Client problem
A security technology client identified a gap in the digital signage and equipment protection market for a low-cost remote tamper detection and lockout system capable of operating independently without requiring complex cloud infrastructure.
The product needed to:
- Detect unauthorised access to protected equipment cabinets
- Trigger remote alarm notifications
- Remotely enable and disable protection states
- Operate reliably in unattended installations
- Support worldwide deployment using regional GSM hardware variants
- Continue operating during mains power failure
Simplicity, reliability and low operational cost were key commercial requirements for the product.
Solution
Designed and developed a complete standalone embedded security and remote lockout platform combining custom electronics hardware, embedded firmware and GSM communications.
The system incorporated:
- Custom low-power embedded control electronics
- 4G GSM communications
- SMS-based remote monitoring and control
- Multi-input tamper detection
- Relay-controlled equipment lockout
- Battery backup and power monitoring
- Secure PIN-based remote administration
- Regional GSM module support for global deployment
- IP67 enclosure integration for harsh installation environments
The product architecture intentionally avoided cloud infrastructure complexity by using SMS messaging as the primary communication and management interface, significantly reducing deployment and operating costs while improving installation simplicity and long-term reliability.
IBEX Role
- Full electronics hardware design
- System architecture and product specification
- Component selection
- Schematic capture and PCB design
- Embedded firmware development
- GSM communications integration
- Battery charging and backup power design
- Enclosure integration and mechanical interface design
- Prototype development
- Manufacturing documentation and production preparation
- Technical documentation authoring
Technology Stack
- Embedded C/C++
- GSM / 4G communications
- Embedded microcontroller systems
- SMS control protocols
- Battery backup and power management systems
- PCB and embedded hardware design
Challenges Overcome
- Designing a highly reliable unattended embedded platform for remote installations.
- Supporting global GSM deployment through interchangeable regional modem modules.
- Maintaining low hardware and operational costs while preserving reliability
Implementing secure SMS-based remote administration and authentication. - Ensuring continued operation and controlled shutdown behaviour during mains power loss.
- Integrating battery charging, GSM communications and relay control within a compact IP67 enclosure.
- Designing a system simple enough for rapid deployment while remaining flexible for future product expansion.
Outcome
Successfully delivered a complete turnkey hardware and embedded software solution including prototype hardware, manufacturing documentation, firmware and technical manuals.
The resulting platform provided a simple, low-cost and commercially scalable remote tamper detection and lockout solution suitable for worldwide deployment across security-sensitive installations.
