Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions
FAQ
In this FAQ we have summarised the most frequently asked questions about KIS.ME, the KIS.MANAGER and the KIS.ME devices and clearly presented the answers. Click on the relevant question and the answer will appear just below.
Connection and installation
What cables are needed to connect to the units?
All units have an 8-pin M12 standard connection. Suitable cables can be found from various suppliers and in online shops. A USB adapter cable is only required to configure the units. You receive this with the KIS.ME starter kit. A T-connector is also available with which external sensors can be easily connected. You can find more information here:https://kisme.com/en/hardware/
How can the units be mounted or fixed?
The KIS.BOX and KIS.IO can be screwed down. The units can also be mounted on a top-hat rail or on an aluminium profile. Additional mountings are available for the KIS.LIGHT. You can find the KIS.ME accessories and mounting material here: https://kisme.com/en/hardware/
For further details on installation, please refer to the data sheet of the respective unit.
How can the digital outputs and inputs be wired?
The outputs and inputs are 24V-tolerant and can process digital signals (high/low). Analogue signals cannot be processed. Attention: The outputs may only be loaded with a limited current. The technical details can be found in the data sheet of the respective unit: https://kisme.com/hardware/
Which power supply is necessary?
The KIS.ME units can be supplied with 24V (DC) or 5V (DC). With a 5V supply, however, the digital inputs and outputs are not available. Technical details can be found in the data sheet: https://kisme.com/en/hardware/
Infrastructure
What approval do the units have and where may they be operated?
The units comply with CE conformity and European radio approval (ETSI) and may therefore be operated in Europe (except UK).
Can devices from other providers be integrated?
Yes, it is possible to integrate other devices. However, this is only possible indirectly by using the inputs and outputs of the KIS.ME units. This allows signals from other devices or systems to be detected and processed.
What infrastructure is required?
A WLAN network is required to operate the KIS.ME units. It is preferable if the devices are integrated into an existing guest WLAN network or VLAN. This means that the devices are virtually separated from the actual company network. Further information on integration into the existing company network is described in the Integration Guide https://kisme.com/en/manuals/
In addition, a power supply of either 24V (DCV) or 5V (DC) (e.g. smartphone power supply unit) is required.
What is the latency or response time?
An efficient MQTT protocol is used to enable the shortest possible response times. However, the latency depends on the overall system (KIS.ME device -> Access-Point -> Router -> KIS.MANAGER -> and back). Therefore, no exact reaction time can be given. Experience shows that the time is usually less than one second.
Is local operation (without cloud) possible?
Currently, purely local operation without a cloud connection is not possible. The cloud connection has the advantage that the KIS.ME units can be provided with a firmware update at any time if this is required (e.g. to integrate new functionalities or to close security gaps). In addition, the cloud connection allows access to your data from any internet-enabled device. This gives you insight into your data at any time and from anywhere in the world.
Is a connection to ERP or MES systems possible?
Yes. KIS.ME has a simple REST API that makes it possible to access your data with third-party systems. With the KIS.API, for example, all devices, data points and key figures can be read out from the KIS.MANAGER. The triggering of rules is also possible.
This means that third-party systems, such as ERP or MES systems, can also be connected. You can find the complete documentation for the KIS.API here: https://docs.kisme.com/
Which WLAN encryption is supported?
All devices support the WPA2-PSK (CCMP) method. All that is required is the SSID and password of the WLAN network.
How can the devices be integrated into an existing infrastructure?
A 2.4 GHz WLAN network is required. The WPA2-PSK (CCMP) method is supported. To virtually separate the devices from the company network, it is recommended to integrate the devices into a guest WLAN network or VLAN. A file with the WLAN access data can be created at https://onboarding.kisme.com/en/ This file can be copied to the KIS.ME units via USB. In this way, the devices can establish a connection to their own WLAN network. Further information on integration into the existing company network is described in the Integration Guide https://kisme.com/en/manuals/
Portal - KIS.MANAGER
Which browser is supported?
