The understanding of these Aquana terms is a core competency for the Aquana Basic Device Management Training course.
Aquana Platform - The Aquana Platform is a comprehensive term for the cloud and mobile based software, and all Aquana hardware, that supports the Aquana product set.
Platform Account - The customer's account for a specific commercial property or water utility in the Aquana system is called the Platform Account.
Device - Device refers to devices that are managed by the Aquana platform. They are:
- Smart Valve
- Meter
- Water Sensor
- Gateway
Location - Each device in a Platform Account is placed within a specific "Location". The Location refers to something like an apartment number or a utility service address where the device is located. Multiple devices may exist at a Location. For example, a valve and a meter within an apartment.
Rule - Activity in the Aquana Platform such as Alerts, Automated Actions, and Notifications are governed by Rules. The Rules tell the system how to react to different conditions detected by the valve. Rules are individually configured for each Platform Account. There is a set of default rule configurations that are used when creating a Platform Account, and these can be modified for specific requirements as necessary.
Check-In - A Check-In occurs when the valve wakes up from power saving sleep mode and transmits to the Aquana Platform to share current information, such as meter data or detected valve conditions. Also, commands that have been issued to the valve from the Aquana Platform are received by the valve at check-in.
Check-In Interval - Aquana refers to the time between valve-to-cloud communication events as the “Check-in Interval”. Essentially, the valve “checks in” with the Aquana Platform on a regular basis to upload pertinent status data such as meter data or valve conditions, and to check for issued commands that contain instructions for activating the valve. The interval is dependent upon communications protocol and power source. Please refer to KB Article Understanding Check-in Interval for more details."
Check-In Boost - Check-In Boost is a feature designed to temporarily increase the frequency with which a valve will check-in with the Aquana Cloud. This is intended for valves running exclusively on battery power set to either 8 or 12-hour check-in intervals. The check-in boost is used primarily to support a more prompt reconnect for a property or utility conducting disconnect/reconnect transactions for delinquent payers. When a disconnect (Close) command is issued, the check-in boost temporarily decreases the check-in interval to 1-hour so the reconnect (Open) command can be promptly received after customer payment. When the check-in boost duration is complete, the valve will return to it's regular check-in interval automatically.
Command - "Command" is the term for an instruction sent to a valve from the Aquana Platform. A command can be sent to change the valve position, schedule a sediment turn, change valve configuration settings, and restart the valve. Commands are received by the valve based on the current check-in interval settings. Commands sent to the valve between check-ins will be received by the valve at the next scheduled check-in.
Alert - Alerts are indications of conditions detected by the Aquana Smart Valve or the system backend that usually require a response or intervention. A full list of Alerts can be found in the Aquana Web App in Settings/Rules. The actions taken in response to Alerts are notifications are sent to individuals managing the Platform Account and/or the position of the valve is changed.
Sediment Turn - A Sediment Turn is a 180-degree turn of the valve. This is done through a command issued from the Aquana Platform for the purpose of mitigating the risk of any corrosion or sediment buildup in the valve that may compromise the valve's ability to function properly. Note that if the valve is already closed, it will ignore the Sediment Turn command to prevent any unexpected water flow in that situation.