IoT services: from the sensor to an operated platform
Sensors, machines and dashboards are often already in place, but there is no end-to-end data path and nobody operates the platform. WZ-IT plans LoRaWAN networks, connects PLCs and HMIs securely, develops platforms and apps and operates them in German data centres or on your infrastructure.
The situation
Why IoT projects get stuck after the pilot
Three patterns that come up again and again in IoT projects at mid-sized companies.
Silos instead of a data path
Sensors, gateways, machines and dashboards come from different vendors. The data never reaches ERP, MES or BI, and every extension needs another special solution.
Machines without controlled access
PLCs and HMIs need to be reachable remotely. In practice this often happens through permanently open access instead of roles, sessions and auditing.
Nobody operates it after the pilot
Updates, backups, monitoring and alerting are not in place. When something fails, it is unclear who responds.
Services
IoT services from the sensor to the application
You can start with one defined building block. Devices, radio, platform, applications and operations are planned so that they grow into one connected system.
LoRaWAN networks & sensors
Plan and operate radio networks: gateway positions and coverage from your site data, pre-configured gateways, device onboarding and remote commissioning.
- ChirpStack
- Network planning
- Onboarding
IoT platform development
Multi-tenant platforms on ThingsBoard: custom dashboards, rule engine, white-label and interfaces to ERP, MES and BI.
- Multi-tenant
- White-label
- API
ThingsBoard development & hosting
Rule chains, white-label, API integration and managed hosting for Community and Professional Edition.
- CE
- PE
- Rule chains
Grafana dashboards & monitoring
Dashboards, embedded panels, reports and alerting for IoT data, self-hosted, for example with InfluxDB or Prometheus.
- Dashboards
- Alerting
- InfluxDB
IoT mobile app development
React Native apps for iOS and Android: device pairing, sensor data and push notifications, connected to your platform.
- iOS
- Android
- Push
Hardware & sensors
Vendor-independent selection and procurement of sensors, gateways and controllers, primarily Milesight. Devices arrive pre-configured and tested.
- Milesight
- Pre-staging
- Firmware
OT integration
From PLC to dashboard: connecting machines securely
Connected systems do not end at the sensor. Machines, HMIs and edge sites are connected to your IT and your IoT platform in a controlled way.
PLC & HMI Connectivity
Unlocking the field level: we connect machines and plants to your platform via common industrial protocols such as Modbus or OPC UA.
Edge Gateways
Pre-processing on-site: filter, buffer, and process data locally before it flows into the central platform.
Secure Remote Maintenance
Controlled maintenance access to machines and plants - with roles, sessions, and auditing instead of permanently open access.
Learn moreRemote Management Platforms
Central platforms for accessing HMIs and distributed plant networks - multi-tenant and available as a white-label product.
Learn moreSecure Networking
Connect sites, machine networks, and edge gateways to your IT securely via VPN - segmented and encrypted.
Learn moreOperations & Monitoring
24/7 proactive monitoring for platforms, gateways, and connections - with agreed alerting and response.
Learn moreOur approach
How an IoT project with WZ-IT works
Four steps from the intro call to ongoing operations. You start where your project stands.
- 01
Requirements and target architecture
In the free intro call we clarify the measurement task, sites, devices and goal. In the IoT Architecture Check, radio, data path, platform and operating model are assessed and documented as a target architecture.
View the IoT Architecture Check - 02
Prepare network and hardware
Gateway positions and coverage are planned from your site, building and requirements data. Sensors and gateways arrive pre-configured with firmware, network parameters and payload decoders.
- 03
Integrate the platform
Platform, dashboards, apps and interfaces to ERP or MES are built, devices provisioned and commissioned remotely.
- 04
Operate and extend
Monitoring, updates, backups and incident response run according to the agreed service level. Further sites and functions are added in a controlled way.