The following browsers are recommended: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge
How can e-mails be sent?
In the menu item 'Portal Admin - Notification Templates', e-mail templates can be set up. However, this function is only available to admin users. These email templates can then be used as actions in the rule engine.
How can rules be created to control the units?
In each asset group or in each workspace, so-called 'if-then' rules can be created in the menu item 'Rule-Engine'. All assets that are in this asset group can be used. Likewise, conditions can be used for targeted control and monitoring of the rules. Step-by-step instructions can be found in the tutorials: https://kisme.com/en/support/tutorials/
How can I calculate key figures?
KPIs can be defined for each device or asset.. This is done via calculation formulas. It can also be defined in which cycle the calculation should take place. The KPIs are displayed or visualised on the dashboard (either of the asset or the asset group). This is done via widgets, which offer a variety of possibilities. Detailed information on the KPI calculation can be found in the KPI manual under the following link: https://kisme.com/en/manuals/
Detailed tutorial videos are also available that describe step by step how to analyse and display KPIs: https://kisme.com/en/support/tutorials/
Is it possible to send an SMS?
Currently, only e-mail dispatch is possible. This can also be used to trigger messaging services such as Microsoft Teams.
How can I upload a shop floor plan?
Any type of SVG graphics can be used in the dashboard. A graphic file must therefore be converted into an SVG graphic beforehand. Various free online tools are available for this purpose. The SVG graphic can be uploaded in the Dashboard settings.
How can third-party systems communicate with KIS.MANAGER?
KIS.ME has a simple REST API that allows it to communicate with third-party systems. With the KIS.API, for example, all devices, data points and key figures can be read out from the KIS.MANAGER. The triggering of rules is also possible. You can find the complete documentation for the KIS.API here: https://docs.kisme.com/
How can I add more users to my account?
By registering at https://register.kisme.com/, you can create your own company account, including of an admin user. The admin has the possibility to create further users with different rights in the KIS.MANAGER under 'User administration'. There is no limit to the number of users.
Registration and onboarding
How do I get my WLAN access data onto a device?
A file with the WLAN access data can be created at https://onboarding.kisme.com/en/ This file can be copied to the KIS.ME units via USB. In this way, the devices can establish a connection to their own WLAN network. The matching USB cable is available with the starter kit. Further information on integration into the existing company network is described in the Integration Guide https://kisme.com/en/manuals/
How can I log in?
You can register as a new customer at https://register.kisme.com/ This gives you your own company account and access to KIS.MANAGER. You can then log into KIS.MANAGER with your personal access data: https://kismanager.kisme.com/.
Updates
When and how are updates made available?
If updates are necessary for the KIS.ME devices, they will be provided by RAFI. The update process runs completely autonomously 'over-the-air'. Depending on the licence level, the time when the update is carried out can be set individually. Updates from HIS.MANAGER are carried out automatically in the background. In addition, the admin user is informed about the provision of new updates by e-mail.
User administration, rights and roles
Why are devices or assets not visible to all users?
Devices or assets can be assigned to different asset groups or workspaces. Each user can be assigned different rights or roles. This controls the visibility of the devices or assets. Further information on user administration can be found in the tutorial videos: https://kisme.com/en/support/tutorials/
How can new users be created?
New users can be created directly in KIS.MANAGER under the menu item 'User Management'. However, this function is only available to the admin. New users can be given different rights and roles.
Contracts and licences
What personal data is stored and how is data protection complied with?
Only your registration data will be stored in accordance with the applicable data protection regulations in line with the DSGVO.
What licences are there and how do they differ?
The trial licence is free of charge and allows 90 days of use. When purchasing a starter kit, the KIS.MANAGER licence L is available for 6 months. A paid licence is required for permanent use. Details can be found under https://kisme.com/en/prices/
How long is the contract period?
The contract term is always until the end of the year with a 3-month notice period. If no notice of termination is given, the contract is extended by 12 months. If the contract starts in the second half of the year, the term is extended until the end of the following year.