Reference Stories

Centri

Battery-Free Solar Charging for Global Fuel Tank Monitoring

Today, asset monitoring is the necessity within industries that rely on remote operations and real-time data. According to Transforma Insights, by 2032 the number of asset monitoring devices will reach 181 million to mostly increase safety and asset productivity. In the propane industry, the accuracy of consumption levels monitoring and timely refills are part of maintaining operational efficiency.

centri image

1NCE gave us the ability to provide proactive customer support in real time. The fact that our devices are always connected means we can identify and solve problems before our customers even notice them. Proactivity wins the game.

Nick Theoret, CEO , Centri

Background

Centri specializes in monitoring gas, diesel, and propane tank consumption using solar-powered IoT devices that can be mounted on any size bulk storage tank. These devices automatically connect to the cellular network upon activation, eliminating common obstacles such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth pairing issues. With real-time status updates available through Centri’s MyPropane app, users can access proactive support and seamless monitoring of their fuel tanks, ensuring uninterrupted operations.

Challenge

Initially, Centri relied on another connectivity provider to enable its tank monitors to transfer real-time data. However, the high cost of per-SIM monthly fees was inefficient, especially given the minimal data usage required by the devices. Traditional connectivity methods like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth introduced setup challenges, such as pairing issues and requiring users to input Wi-Fi passwords. This created a barrier to seamless operation, which Centri sought to overcome. Additionally, energy consumption is a common challenge for IoT devices, particularly those deployed in remote locations like bulk storage tanks. Many monitoring systems rely on batteries that need frequent replacements, adding complexity and cost to operations. Centri’s innovative solution, paired with 1NCE’s low-power connectivity package, addresses this issue. Our solar-powered monitors achieve an optimal balance between energy consumption and generation, eliminating the need for battery replacements throughout the product's 10-year lifespan. This energy-efficient design is a major competitive advantage in the fuel tank monitoring space.

1NCE Solution

Four years ago, Centri transitioned to 1NCE, finding a seamless 1:1 replacement for its previous setup. With the 1NCE IoT Lifetime Flat license, Centri’s solar-powered fuel tank monitors could be activated immediately—no need for pairing, passwords, or additional manual setup. The devices automatically connect to the cellular network and offer global roaming, making them ideal for customers across various markets. 1NCE’s REST API also enabled Centri to streamline operations by managing SIM cards and monitoring device statuses directly within its system. This reduced operational complexity and allowed Centri to focus on delivering excellent customer support. With 1NCE’s affordable, global connectivity, and the elimination of complex setup issues, Centri has enhanced its customer experience, delivered proactive support, and expanded its services into new markets

Related Reference Stories

TOPFLYtech

Transportation with Cost-Effective IoT Connectivity

Explore TOPFLYtech's success in delivering cost-effective and reliable telematics devices for streamlined operations in the ever-evolving transportation industry with 1NCE.

Logistics IoT, IoT Automotive
4G
US

Shower Canary

Smart Showers for a Sustainable Future

Shower Canary - Smart timers for sustainable showers. Save water, energy & money.

Consumer Electronics IoT, IoT Utilities
2G, 3G, 4G
New Zealand

Hildebrand

Intelligent Energy Management

Hildebrand, a leading energy metering company, uses 1NCE NB-IoT powered connectivity for strong signal penetration, boosting operational efficiency by 75%.

IoT Utilities
NB-IoT
United Kingdom

Trackting

Enabling Plug and Play security

Trackting provides IoT connected products that are designed to protect movable personal and business assets, such as motorcycles, scooters and cars.

Logistics IoT
2G, 3G
Italy

ATrack

Worldwide fleet and asset management

The collaboration between ATrack and 1NCE is set to power the industry with innovative solutions. This strategic alliance is all about making things easier for the global telematics and fleet management market.

Logistics IoT
2G, 3G, 4G
Globally

Aircare

Ensuring the perfect indoor well-being

Aircare has developed a climate sensor that evaluates interiors based on essential criteria such as air quality, environmental comfort and electrosmog. Up to 15 sensors create a holistic picture of the environment: whether particulates-, CO2 or VOC concentrations, humidity, temperature, noise or light.

Consumer Electronics IoT
2G, 3G, 4G, NB-IoT
Italy

Druid

Wildlife and Livestock Tracking

Established in 2015, Druid Technology is a Chinese company that focuses on crafting a variety of trackers for different animal species.

Logistics IoT, Smart Agriculture IoT
2G, 3G, 4G, LTE-M
China

azeti

Remote water leakage monitoring

The IoT solution provider azeti is a pioneer in the field of machine and sensor data evaluation. Together with 1NCE, azeti has developed an NB-IoT based remote water leakage monitoring solution. It helps to detect and prevent damage caused by water leakages...

Industrial Automation IoT
NB-IoT
DACH

1NCE Shop

Buy the 1NCE IoT Lifetime Flat now

Visit the 1NCE Shop and start connecting your IoT devices easily. Simply order your IoT SIM cards, choose the desired type of IoT SIM card and fill out all required forms. After the payment has been approved you get your cards within two to three business days. 

Newsletter

Get the latest news and IoT use cases