Blockchain

Development

Internship

**First thing first: the team and the brainy stuff**

Before starting the internship, I wasn’t really feeling nervous as I felt I had a good understanding of the basics of both Solidity and blockchain. Also, my colleague shared some insider information with me regarding the atmosphere, so I wasn’t surprised by the openness of the team and their willingness to help me and the other interns.
Firstly, we slowly studied the stack and the task itself. Then we got familiar and learned to work with the new blockchain technology that enables easier management of smart contracts. We were excited to start developing our own solutions!

Since blockchain is still a quite new technology, you can learn something new about it every day, as long as you know what to search for. Us interns were involved in the whole development cycle starting from the very beginning. First, we went back and forth researching the technologies and deciding which ones would be the best for this project and the internship, before deciding on Scaffold-ETH.

**You’ve heard it several times already: tHErE aRe No STuPid qUEsTioNs!**

![mulan-mushu.gif](https://strapi.suprabit.eu/uploads/mulan_mushu_eea0c9c292.gif)

 

Well, I’m going to say it again, there really are no stupid questions in Suprabit. Around here, everybody is eager to help each other, be it solving a bug or replacing the coffee pod. Don’t waste your time asking yourself “What will they think of me asking many questions or the same question many times?” because nobody will turn their back or roll their eyes at you. They all know the common goal is gaining understanding and moving forward.
 
The atmosphere is chill and most enjoyable. Once you've had enough of the keyboard tapping, you can make your way to our local table tennis station situated inside the office. Ask away, someone will surely join you! (Beware of the boss, you have to let him win, otherwise...).
 
 
**Future opportunities**

The internship program was well planned and adapted to students with or without previous knowledge of blockchain technology. The people were great, and I enjoyed the entire experience. I'm grateful for the things that I’ve learned during the internship and I'm happy that I was able to stay at Suprabit as an employee after the internship had finished. I know that Suprabit will continue to support my growth and make me a better blockchain developer (and a better table tennis player)!
 
![DSC00401-min.jpg](https://strapi.suprabit.eu/uploads/DSC_00401_min_d756afe30c.jpg)



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This summer, I decided to spend my summer-break gaining as much knowledge on blockchain as possible. After a couple of hours of research, a few interviews and one solved solidity smart contract task, I landed my internship at Suprabit.

My Blockchain Internship at Suprabit!

React

Design

In the ever-evolving landscape of smart building management solutions, we are consistently committed to innovation and excellence. In this case study, we’ll explore one of our most remarkable projects – the Smart Sensor, a cutting-edge multi-sensor designed for ideal room climate monitoring. Today, we visit this groundbreaking technology to dive deeper into its capabilities and the impressive results it continues to deliver for our Swiss-based client, a leading building automation solutions provider.

![Mask group.png](https://strapi.suprabit.eu/uploads/Mask_group_017e145b33.png)

The Smart Sensor project was born out of the need to address the complex challenge of room climate and environment monitoring. This IoT system integrates an array of sensors, including those for temperature, humidity, volatile mixed gases, presence/motion, brightness (light intensity), and noise level. The real magic happens through sensor fusion, where data from these sensors is intelligently combined to provide precise information about the room's state. Mounted discreetly on the ceiling, the Smart Sensor captures critical environmental data and also communicates room status to users through an LED ring, where each color signifies different aspects of room occupancy, air quality, or cleaning requirements.

![Frame.png](https://strapi.suprabit.eu/uploads/Frame_1_0f43735803.png)


In this case study, we will explore the firmware, mobile application, and dashboard that make this technology a game-changer in smart building management.


## Holistic Approach
For this project, it was crucial to take a holistic approach. We needed to synchronize the embedded and IoT teams with our product designer and mobile app development team. From the project kickoff until the final bug fixes, the entire team worked collaboratively to create the perfect solution. We held team meetings with our client to discuss their needs, and then our teams planned together to ensure smooth coordination. The client’s product development team would provide the requirements, our designer would create the UI for the mobile app feature, and the IoT team would develop the firmware. At the same time, the mobile team would begin implementing the feature. This iterative approach allowed us to address any issues promptly, eliminating long waiting periods between different teams.