The result: an IoT platform that runs and belongs to you
- Managed hosting for ChirpStack, ThingsBoard, Grafana and Node-RED with backups, updates and round-the-clock monitoring
- Alerting and response times according to the agreed service level, for platform, gateways and connections
- Planning around device count, radio coverage, data flow, alerting and operating requirements
- Distributed sites provisioned automatically and managed through one central, multi-tenant platform
- Full access to your databases and export at any time, without vendor lock-in
- Dedicated contact person: you speak directly with the engineer who manages your instance
Result & operations
Open-source stack and hardware we work with every day
We operate open-source IoT platforms as a core service, not as a side project. By default, hosting runs on our infrastructure in German data centres. On request, the platform runs on your infrastructure, including in your own country: the services are delivered remotely and worldwide.
ChirpStack
LoRaWAN network server: gateways, device onboarding, MQTT
Learn more
ThingsBoard
Device management, rule engine, dashboards, SCADA (CE & PE)
Learn more
Grafana
Time-series dashboards, alerting, data sources
Learn more
Node-RED
Data flows, transformation, MQTT routing, webhooks
Learn more
Milesight
Sensors, gateways, routers, controllers, accessories
Learn moreServices & pricing
Starting points for your project, even if it is still open
Whether you start with an assessment, move straight to implementation or hand over operations - every starting point has a defined scope and a stated price. All prices are net and exclude statutory VAT. The offers are addressed to businesses.
IoT Architecture Check
Assess devices, protocols, data flow and platform choice of an IoT project and deliver a documented target architecture with an operations model.
Optional follow-on service: Platform development, secure site connectivity or managed operations.from €1,490 excl. VATView details ConnectVPN Migration Sprint
Migrate existing access in parallel to a controlled secure-access environment with a defined fallback path.
Optional follow-on service: Managed NetBird with a selectable service level.from €2,490 excl. VATView details Expose securelyManaged Cloud Gateway
Expose internal and on-premises web applications through a managed reverse proxy with TLS and a defined access path.
Application operations and private network access remain separate optional modules.from €129.90 excl. VAT / monthView details OperateManaged NetBird
Identity-based access, policies, updates and technical operations for users, servers and sites.
Optionally with Business, Priority or 24/7 service levels.from €349.90 excl. VAT / monthView detailsUse cases
IoT solutions for industry, logistics and municipalities
IoT platforms and infrastructure for companies and organisations across industries, from sensors to dashboards. Practical guides show typical projects in detail.
Industry 4.0
Machine monitoring, predictive maintenance, and production optimization. Secure connectivity via VPN and edge computing. Practical guide: Industry 4.0 in HammLogistics
Asset tracking, cold chain monitoring, and yard management. Cross-location and in real-time. Practical guide: Smart Logistics DortmundSmart City
City-wide LoRaWAN networks, parking management, fill-level sensors, and environmental monitoring. Scalable and multi-tenant.Agriculture
Soil moisture, climate, and light sensors. Battery-powered sensors with years of runtime over LoRaWAN.Healthcare
Temperature monitoring, waiting room management, and room climate. Privacy-focused and camera-free.Campus & research
LoRaWAN networks for universities and research institutions: from proof of concept to production. Practical guide: Campus IoT in Münster
IoT services in North Rhine-Westphalia and worldwide
Regional pages cover architecture, platform integration and managed operations for each economic area. Internationally we deliver remotely: the platform runs in Germany or on customer infrastructure in the respective country.
