There is a clear trend in today’s machinery industry: from traditional product sales to service-oriented contracts. The Machine-as-a-Service (MaaS) concept allows customers to pay for the use of a machine, rather than purchasing it outright. This requires new technical and commercial insights.
At Gerbin Control, we design and build control panels specifically designed to support MaaS models. These panels incorporate advanced remote monitoring, license management and high-performance security solutions. Thus, we make it possible for OEMs and business developers to make their machines suitable for pay-per-use applications while ensuring reliability and quality.
Table of Contents
What is the MaaS model?
Machine-as-a-Service is a business model in which the customer pays for performance or output, such as running hours, units produced or energy consumed, while the manufacturer retains ownership of the machine.
This model brings distinct advantages:
- Lower cost of entry for the customer, eliminating investment barriers
- Predictable revenue for the manufacturer, often through multi-year contracts
- Incentive for quality and sustainability because the manufacturer remains responsible for performance and maintenance
- Data-driven optimization of the production process thanks to continuous monitoring
For machine builders, this means that the technical design of their machines and panels must not only meet current functional requirements, but also be prepared for long-term, intensive use and regular updates.
Technical requirements for panels for MaaS
A MaaS panel requires more than just a standard control cabinet. Additional design, integration and lifetime requirements apply.
Important technical design criteria are:
- Modular design – so that new functionalities or measurement modules can be easily added.
- Energy consumption metering – integrated meters and sensors that send consumption data to the manufacturer for billing or performance analysis.
- High quality component selection – long life and low maintenance sensitivity to deliver on contractual uptime guarantees.
- Secure industrial network connections – compatible with protocols such as PROFINET or Modbus TCP for reliable data transfer.
- Sustainability – designing with energy-efficient components and materials that contribute to lower operating costs.
At Gerbin Control, we work with advanced 3D design software such as AutoCAD. This allows us to visualize the panel design in detail in advance and match it to both mechanical and electrical specifications.
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Remote data and license management
The MaaS model cannot function without insight into machine usage and performance. That’s why we integrate remote monitoring directly into our panels. Using industrial IoT gateways and secure communication channels, data such as load, energy consumption, running hours and error messages are transmitted real-time to the manufacturer’s central platform.
License management is a second crucial pillar. It allows the manufacturer to remotely activate or limit functionalities, capacity or production speed. This enables flexible contract forms, for example a basic package that can be extended to premium functions with a software license.
The result is that the manufacturer not only maintains a grip on performance, but can also offer new revenue models without having to physically modify the installation.
Cybersecurity and updates
A MaaS panel processes mission-critical information, which is why cybersecurity is central to its design. We provide:
- Encrypted data transfer so corporate data is protected from interception
- Physical access security through authorized access mechanisms
- Secure remote software updates that can be performed without loss of production
- Continuous system monitoring to detect anomalies and potential cyber threats early on
These measures protect the installation from unwanted access and allow manufacturers to roll out updates that improve functionality, enable new services and plug security holes.
Contact our experienced innovator
Cees Brasser
With more than 26 years of experience at the helm of Gerbin Control, Cees Brasser is your expert on panel construction for the machinery sector. Discover how his knowledge and insight can take your project to new heights. Get in touch now!
Case example
For an OEM in the packaging industry, Gerbin Control designed a MaaS-ready control panel with integrated energy metering, real-time performance monitoring and software-based license management. This allowed the manufacturer to offer multiple service levels: from a basic pay-per-use contract to an advanced premium package with maximum output.
Within the first year, this new revenue model delivered a 22 percent increase in recurring revenue, while customers benefited from lower entry costs and guaranteed machine performance. Built-in remote monitoring allowed preventive and remote maintenance to be scheduled, minimizing downtime.
At Gerbin Control, we combine our expertise in panel design, installation and quality with knowledge of new business models. We help machine builders develop panels that are technically outstanding, safe, durable, and ready for the move to Machine-as-a-Service.
Want to know how we can MaaS-proof your next panel design? Contact our specialists for a customized consultation.
