The connected septic tank:
How Topol-Eco transformed its product and business model with a $35 IoT module
Leveraging a custom, cost-effective sensor to unlock new services, drive efficiency, and create an unbreakable competitive advantage.
The business challenge
Topol-Eco, a manufacturer of biological wastewater treatment stations, faced a competitive and service-intensive market. Their challenges were twofold:
They needed a smart, reliable, and incredibly cost-effective solution.
Our Tailored Solution: The Go!Mer-TE Monitor
UMEC Space designed and delivered the Go!Mer-TE—a purpose-built IoT monitor that transforms any Topol-Eco station into a smart, connected device.
The Integrated Ecosystem We Provided:
Topol-Eco, a manufacturer of biological wastewater treatment stations, faced a competitive and service-intensive market. Their challenges were twofold:
- Differentiate the Product: Stand out in a crowded field with a unique, value-added feature.
- Optimize Service Operations: Shift from reactive, scheduled maintenance to proactive, data-driven service to reduce truck rolls and improve customer satisfaction.
They needed a smart, reliable, and incredibly cost-effective solution.
Our Tailored Solution: The Go!Mer-TE Monitor
UMEC Space designed and delivered the Go!Mer-TE—a purpose-built IoT monitor that transforms any Topol-Eco station into a smart, connected device.
- Key Device Capabilities & Specifications:
- Core Monitoring: Tracks liquid level to prevent overflows, monitors lid status (open/closed), and checks mains voltage (220V).
- Performance Analytics: Monitors compressor performance via power consumption analysis to predict failures.
- Visual Alert: Activates a warning light on the unit in case of an overflow.
- Hardware: Based on the ESP32-C3 chip for reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, designed to fit a standard 4-port junction box for easy installation.
- Cost-Effective: Final device cost of ~$35, making mass deployment economically viable.
The Integrated Ecosystem We Provided:
- Cloud Infrastructure: A secure, scalable backend for data ingestion, processing, and storage.
- White-Label Mobile Application: A branded app for Topol-Eco's end-customers, allowing them to monitor their system's status remotely.
- Service Dashboard: A dedicated interface for Topol-Eco's dispatch team to monitor all installed units, receive real-time alerts, and prioritize service calls.
The Result: A New Paradigm in Facility Management
The introduction of the Go!Mer-TE monitor created value across the entire business.
1. For Topol-Eco (The Manufacturer):
2. For the End-Customer (Homeowner):
Technical Integration:
Transform Your Product with a Smart Connected Solution
This case shows how a minimal hardware investment can redefine a product category and create new business models. Let's build your competitive advantage.
The introduction of the Go!Mer-TE monitor created value across the entire business.
1. For Topol-Eco (The Manufacturer):
- A Powerful Competitive Edge: "Smart Monitoring" became a key selling point, directly influencing purchasing decisions.
- A New Service Revenue Stream: Enabled premium service contracts for proactive monitoring and maintenance.
- Operational Excellence: Service teams dispatch based on actual need and precise diagnostics, reducing costs and improving response times for critical issues.
2. For the End-Customer (Homeowner):
- Peace of Mind: 24/7 remote monitoring eliminates the need for manual checks and provides early warning of problems.
- Enhanced Service: Faster, more informed service from Topol-Eco technicians.
Technical Integration:
- Device: Custom-designed PCB based on ESP32-C3, fitting a standard enclosure.
- Connectivity: Persistent, secure Wi-Fi connection.
- Cloud & Analytics: UMEC Space platform handling data processing, alerting, and API for service integration.
- End-User Software: White-label mobile application ("Topol-Eco Monitor") and service operator dashboard.
Transform Your Product with a Smart Connected Solution
This case shows how a minimal hardware investment can redefine a product category and create new business models. Let's build your competitive advantage.