What is the price of IoT gateway? Explanation with not only actual examples but also a list of product manufacturers

"How much does an IoT gateway cost?"
"I want to know what to check for IoT gateways."

As IoT is being introduced, some people who are selecting an IoT gateway may have questions like those above. Prices of IoT gateways vary depending on the product, so you need to choose a product while also taking into account the budget you have available for IoT implementation.

However, when introducing an IoT gateway that is suited to your company, it is important to check multiple factors other than price. If you focus only on price, you may run into problems such as a lack of functionality or being unable to install it as you wish.

Therefore, in this article, we will not only provide examples of IoT gateway product prices, but also explain other points to check besides price and IoT gateway manufacturers. If you are having trouble choosing an IoT gateway, please refer to this article.

The product price of an IoT gateway is generally said to be between 10,000 and 1 million yen. Here we will explain by quoting actual product prices.

• IoT Gateway Product Price Example 1
• IoT Gateway Product Price Example 2
• IoT Gateway Product Price Example 3

IoT gateways designed for installation in existing facilities had product prices ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 yen.The price range and delivery time are as follows:

*The above prices are for reference only. Prices may vary depending on features and terms of use.

PLC is an abbreviation for "Programmable Logic Controller" and is a circuit control device. When installing an IoT gateway on a PLC, it may be necessary to reprogram it to support the product. In that case, programming costs will be incurred and it will take time to implement.

The above products do not require programming when connecting to existing equipment. This eliminates the cost and effort of programming, allowing for smooth implementation.

In addition, this product can connect up to eight units to existing equipment, allowing it to collect 1,000 pieces of data at once. These capabilities will enable efficient data collection.

IoT Gateway Product Price Example 2

IoT gateway products can cost anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 yen.

*The above prices are for reference only. Prices may vary depending on features and terms of use.

The above products are from the same series as the products mentioned above. They share the same features, such as the ability to connect to existing equipment without programming and the ability to be installed in a short period of time. However, the number of units that can be connected and the amount of data that can be collected are different.

While the price is cheaper, the number of devices that can be connected and the amount of data that can be collected at one time are reduced. If you only have a few devices to connect, you can keep the price down.

IoT Gateway Product Price Example 3

There are other IoT gateway products available in the price range of around 10,000 to 100,000 yen.The specific price ranges and delivery times are as follows:

*The above prices are for reference only. Prices may vary depending on features and terms of use.

The price range and delivery time are the same as option 2, but there are actually big differences in the countries where it is available.

Therefore, if you are using it in the United States or Spain, you should use option 3. This shows that when checking IoT gateway products, you need to pay attention not only to the price but also to the countries that they are compatible with. Please be careful.

IoT Gateway Checkpoints Other Than Price

We mentioned earlier that you should be careful about which countries are supported, but there are other things you should check. Here are eight things to check for your IoT gateway:

• Seller
• Power supply
• Number of Interfaces
• power consumption
• Operating temperature limit
• Size and weight
• Implementation track record
• deadline

Seller

When choosing an IoT gateway, check the seller.It is important to buy from a trusted seller.

IoT gateways are sold by a variety of companies. The main companies are described below, but each company has different products and price ranges, as well as different product quality and support systems. It is necessary to proceed with the introduction while consulting with the companies about the optimal combination with the IoT system and the installation method.

If a company responds to your requests and inquiries with kindness and makes appropriate proposals, you can trust them with confidence. It is also important to receive clear explanations when you ask about unclear points regarding the implementation process and costs. When choosing an IoT gateway, pay attention to these interactions with the seller and determine whether the seller is trustworthy.

Power supply

The power supply of the IoT gateway is also something to check.The installation location and method must be considered depending on the type of power supply.

There are two types of power sources for IoT gateways: external power sources that draw power from an external source, and internal power sources that have a built-in power supply inside the device. With external power sources, the device is powered by being plugged into an outlet. If the external power supply is cut off, the power will be turned off. With internal power sources, the device itself has a built-in power supply, so there is no need to draw power from an external source.

Since securing a power source is essential to operate the device, it is important to check the power supply and consider the installation method. When choosing an IoT gateway, first decide on the installation location, and then consider securing a power source based on the product's power supply.

*Some products are equipped with both an external and an internal power supply.

Number of Interfaces

When choosing an IoT gateway, be sure to check the number of interfaces.The more interfaces there are, the more flexible the response becomes.

