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Aquana Platform Key Terminology

This article will provide definitions for common Aquana Platform terms that are used within the AquaControl Web and Mobile Applications, product documentation, and support articles.

Alert - Alerts are indications of conditions detected by the AquaSense and AquaFlow Smart Valves, Water Sensors, or AquaControl Web Application that usually require a response or intervention.  A list of alert types can be found in the AquaControl Web App in Settings/Rules or in the settings of the device itself within Device Details. The actions that can be taken in response to an alert condition are a) send notifications to individuals managing the Platform Account via SMS or email, b) push alerts to 3rd party platforms over API, and/or c) take automated device actions such as changing the valve position. In addition, a log of alerts can be found in the Activity section of the web app dashboard, as well as the Alerts Timeline.

Aquana Platform - The Aquana platform is a comprehensive term for the AquaControl web and mobile-based software and all hardware that supports the Aquana Smart Valve product set.

Check-In - A Check-In occurs when the valve wakes up from power saving sleep mode and transmits to the AquaControl platform to share current information, such as meter data or detected valve conditions. Also, commands that have been issued to the valve from the AquaControl platform are received by the valve at check-in.

Check-In Boost - Check-In Boost is a feature designed to temporarily increase the frequency with which a valve will check-in with the AquaControl 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 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 its regular check-in interval automatically.

Check-In Interval - AquaControl refers to the time between valve-to-Cloud communication events as the “Check-in Interval”. Essentially, the valve “checks in” with the AquaControl 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 the Knowledge Base Article Understanding Check-in Interval for more details.

Command - Command is the term for an instruction sent to a valve from the AquaControl 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.

Device - Device refers to devices that are managed by the AquaControl platform. They are:

  • Smart Valves
  • Water Meters
  • Water Sensors

Location - Each device in a platform account is placed within a specific virtual "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 (e.g., a valve and a meter within an apartment).

Platform Account - The customer's account for a specific commercial property or water utility in the AquaControl platform is called the platform account.

Rule - Activity in the AquaControl 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.

Sediment Turn - A Sediment Turn is a 180-degree turn of the valve. This is done through a command issued from the AquaControl 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.

User Account – An individual wishing to gain access to Platform Accounts using the web or mobile applications must have a User Account. Platform Account access can only be given by Platform Account Owners or Administrators using a User Invitation.