## Academic research
As we ventured deeper into the project, leveraging cutting-edge technology, we encountered a significant challenge with our sensors, specifically in obtaining accurate noise level measurements. Recognizing the critical need for precision, we decided it was time to elevate our approach. To achieve the highest level of accuracy possible, we visited a local university. There, we gained access to their quiet room—a space so tranquil that even the sound of a heartbeat can be heard.

![silentroom.png](https://strapi.suprabit.eu/uploads/silentroom_74b184f9d0.png)

In this controlled acoustic environment, we diligently fine-tuned and calibrated our microphone sensors, ensuring they delivered the most reliable and precise results. This collaborative effort with academia underscored our commitment to excellence and demonstrated our readiness to go above and beyond to guarantee the Smart Sensor's exceptional performance in real room conditions.

## IoT Development
In the realm of IoT development, the Smart Sensor project represented a significant milestone for us. The primary goal of the Smart Sensor was to monitor room climate and environmental conditions, and to achieve this, we integrated a range of sensors, including temperature, humidity, volatile mixed gases, presence/motion, brightness (light intensity), and noise level detectors. These sensors were meticulously designed to work in concert, enabling sensor fusion to provide highly accurate information about the room's state.
![senzori.gif](https://strapi.suprabit.eu/uploads/senzori_a4c7bce1ff.gif)

Our IoT-ready approach was a key element of this development, as the Smart Sensor implemented MQTT communication via IP/Ethernet. Additionally, we leveraged Bluetooth Mesh for seamless networking of sensors, enabling efficient communication between up to 16 nodes and a gateway device. This wireless networking capability allowed for real-time data exchange between devices through node-to-node communication. Bluetooth Beacon technology was employed to enhance interaction with the mobile application, providing precise device localization within the room.
![case study.png](https://strapi.suprabit.eu/uploads/case_study_b65d97440b.png)

Our work extended to the firmware, where we crafted a robust solution in C/C++ for the ESP32 with dual-core processing, ensuring the efficient operation of the Smart Sensor. This IoT development effort represents our commitment to innovation and excellence in delivering solutions that transform complex challenges into user-friendly, efficient, and highly functional IoT devices.


## Design
When developing the Smart Sensor mobile application, our design approach placed user experience (UX) at the forefront. Unlike many specialized applications that often neglect user-friendly design, we aimed to create an intuitive and enjoyable user journey from the very first interaction.

![App.png](https://strapi.suprabit.eu/uploads/App_f30e3eeaae.png)

While prioritising UX over UI in the initial stages, we emphasized rapid iteration and user feedback to identify and resolve potential issues efficiently. Through constant communication among teams and a deep understanding of the possibilities and limitations of both sensor hardware and application, we crafted a seamless provisioning process for technicians, ensuring simplicity and error-proofing.

The design process involved some innovative solutions and out-of-the-box thinking, such as using unique colors and LED rings on sensors to aid technicians in precise sensor identification during provisioning. Thoughtful language choices, like replacing "Provision" with "Configure" and "Lock," were made to eliminate confusion and improve the user experience. This commitment to user-centric design not only resulted in a more intuitive application but also highlighted the profound impact of intentional language and iconography in creating a user-friendly interface.

![sensors.png](https://strapi.suprabit.eu/uploads/sensors_7052db70e0.png)

Overall, our approach to design reflects our dedication to delivering high-quality, innovative, and user-centric applications that set new standards in the field of smart building management. You can read more about our design journey [here](https://suprabit.eu/article/smart-sensor-design).

