s worth examining its structure — from simple sensors to intelligent cloud analytics.

Purpose of ASMU

ASMU provides continuous monitoring of engineering systems and technological processes, analyzes data in real time, and automates responses to events. This enables:

• prevention of accidents and risks to people,
• uninterrupted equipment operation,
• reduction of energy and maintenance costs,
• minimization of human error,
• remote facility management.

Core Components of ASMU

1. Sensors and Detectors — the “eyes” of the system

These devices capture changes in environmental or equipment parameters. Common types include:

• temperature and smoke detectors,
• gas analyzers and humidity sensors,
• motion, door-open, and leak sensors,
• vibration, current, and pressure sensors.

The overall system performance largely depends on sensor quality and correct placement.

2. Controllers — local intelligence of the system

Controllers receive signals from sensors, analyze them, and execute pre-programmed logic. For example:

• activating ventilation when CO₂ levels exceed limits,
• shutting off gas supply,
• triggering alerts or emergency modes,
• sending signals to operators or dispatch centers.

Even without server connection, controllers operate autonomously.

3. Communication Infrastructure

Data exchange between components occurs via wired interfaces (Ethernet, RS-485, fiber optics) or wireless technologies (Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, radio channels).

Key requirements: reliability, security, and redundancy. A failure in data transmission can halt processes or endanger safety.

4. Servers and Software Platforms

All data from controllers flows to a central server or dispatch platform, where it is:

• aggregated and stored,
• displayed in user-friendly interfaces,
• logged as event history,
• used by control algorithms and integrated with other building systems.

This is the level of strategic facility oversight.

5. Cloud Services and Analytics

Modern systems increasingly extend beyond local infrastructure. Cloud solutions enable:

• monitoring from anywhere,
• data backups,
• predictive failure analytics,
• system scaling without hardware upgrades.

This transforms ASMU into a tool not only for control, but also for development and optimization.

How System Components Interact

ASMU operates through sequential interaction:

sensors detect parameters → controllers process signals → the system executes programmed responses → the server analyzes data and notifies personnel → cloud services engage as needed.

This hierarchy combines the speed of local response with the strategic capabilities of centralized management.

Common Implementation Mistakes

The most frequent issues arise when systems are designed partially or without considering facility specifics. Typical errors include incorrect sensor selection, lack of network redundancy, insufficient cybersecurity, or poor subsystem integration. Equally important are staff training and regular technical maintenance.