2. Installing the Gateway
Fixed Plant Gateway Installation Requirements and Considerations
Overview
This article provides an overview of the requirements and considerations for installing a Fixed Plant Gateway as part of the GreaseBoss Manual Lubrication Monitoring Solution.
The Fixed Plant Gateway is an access point which provides the communication link between the Manual Lubrication Monitoring Head Unit and the GreaseBoss Cloud. Correct gateway placement and configuration are essential to ensure lubrication data can be synchronised reliably.
This article is intended to assist with planning and preparation prior to installation. For detailed installation instructions, refer to the relevant gateway installation guide.
Purpose of the Fixed Plant Gateway
The Fixed Plant Gateway enables lubrication data collected by the Head Unit to be synchronised with the GreaseBoss Cloud.
As lubrication activities are completed, the Head Unit records the required information. When the Head Unit is connected to it’s charger unit at the end of a shift or between shifts, it wirelessly syncs with the Gateway when and transfers the lubrication data to it to then be transferred over a selected network to the Cloud.
To support this, the Gateway should be installed within close proximity of where the Head Unit will be kept between shifts and charging, and also in a location where it can connect to the selected network path (ie; 4G LTE, WiFi, Ethernet, Etc)
Site Assessment Requirements
Before installation, a site assessment should be completed to identify the most suitable gateway location.
The assessment should consider:
- Where technicians typically begin and end lubrication routes.
- Where the Head Unit will most commonly be stored between lubrication shifts
- Availability of power at the proposed location.
- Availability of network or data communications.
- Ease of access for installation and maintenance.
- Potential sources of signal interference or obstruction.
The selected location should allow the Head Unit to synchronise data as part of normal operating activities without requiring unnecessary travel or disruption.
Gateway Location Considerations
The Fixed Plant Gateway should be installed in a location that supports:
- Reliable synchronisation with the Head Unit.
- Continuous power availability.
- Reliable communication with the GreaseBoss Cloud.
- Safe and practical access for installation and maintenance.
Head Unit Synchronisation
The Head Unit typically synchronises with the gateway while it is not in use, such as between lubrication shifts when it is stored or charging.
Consider the following:
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- Install the gateway close to where the Head Unit will normally be stored and charged.
- The typical synchronisation range is approximately 20–30 metres in unobstructed line-of-sight conditions.
- Internal walls, external walls, steel structures, and other plant infrastructure may reduce communication range.
- The selected location should allow routine synchronisation without requiring additional travel or operator intervention.
Suitable locations may include:
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- Maintenance workshops
- Lubrication storage facilities
- Service bays
- Maintenance offices
- Other areas where the Head Unit is routinely stored between shifts
Power Requirements
The selected location must provide a suitable power source for gateway operation.
Consider the following:
- Power is available at the proposed installation location.
- The power supply meets gateway requirements.
- The gateway can remain powered during normal site operations.
- Electrical isolation requirements can be met.
- Cable routing is practical and protected from damage.
The location should also support charging of the Head Unit as part of normal operational workflows.
Network and Cloud Connectivity
The gateway requires a communication path to the GreaseBoss Cloud.
Depending on site requirements, connectivity may be provided through:
- Cellular communications
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Ethernet connection
- Site network infrastructure
Consider the following:
- Reliable network coverage is available at the proposed installation location.
- Site network requirements have been reviewed and approved where required.
- Antenna placement and signal strength requirements can be achieved.
- Ongoing connectivity can be maintained without impacting normal operations.
Location Selection Checklist
When assessing a potential gateway location, confirm:
✓ The Head Unit can reliably synchronise with the gateway.
✓ The Head Unit can be conveniently stored and charged nearby.
✓ Reliable power is available.
✓ Cloud connectivity is available.
✓ The gateway is protected from accidental damage.
✓ The location is accessible for maintenance and troubleshooting.
✓ Suitable mounting surfaces are available.
Installation Activities
A typical gateway installation includes:
- Confirming the installation location.
- Verifying power availability.
- Verifying cloud communication availability.
- Mounting the gateway.
- Installing any required antennas.
- Connecting power.
- Confirming cloud connectivity.
- Testing Head Unit synchronisation.
- Verifying successful data transfer to the GreaseBoss platform.