IoT devices use a variety of communication protocols and data formats, so it is preferable for an IoT gateway to have a variety of interfaces so that it can be compatible with many IoT devices.

For example, a large factory or building management system may have hundreds or even thousands of sensors and devices, requiring a corresponding number of interfaces to accommodate them.

If there is a possibility that the system will be expanded, it is important to choose a gateway with a sufficient number of interfaces. Scalability must be considered to accommodate business growth and technological evolution.

When selecting a router, check the type and number of interfaces of the devices you want to connect, and then choose one that has the required number of interfaces or that can be expanded.

If you can't find one with the number of interfaces you need, you can use a device that allows connections in a different shape. Choose a USB converter, conversion hub, or other device that suits your needs and equipment.

power consumption

Power consumption is also something to check when choosing an IoT gateway.Operational costs vary depending on the amount of power consumed.

If the power consumption is high, then a correspondingly large power supply is required. Even if the power consumption of a single IoT gateway is low, installing multiple gateways will increase the cost of electricity. However, if you are running IoT devices continuously for purposes such as equipment monitoring or remote operation, it will be difficult to shut them down to reduce costs.

If the power consumption is low, you can keep your electricity bill down even if you run it all the time. This will reduce your monthly electricity bill and ease the financial burden. Choose a power source that consumes little power, taking into consideration the running costs after installation and the risks of power outages.

If you can't find anything that consumes less power, you can reduce power consumption by reducing the number of devices you introduce. Review the installation location and method, and consider whether you can introduce IoT with fewer devices.

Operating temperature limit

When choosing an IoT gateway, be sure to also check the operating temperature range*.

*The operating temperature range refers to the range of ambient temperatures within which an electronic device can be used continuously without malfunction.

Depending on the operating temperature range, the product may not be suitable for the environment.

For example, IoT devices are often installed near factory equipment to monitor and remotely operate the equipment. Some equipment can become hot during operation. When operating in environments such as refrigerated or frozen warehouses, the equipment may be exposed to low temperatures.

If the device is continuously exposed to high or low temperatures that exceed the operating temperature range, it may break down or malfunction. In some cases, this may shorten the product's lifespan. To operate the IoT gateway properly, it is necessary to check whether it can handle the ambient temperature of the place where you want to install it.

If you cannot find anything that falls within the operating temperature range, you can adjust the air conditioning around the equipment to keep it within the operating temperature range. In some cases, it may be important to consider changing the installation location to a place where the temperature falls within the operating temperature range.

Size and weight

The size and weight of an IoT gateway are also points to check when choosing one.You need to choose a size and weight that is appropriate for the space you want to install it in.

If the size of the IoT gateway is too large for the installation location, the device will not fit and installation will be impossible. Also, when installing an IoT gateway on a wall or pole, it will need to be secured with a band or something similar. However, if the weight is too heavy, it may be difficult to secure it and installation may not be possible.

When choosing an IoT gateway, it is important to choose one that is the right size and weight for the installation location and method. Check the size and weight that can be placed in advance, and choose a product that fits within that range. If you cannot find one that fits in the installation location, reconsider the installation location and method.

Implementation track record

When choosing an IoT gateway, be sure to check the company's track record of implementation.If a product has a proven track record, it becomes easier to verify its reliability.

If a product has no proven track record, it is difficult to imagine what kind of effect it will have. Even if the product's features and detailed information suggest good performance, you may not achieve the results you expect. You may not be able to fully trust the product and may feel uneasy.

If there is a track record of implementation, you can see that the product is actually being used in companies. The more track records there are, the more reliable the product is that it is being used by many companies. This allows you to proceed with preparations for implementation with peace of mind.

When checking the implementation record, it is a good idea to first check whether the product has been implemented by other companies in the same industry. If they are in the same industry, they are likely to have implemented the product in an environment similar to your own, making it easier to imagine it in your own company.

In this case, the following points should be checked in the implementation history:

• Issues faced before implementation
• Reasons for adoption
• Effects of the introduction
• Time and cost required for implementation

By checking the above information, you will be able to easily imagine how to utilize the product if it is introduced in your company. Case studies are posted on the product or company's website, brochures, etc. Check them out to get a clear image of how to use the product.

deadline

The delivery date of the IoT gateway is also a checkpoint.By checking the delivery date, you can greatly increase the chances of being able to use IoT at the desired time.