- Arnsberg · Bad Sassendorf · Bönen · Ense · Fröndenberg/Ruhr · Geseke · Hamm · Holzwickede · Iserlohn · Lippetal · Lippstadt · Menden · Meschede · Möhnesee · Selm · Soest · Sundern · Unna · Warstein · Welver · Werl · Wickede (Ruhr) · Winterberg
- Bad Oeynhausen · Bad Salzuflen · Bielefeld · Bünde · Delbrück · Detmold · Gütersloh · Herford · Lage · Lemgo · Löhne · Minden · Paderborn · Porta Westfalica · Rheda-Wiedenbrück · Rietberg
- Dinslaken · Dormagen · Duisburg · Düsseldorf · Emmerich am Rhein · Erkrath · Essen · Geldern · Goch · Grevenbroich · Haan · Hilden · Kaarst · Kamp-Lintfort · Kempen · Kleve · Korschenbroich · Krefeld · Langenfeld · Meerbusch · Mettmann · Moers · Mönchengladbach · Monheim am Rhein · Mülheim an der Ruhr · Nettetal · Neuss · Oberhausen · Ratingen · Remscheid · Rheinberg · Solingen · Tönisvorst · Velbert · Viersen · Voerde · Wesel · Willich · Wuppertal
- Aachen · Alsdorf · Baesweiler · Bergheim · Bergisch Gladbach · Bonn · Bornheim · Brühl · Düren · Erftstadt · Erkelenz · Eschweiler · Euskirchen · Frechen · Gummersbach · Heinsberg · Hennef · Herzogenrath · Hückelhoven · Hürth · Jülich · Kerpen · Köln · Königswinter · Leverkusen · Lohmar · Mechernich · Niederkassel · Pulheim · Sankt Augustin · Siegburg · Stolberg · Troisdorf · Wermelskirchen · Wesseling · Würselen
- Ahaus · Ahlen · Beckum · Bocholt · Borken · Bottrop · Castrop-Rauxel · Coesfeld · Datteln · Dorsten · Dülmen · Emsdetten · Gelsenkirchen · Gladbeck · Greven · Gronau · Haltern am See · Herten · Ibbenbüren · Marl · Münster · Oelde · Oer-Erkenschwick · Recklinghausen · Rheine · Steinfurt · Waltrop · Warendorf
Reviews & projects
Client feedback and projects worldwide
WZ-IT moved our studio infrastructure from decentralised individual devices to a central platform: every site is securely connected via VPN, new devices are onboarded automatically and an entire site is provisioned from a template, without manual steps on location. What impressed me most is the breadth and depth of their knowledge: Timo and Robin are not a typical IT provider who sets up a server and leaves. The two of them think their way into highly complex infrastructure and software topics, work through every requirement we put in front of them, and build networking, provisioning and operations so that everything fits together in the end. WZ-IT is an excellent partner for complex software, network and architecture projects.
Steve KirchnerManaging Director, nextGYM GmbH
International
Built in Germany's Ruhr Valley. Running worldwide.
WZ-IT designs, develops and operates infrastructure and software for clients in Germany and internationally. We deliver projects remotely and continue supporting them in ongoing operations after go-live.
Selected projects
- LiveRemote access platform for distributed water treatment plantsABCO Water Systems · Australia · Secure Access & OT
- 81%AWS migration with substantially lower operating costsEVA Real Estate · UAE · Cloud exit & infrastructure
- 98%Provision new sites in minutes instead of hoursnextGYM GmbH · Germany · Automation & IoT
Read client reviews
- Integrate a local AI solution
- Virtualize with Managed Proxmox
- Build a high-availability Proxmox cluster
- Secure your Proxmox & backup setup
- Modernize your infrastructure - sovereign
- Plan a sovereign open-source stack
- Modernize your legacy software
- Cut cloud cost - up to −81%
- Design an open-source AI architecture
- Get collaboration fully managed
- Ship your prototype to production
- Connect sites and clusters securely
Knowledge base
In-depth guides on this topic
The knowledge base covers the basics of LoRaWAN, ThingsBoard and IoT architecture.
Guides
In practice
Further starting points
- All services & pricesThe complete service catalogue lists further audits, managed services, local systems and project engagements with their respective pricing or scoping model.
- consulting overviewNot sure yet which starting point fits? The consulting overview shows every starting point from the orientation workshop to a second opinion.
Frequently asked questions about IoT projects and platforms
Services, LoRaWAN, platforms, OT connectivity, hosting and costs
Services & Process
- WZ-IT handles requirements analysis, architecture, hardware selection, LoRaWAN network planning, device provisioning, platform and app development, OT connectivity, system integration and ongoing managed operations.
- It starts with a free intro call and a requirements analysis. This is followed by architecture, hardware selection, radio planning based on your site data, pre-configuration, platform and app development, and remote commissioning. Afterwards, we operate and monitor the agreed infrastructure.
- Yes, as the IoT Architecture Check from €1,490 excl. VAT: devices, radio and protocols, data path, platform and operating model are assessed and documented as a target architecture with an implementation recommendation. The documentation is yours and can be used without subsequent implementation by us. The intro call beforehand is free.
