- Date: August 17, 2023
- Categories: AzureDevelopment
Background
The automotive industry continually seeks innovative solutions for quality control and diagnostics. Our client, a pioneer in the automotive sector, relied on traditional methods for optical scanning of vehicles but recognized the growing need for real-time, cloud-based monitoring and analysis.
The Challenge
The client aimed to replace their existing vehicle optical scanning unit with an advanced, cloud-managed system that could offer real-time insights, robust control features, and high scalability. The goal was to ensure quicker fault detection, streamline maintenance, and enhance the efficiency of the scanning process.
The Solution
As a Senior Cloud Application Engineer, our approach was multi-faceted, centering on using Azure IoT technologies to meet the client’s needs. Here’s how we did it:
Cloud-Based Control via Azure IoT Edge
Developed a cloud-managed optical scanning unit using Azure IoT Edge Runtime. This allowed control, monitoring, and configuration directly from the cloud, enabling centralized oversight.
Deployment of .Net Core 3.1 IoT Edge Modules
Implemented .Net Core 3.1 IoT Edge modules, which were containerized and deployed via the Azure Container Registry. These modules run the scanning and analysis algorithms and can be updated or replaced on-the-fly via the cloud.
Real-Time Communication via MQTT
Ensured real-time data transfer between the optical scanning units and the cloud using MQTT messaging, enabling immediate fault detection and diagnostic data collection.
Automated Deployment via Azure DevOps
Built fully automated CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps in conjunction with the IoT Hub for quick and seamless feature updates and troubleshooting.
Log Aggregation and Event-Triggered Analysis
Logs from the optical scanning units are aggregated and stored in Azure Blob Storage. An Azure Function is triggered by these storage events to analyze the data and alert the system managers for anomalies or system faults.
Technologies Used
Azure IoT Edge Agent, Azure IoT Hub, Azure Functions, .Net Core 3.1, Docker, Azure DevOps.
The Outcome
By moving to a cloud-managed system, the client has seen remarkable improvements in their vehicle optical scanning processes. They can now monitor operations in real-time, quickly detect and address faults, and easily deploy updates—all from a centralized location. This has led to reduced downtimes, higher system reliability, and greater operational efficiency.
Client Feedback
“Our switch to a cloud-managed optical scanning system has been nothing short of revolutionary. We now have a much clearer picture of our operation in real time, which allows us to make data-driven decisions quickly. This has a direct impact on our bottom line,” stated the Quality Control Manager of the company.
With an Azure IoT-based system, our client is now better equipped to adapt to the rapidly evolving requirements of the automotive industry.