Things Sentral

BRIEF TECHNOLOGY

ThingSentral (formerly ThingsMatrix) is a cloud-based data acquisition platform designed for Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 applications. It allows users to customize projects and dashboards while collecting data from various input devices through a lightweight protocol using HTTP GET/POST and RESTful communication. Unique for its ability to run even on low-power devices like Raspberry Pi, it operates as a self-contained web server — unlike more complex existing platforms that require high-end servers. The platform consists of three layers: input, processing, and archiving, and was originally derived from a previous system called CA-SCADA. While useful for industrial settings, it also targets educational use, especially among schoolchildren, by offering an accessible and low-cost IoT experience

INSPIRATION OF THE INVENTION

The inspiration for ThingsSentral stemmed from the need to develop a simplified, low-cost, and user-friendly cloud-based data acquisition system that could be easily deployed even on devices with limited computing power, such as Raspberry Pi. The idea originated during the development of an earlier project, CA-SCADA, funded by the Dana Inovasi 2017 grant. The team recognized that existing systems were too complex and resource-intensive, making them inaccessible for smaller industries, educational institutions, and embedded applications. This led to the evolution of the platform into ThingsMatrix, later renamed ThingsSentral, with the goal of democratizing access to IoT and Industry 4.0 technologies.

PROBLEM STATEMENT & CURRENT ISSUES

Existing cloud-based data acquisition (DAQ) platforms are often complex, resource-heavy, and difficult to set up, requiring high computing power and dedicated servers. This makes them unsuitable for small-scale applications, such as in schools, embedded systems, or low-cost industrial setups. Moreover, most platforms use PHP-based architectures, limiting flexibility and portability. These limitations create a barrier for educational use, small businesses, and hobbyists to explore and implement IoT and Industry 4.0 solutions affordably and effectively. There was a clear need for a lightweight, standalone, and easily configurable DAQ solution that can operate on low-power devices while still providing robust functionality.

INVENTIVENESS  & NOVELTY

The inventiveness of ThingsSentral lies in its lightweight, self-hosted web-based architecture that enables cloud-based data acquisition on low-power devices such as Raspberry Pi or other embedded systems—something not feasible with conventional DAQ platforms. Unlike typical PHP-based systems that require complex server environments, ThingsSentral integrates a built-in webserver and employs a custom data transfer protocol (ThingsMatrix protocol) using standard HTTP GET/POST and RESTful approaches. Its modular structure with three functional layers—input, processing, and archiving—ensures flexibility and customization by users. This makes it portable, easy to use, and scalable, opening up affordable access to IoT and IR4.0 technologies, particularly in educational and small-scale industrial contexts.

USEFULNESS & APPLICATION

ThingsSentral is highly useful as a cloud-based data acquisition platform that enables real-time monitoring and control of IoT devices. Its lightweight and customizable design allows it to be deployed on various hardware platforms, including single-board computers and embedded systems, making it ideal for educational purposes, research, prototyping, and small-scale industrial automation. It supports multiple input devices and offers a user-friendly dashboard for project visualization and data interaction. The platform is especially beneficial for schools, universities, factories, and smart building applications, where users require a cost-effective, scalable, and accessible solution to explore and implement IoT and Industry 4.0 concepts.

IMPACT OF THE PRODUCT

has the potential to significantly **democratize access to IoT and Industry 4.0 technologies** by providing an affordable, easy-to-use, and low-resource platform for data acquisition and monitoring. Its ability to run on low-powered devices allows **educators, students, researchers, and small industries** to implement smart systems without the need for expensive infrastructure. By empowering schoolchildren and students with hands-on experience in real-time data systems, it supports **STEM education and digital skills development**. In industry, it can streamline **data collection, remote monitoring, and automation**, especially for SMEs with limited budgets. Overall, the product promotes wider adoption of digital transformation across multiple sectors.

MARKET POTENTIAL 

ThingsSentral holds strong market potential in both the educational and industrial sectors. In education, it offers a low-cost, scalable solution for teaching IoT, embedded systems, and data acquisition, making it ideal for schools, colleges, and universities aiming to integrate Industry 4.0 concepts into their curricula. In industry, particularly SMEs, factories, and smart building management, ThingsSentral serves as a practical and affordable platform for monitoring, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Its simplicity and compatibility with low-power devices give it a competitive edge over traditional, server-heavy platforms. With the growing demand for IoT solutions and digital transformation, ThingsSentral is well-positioned to capture interest from both technology adopters and educators seeking reliable, cost-effective tools.

TRL : 8