- Yes. We connect machines, PLCs and HMIs via common industrial protocols such as Modbus or OPC UA, set up secure remote maintenance access and develop remote management platforms for central access to HMIs and distributed plant networks, with roles, sessions and auditing.
- For us, IoT means sensors and data platforms: LoRaWAN, MQTT, dashboards and analytics. OT is the world of machines and plants: PLCs, HMIs and industrial protocols. In practice both belong together: we connect machine and sensor data with your IT, from the field level to the dashboard.
LoRaWAN & Hardware
- Primarily Milesight gateways and sensors: CE-marked and widely available worldwide. Depending on requirements, we also integrate hardware from other manufacturers, proprietary or open source, with LoRaWAN, MQTT, HTTP or Modbus interfaces. What matters is that it works reliably and integrates into the stack.
- Yes, that is the most common setup. ChirpStack delivers the LoRaWAN data via MQTT to ThingsBoard, where it is visualised and processed by rules. We set up the integration.
- Yes. Sensors and gateways arrive with pre-set network parameters, payload decoders and current firmware. The devices are aligned with your platform and ready to use.
- That depends on area, buildings, the number of sensors and the coverage required. We plan gateway positions from your site and building data; this determines the number of gateways, the hardware and the operating costs in the proposal. Range and limits of the radio technology are explained in What is LoRaWAN?.
- LoRaWAN protects every message with two AES-128 keys: the network session key protects integrity, the application session key encrypts the payload up to the application server. Secure operation also needs key management, protected gateway access, updates and hardening of the network server and platform; we plan for that as well.
Platform & Development
- That depends on the number of devices, protocols, tenants, required functions and where the platform runs. ChirpStack is the LoRaWAN network server, ThingsBoard covers device management, rule engine and dashboards, Grafana visualises time series; for specific workflows we develop custom applications. The IoT Architecture Check assesses the options and documents a recommendation.
- Yes. Beyond standard dashboards with Grafana and ThingsBoard, we develop custom web apps and mobile apps for specific use cases, for example logistics tracking portals, production cockpits or facility management apps.
- Our core stack: ChirpStack as LoRaWAN network server, ThingsBoard (Community & Professional Edition) for device management, Grafana for visualization, and Node-RED for data flow automation. Custom apps are built with React, Next.js, and React Native.
- Yes. Via REST APIs, MQTT, webhooks, and OPC-UA, we integrate IoT data into existing ERP, MES, and inventory management systems. Interface development is part of our standard service scope.
Hosting & Security
- In German data centres with documented data protection measures. Alternatively, we set up the platform on premises in your data centre or on customer infrastructure in the respective country; the services are delivered remotely and worldwide.
- 24/7 monitoring and the response to P1 incidents are separate services. Service windows and guaranteed response times depend on Essential, Business, Priority, Production or Critical. A specific availability commitment applies only when explicitly agreed.
- Yes. We migrate existing ChirpStack and ThingsBoard instances including databases, device configurations and dashboards. The transition happens with minimal downtime.
Costs & Getting Started
- Costs depend on the platform, the number of devices and the desired service level, and are itemised in full in the proposal. A defined starting point is the IoT Architecture Check from €1,490 excl. VAT.
- The timeline depends on the platform, data sources, integrations, hardware, and operating scope. After the technical assessment, you receive a rollout plan with prerequisites and milestones.
- The minimum term and notice period depend on the operating model and project scope. Both are stated transparently in the proposal.
- Yes. You have full access to your databases and can perform a complete export at any time. No vendor lock-in.
- Yes. We design and develop multi-tenant platforms for multiple locations, with location-specific dashboards, access controls and their own alerting.
Enquiry
Request a technical assessment of your IoT project
Describe devices, locations, data flow, and the required outcome.
- Straight with Timo and Robin - no sales team, no pitch
- An honest take, including when we are not the right fit
- Concrete next steps for infrastructure, software or AI
No risk: worst case, you leave with a clearer understanding of your project than before.
WZ-IT's advice on our Azure migration was technically sound and completely non-binding right from the intro call - we took away a great deal.