Four ways to run it, chosen per site and changed later
Every model with an appliance works offline; the connection to the IronFlock cloud is optional and adds remote service, the app store and cross-site views.
MinimalFactory OnlineOT → IronFlock cloudNo appliance; devices connect to the cloud directly. Online only. The way most pilots start, free.
SimpleAppliance in the OTOT (appliance) → cloud, optionalIronFlock in a Box on the line. Everything runs locally; connect to the cloud for remote service and the store, or don't.
SecureAppliance in IT / DMZOT → IT (appliance) → cloud, optionalFor segmented networks: the appliance sits in IT, the OT only talks to it. Same offline guarantee.
Private cloudFactory OfflineOT → your private cloud or data centreThe full IronFlock platform in your own cloud account or data centre, for groups with many sites and their own IT policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes IronFlock different from other industrial IoT platforms?
Most industrial IoT platforms focus on device management and dashboards. IronFlock takes a different architectural approach: it connects machines, factory software, and operational workflows in one AI platform. That means you can build and run industrial apps, AI agents, remote operations, and integrations on top of one system instead of stitching together multiple tools.
How to run IronFlock on-premises without cloud connectivity?
IronFlock can be deployed fully on-premises or in a private cloud. You can keep industrial systems inside closed networks while still using the same app model, remote workflows, and operational tooling — no cloud connection required.
How to integrate IronFlock with existing MES, SCADA, or ERP systems?
IronFlock can run alongside MES, SCADA, ERP, and existing custom systems. Because it connects to your existing systems instead of replacing them, you can integrate first, then add new applications, AI workflows, HMIs, or remote service capabilities step by step — without replacing everything at once.
What skills are needed to customize IronFlock?
No programming skills are required to get started. IronFlock offers a no-code UI builder for HMIs and dashboards with a simple, app-like UX. For more advanced workflows or custom industrial apps, developers can extend the system with code, Git-based workflows, and CI/CD.
What devices and protocols does IronFlock support?
IronFlock supports a broad range of industrial protocols and systems, including IPCs, PLCs, sensors, actuators, Modbus, Profinet, LoRaWAN, and OPC UA. The focus is not only on connecting devices, but on making them usable in applications, AI workflows, and operational processes.
How does IronFlock handle real-time data and applications?
IronFlock is built for real-time data flows, low-latency interactions, and responsive operational interfaces. Dashboards, alerts, and user workflows update in real time, while hard real-time requirements such as TSN can remain on dedicated edge systems.
Who controls the data generated on IronFlock?
As the machine owner or operator, you have full control over all data produced by apps on your shop floor. In line with the EU Data Act, the app developer does not have access to app data generated in your project unless you explicitly share it with them.
How does IronFlock address security and compliance (EU Data Act, NIS2, IEC 62443)?
Security is a core architectural concern. IronFlock is designed around strong access control, isolated deployments, auditability, and secure network patterns to support demanding environments and requirements such as EU Data Act, NIS2, KRITIS, and IEC 62443.
What is the relationship between IronFlock and Android?
IronFlock is not based on Android. The comparison refers to the user experience and app model: simple for end users, extensible for developers, and designed so the underlying complexity stays hidden behind a clean interface — similar to how Android works for mobile devices.
What is the difference between an IronFlock app and a Docker container?
An IronFlock app is more than a container. It can include backend services, lifecycle management, permissions, data models, operational interfaces, and edge components — all packaged to run as one industrial application across your environment.
How to turn an existing Docker image into an IronFlock app?
You can wrap existing containerized software into an IronFlock app with a relatively small amount of configuration. From there, you can add OTA updates, permissions, remote access, AI agents, UI components, and lifecycle management step by step.
What built-in tools are required when building an IronFlock app?
None are mandatory. You can bring your own user interfaces and storage if needed. But using the IronFlock UI builder, messaging layer, and data services usually speeds up delivery and keeps the end-user experience more consistent.
How to distribute and sell industrial apps on IronFlock?
IronFlock includes an app marketplace with built-in usage metering and payment handling, so you can deliver custom apps privately to selected clients or distribute them more broadly across industrial customers.
How does IronFlock handle OTA updates across a device fleet?
IronFlock supports over-the-air updates for apps and system components across your entire fleet. You can roll out updates to individual devices, groups, or all devices at once, with versioning, rollback support, and progress tracking built in.
How many devices can IronFlock manage?
IronFlock is designed to scale from a handful of devices to large fleets with thousands of endpoints. The architecture supports horizontal scaling, so performance stays consistent as your deployment grows.
How to get started with IronFlock?
You can sign up for a free account, create a project, and connect your first device in minutes. IronFlock provides a guided onboarding flow, documentation, and pre-built apps to help you get productive quickly — no upfront infrastructure setup required.
How does IronFlock avoid vendor lock-in?
IronFlock apps are based on standard containers, open protocols, and portable data formats. You retain full ownership of your code, data, and configurations. The platform can run on-premises or in any cloud, so you are never locked into a single hosting provider.
What AI and machine learning capabilities does IronFlock offer?
IronFlock lets you deploy AI agents and machine learning models directly on edge devices or in the cloud. You can build predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, quality control, and natural-language query workflows using built-in integrations with major LLM providers.
How does remote access and troubleshooting work on IronFlock?
IronFlock includes built-in secure tunneling that lets you access devices remotely without VPNs or firewall changes. You can open SSH sessions, access web interfaces, and stream real-time logs from any device in your fleet directly from the platform.
Connect your first machine this week
Start on the free cloud tier, or let an IronFlock engineer walk you through a pilot on your own line.