Automation of Facade Lighting and Remote Control is possibel with ThingsLog IoT Monitoring Solutions.
Why DM Chose to Automate
DM Bulgaria, a ThingsLog client, has already implemented projects for remote monitoring of water and electricity consumption in various locations within its retail network. The solutions are deployed primarily in problematic sites like warehouses and mall stores, where utility costs are not clearly allocated and there is no individual metering. Thanks to ThingsLog, DM now receives accurate data on actual consumption in those locations, helping the company gain control over utility spending and improve resource management.
As one of Bulgaria’s leading drugstore chains with dozens of sites across the country, DM faced a recurring logistical and technical challenge: twice a year, during the switch between daylight saving and standard time, each store had to be physically visited by a technician to manually reprogram the mechanical timers controlling facade and signage lighting.
DM was looking for a solution to automate this process and enable centralized control over the facade and advertising lighting systems across all locations. Additionally, they needed a way to monitor in real time whether signage lighting was operational, as outages often went unnoticed for long periods.
ThingsLog’s Remote Control and Energy Monitoring Solution for Outdoor Lighting
ThingsLog proposed the implementation of an IoT-based system for remote lighting control and energy consumption monitoring. The solution includes:
- Automatic time schedule switching based on time zones
- Centralized configuration of lighting operation hours
- Control over two separate electrical circuits – e.g., one for facade lighting and another for signage
This setup is especially beneficial for retail park locations, where branding and general lighting often need to follow different operating hours.
As an added functionality, DM also chose to monitor the energy consumption of advertising installations. A lack of consumption data serves as an indirect yet valuable signal that a sign may not be functioning properly.
Centralized Remote Lighting Management – No Manual Adjustments, No Technician Visits
The system has fully eliminated the need for on-site visits just to adjust lighting schedules. DM now centrally manages lighting hours across its network, with the flexibility to apply schedules individually or in groups, depending on the location or campaign.
This solution:
- Saves time
- Reduces operational costs
- Minimizes human error
It also supports greater energy efficiency – by controlling when lights turn on or off with precision, and using consumption analytics to optimize usage.
The solution has already been implemented in several dozen DM locations, with the potential to scale across the company’s entire network in Bulgaria.
ThingsLog’s Remote Monitoring and Control Solutions
ThingsLog empowers retail chains like DM to move from manual to automated operations, and from reactive to proactive control. This shift not only streamlines processes, but also contributes to more sustainable and efficient store operations.
If you’d like to learn how ThingsLog can optimize processes for your business, get in touch with us at: sale@tcotoolbox.com
