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App ManagementOverview

App Management

Apps are ready-made solutions that you install from the App Store into your project. Each app provides everything needed for a specific use case — a user interface for monitoring, data collection from your devices, and controls — all bundled together.

Just as important: every app acts as a skill for your project’s AI assistant. Once an app is installed, the assistant understands its data, devices, and dashboards — install a vibration-monitoring app and you can ask about vibration trends, install a quality app and the assistant can trace defective parts. Every app you add makes your assistant more capable.

If no existing app fits your needs, you can easily create your own in the App Studio. Custom apps let you solve unique requirements in your specific context — whether it’s a specialized dashboard, a custom data pipeline, or a tailored control interface for your devices. And like any app, a custom app teaches your assistant the skills to work with it.

What is an App?

Unlike many other IoT platforms where an “app” is just a container you deploy to edge devices, an IronFlock app is a complete distributed service. It combines a hosted user interface, a backend for data storage and real-time messaging, and an edge component that runs on your devices — all wired together automatically.

The edge container is the most important part — it’s the software that actually runs on your devices, collects sensor data, controls actuators, or hosts local services. But it’s only one piece of the whole app:

  • Edge container — The core software running on your devices, handling data collection, local processing, and device control.
  • User interface — Real-time charts, gauges, maps, tables, and controls via the app’s board.
  • Data backend — Automatic storage of device data in a time-series database that powers the UI and enables historical analysis.
  • Real-time messaging — Live data streaming between devices and the cloud, so dashboards update instantly.
  • Remote access — Secure access to device web interfaces, cameras, or diagnostics.
  • AI skills — Every app extends your project’s AI assistant: it can query the app’s data, explain its dashboards, and work with its devices. Apps can also bundle their own specialized AI agents, configured by the app’s author.

When you install an app, all of these components are set up automatically — no configuration or wiring required.

How Apps Work in a Project

Apps are installed at the project level, not on individual devices. Once installed, the app appears on your project’s home panel. You then assign devices to the app, and those devices begin sending data.

Key things to know:

  • One app, many devices — Install an app once and assign hundreds of devices. All device data flows into the same user interface.
  • Data stays in your project — Each project has its own private database. Apps in different projects never share data.
  • Install multiple apps — You can install several apps in the same project for different use cases (e.g., one for temperature monitoring, another for predictive maintenance).

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Device SettingsThe App Store