If the delivery date for the IoT gateway is unclear, it may affect the schedule for building and operating the IoT system. If the delivery date for the IoT gateway is later than expected, the start of operation may also be delayed.

When selecting an IoT gateway, check the delivery date, taking into consideration when you will start using IoT. It is important to calculate backwards from the start date of operation and consider the inspection date for the IoT gateway.

The following factors may cause delivery times to fluctuate:

• Number of units installed
• Equipment installation work
• Difficulty of building the system

If there are a lot of units installed, the number of units that the distributor must secure will increase. Since production may begin after receiving an order, it may be necessary to limit the number of units or place an order early.

The installation of equipment and system construction also affect the delivery time. You can shorten the delivery time by choosing equipment that requires little installation time or easy system construction.

List of IoT Gateway Manufacturers

We will explain the following six IoT gateway manufacturers.

• Platt Home Co., Ltd.
• Advantec Corporation
• Advanet Inc.
• Schneider Electric
• OPTEX Co., Ltd.
• Conexio Corporation

Platt Home Co., Ltd.

Platt Home Co., Ltd. is an IT company established in 1993 that sells computer-related products and provides system solutions.Based on our extensive experience and track record, we provide optimal solutions to meet our customers' needs, and in recent years we have also been focusing on the IoT field.

Our in-house developed "OpenBlocks IoT" can connect to a variety of sensors from major manufacturers, including temperature and humidity, air pressure, illuminance, UV, noise, VOC, CO2, PM2.5, labor, and electricity. In addition, it can connect to almost all major clouds just by configuring it on a web browser.

Advantec Corporation

Advantech Co., Ltd. is a Taiwanese company that develops industrial software and computers.We have been involved in the development and sale of industrial electronic circuit boards and embedded computers, etc. In the field of IoT gateways, we produce products such as CPU-equipped gateways that can process data and industrial protocol gateways.

In addition to IoT gateways, the company also handles a wide range of industrial electronic devices, developing products that can be used in a variety of settings, such as factories and infrastructure. It is a global company that has branches not only in Taiwan, but also in Japan, the UK, and other parts of the world.

Advanet Inc.

Advanet Co., Ltd. is an industrial equipment manufacturer based in Okayama Prefecture.We produce equipment used in a wide range of fields, including transportation infrastructure, power systems, and medical equipment. Products we offer include IoT gateways that can be installed in automobiles and trains, and products that support edge computing.

We value Japanese "manufacturing" and have built a consistent support system from development to quality control, achieving reliability by producing products that meet customer needs.

In addition, we mainly manufacture in Japan and have established a domestic support system to provide an environment in which customers can do business with peace of mind.

Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric SE is a company based in France.The company develops industrial equipment and systems, and has produced many IoT products. The company was founded in 1836 when the Schneider brothers, its founders, acquired a mine and foundry. In 1999, the company changed its name to its current one and began producing industrial equipment.

The company has a history of over 180 years since its founding, and currently also develops control devices and software.

OPTEX Co., Ltd.

Optex Co., Ltd. is a company headquartered in Shiga Prefecture that develops and sells industrial sensors.We handle various types of sensors, including automatic door sensors and IoT sensors.

The company has a world-leading share in outdoor security sensors and floodlights for surveillance cameras. It also has a top-class domestic market share, and its sensors are used in everyday situations as well as industrial sites. For example, they have been introduced to remotely monitor underpass flooding and visualize congestion in tourist facilities.

Conexio Corporation

Conexio Corporation is a Tokyo-based company that is primarily involved in the telecommunications business.We operate certified shops for Japan's major carriers across the country, and develop corporate solutions that can be used on smartphones and other devices.

As a corporate business, we provide services that package IoT, which helps solve problems on manufacturing sites, as well as IoT gateways, sensors and applications required for IoT.

summary

When choosing an IoT gateway, consider multiple factors, including not only price but also the seller, power consumption, etc. There are many different IoT gateway products on the market, each with different features. In addition to checking the performance of the IoT gateway itself, you need to check its compatibility with the IoT system you are introducing and its suitability for the installation location.Make sure to check whether it has the number of interfaces required to connect to other devices and whether it is small enough to fit in the installation location.

It is also important to choose a gateway that consumes less power to keep electricity costs down, and one that can handle the temperature of the place of use to prevent breakdowns. If you consider the cost burden and risk of breakdowns from the time of implementation, you will be able to find an IoT gateway that is more suitable for your company. If you are having trouble selecting an IoT gateway, please feel free to contact us.