Over-the-air updates for compressors
What are over-the-air updates for compressors and how do they work?
Over-the-air (OTA) updates are wirelessly transmitted improvements to the software of state-of-the-art devices. They are a convenient and efficient way – for both manufacturers and end users – to keep these products up-to-date.
Most people are familiar with over-the-air updates through those they periodically receive for their smartphones – for example when a newer version of an operating system can be installed. However, with the increase in high-tech equipment that is online, also known as the Internet of Things (IoT), there are now all kinds of devices that can receive OTA updates – from those as small as smart watches to cars. And now, for the first time, there are even compressors equipped to receive OTA updates.
What does an OTA update do?
In short, an OTA update improves an existing product. It might be more accurate to say that it further improves an existing product – because devices equipped to receive OTA updates often already are high-quality.
In the case of a phone or an app, the OTA update might fix a bug or add a new feature. In the case of a compressor with OTA capability, it could tweak or add an energy-efficiency algorithm and save its users a lot of money.
How does an OTA update work?
When a manufacturer has developed an upgrade for one of its products, it can send it to all its customers using a Wi-Fi or mobile broadband connection (obviously only if the device is equipped to receive such signals).
In the past, the end user had to connect the device to a computer to manually conduct the update. That is not much of a problem in the case of a phone, but it can be more time-consuming – and therefore costly – when the device is very large or difficult to access, for example when a car has to be taken in to the dealership to get an upgrade. Now, thanks to the OTA technology, the user only has to push a button to start the update.
Depending on the device and customer preferences, an update can be installed automatically or require the consent of its users.
What are the benefits of OTA updates?
OTA updates are beneficial for manufacturers and end users alike. Let’s take the example of a sophisticated, cutting-edge compressor: A manufacturer keeps developing the product and comes up with a new feature, algorithm or a tweak that can improve the compressor’s performance. While the company can install this update in new compressors, what about those that are already in circulation?
After all, the manufacturer also wants all of its customers to benefit from the update and not disadvantage those who purchased their compressor already.
In this case, an over-the-air update is the optimal way to upgrade the product. All the manufacturer has to do is notify its customers that the update is available and then give them the option of downloading it.
End users, on the other hand, want to get the most out of their device and will usually be happy to install an update for two main reasons.
By ensuring that the compressor does not miss out on future updates, a customer can ensure that the performance of their device is optimized. But there is another benefit: Like cars, compressors used to lose a large percentage of their value once they left the lot. However, by being updated frequently, they are retaining more of their value. In essence, OTA updates are creating future-proof compressors.
How to get OTA updates for your compressor
How do you get OTA updates for your compressor? Well, you need a compressor equipped for OTA updates. That means it must have a controller with advanced connectivity that allows for OTA updates. This will be clearly stated in your compressor specifications. Your compressor supplier contact will also be able to tell you.
How secure are OTA updates?
As with any information transmitted via a wireless connection, there is always a concern that it could be the target of hacks or malware attacks. However, if the proper measures are taken, then over-the-air updates are very secure.
That being said, customers should make sure (and demand) that their manufacturer has taken the necessary steps to protect the OTA update and adheres to the highest cybersecurity standards. For example, Atlas Copco, which is the first company to offer OTA updates for compressors, uses the advanced X.509 certificate-based authentication and Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.2 encrypted communication to give its customers complete peace of mind.
In combination with the many benefits they offer, these cybersecurity measures clearly make OTA compressor updates the way of the future.