## Mobile app development
The development of the mobile application for the Smart Sensor project was a crucial part of the solution. Our client required an app that would empower their technicians to efficiently provision the sensor, map out floor plans and networks, and configure settings effortlessly. Beyond the initial setup, the mobile app continued to play a pivotal role, enabling users to monitor and manage room conditions, as well as to update the sensors wirelessly. It acted as the essential link between users and the sensors. All of this added an extra layer of convenience to setting up and maintaining the whole system.

![Phone.png](https://strapi.suprabit.eu/uploads/Phone_f90be12a99.png)

Using the versatility of React Native with the convenience of Expo, our mobile team delivered a robust application that catered to both Android and iOS platforms. This cross-platform approach ensured that our clients had access to a wider user base, making it more accessible and user-friendly. The app seamlessly communicated with the sensor devices using Bluetooth Low Energy, providing technicians with real-time access to vital data. This capability was the key to the provisioning and setup of the Smart Sensor, making the commissioning process efficient and user-centric.

## Conclusion
In conclusion, the Smart Sensor project has provided us with valuable insights into smart building management solutions. Throughout the project, our teams worked together to develop software for an advanced IoT device that seamlessly monitors room climate and environmental conditions. We prioritized precision by consulting with academia to fine-tune sensor technology.

Our IoT development efforts, including MQTT communication, BLE Mesh networking, and iBeacon technology, set new benchmarks for real-time data exchange and device localization. Additionally, we created a user-centric mobile application that simplifies provisioning, configuration, monitoring, and updates for technicians.

The Smart Sensor project not only met the requirements of our client but also pushed the boundaries of sensor calibration, IoT development, and user-friendly mobile applications. As we look towards the future, our commitment to innovation and excellence remains, and we eagerly anticipate developing new smart building solutions.




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Read all about how we reinvented the Smart Building Industry using our IOT, design and development expertise.

Smart Sensor - Case Study

Most employees [spend 1.8 hours every day to 9.3 hours per week ](https://www.proprofskb.com/blog/workforce-spend-much-time-searching-information/) searching and gathering information they need to get their job done. This lost time doesn’t just affect individual performance, it can slow down projects, create frustration, and ultimately hinder overall business growth.

This is where a well-structured knowledge management system can make a difference. By making information easy to find and share, you can empower your employees to focus on meaningful work rather than spending time digging through countless documents and emails. A good knowledge management approach can enhance collaboration, streamline decision-making, and help your organization work more effectively as a whole.

Read on to know more about the concept of knowledge management and its significance in organizational setting

## What is Knowledge Management?

Knowledge management is the process of creating, organizing, and sharing information within your company to ensure that it is easily accessible to everyone when needed. Essentially, it's about building a reliable knowledge base for your organization's benefit. 

In simple terms, Knowledge management promotes a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, encouraging growth and continuous learning among team members.

## Managing Different Forms of Knowledge

Before we get deeper into what Knowledge management is, let's look at the different forms of knowledge: 

- **Explicit Knowledge**: This is information that can be easily documented, like policies, training manuals, and guidelines. They are usually stored in documents or databases and shared across the team.

- **Implicit Knowledge**: This refers to the practical know-how people acquire through experience. While it may not be explicitly documented, it plays a crucial role in decision-making processes. 

- **Tacit Knowledge**: Tacit knowledge is highly personal and based on experience. It’s challenging to document sometimes since its about skills and insights developed over time. Examples include troubleshooting issues or managing client relationships. Though difficult to capture, tacit knowledge holds immense value in real-world applications.

## Challenges in Managing Knowledge

Without a well planned out knowledge management strategy, organizations usually face the following challenges: 

- **Information Silos**: Teams that don't share information create barriers that hinder collaboration and productivity. For instance, one department might have valuable data that could enhance another team's strategy, but without sharing, those insights remain isolated.

- **Duplicate Efforts**: It’s incredibly frustrating to spend hours working on a task only to discover that another team has already completed it. Without a centralized knowledge system, duplicated efforts are inevitable, leading to wasted time and energy.

- **Inconsistencies**: When people each follow their own methods without alignment on processes and policies, inconsistencies arise. This can lead to confusion and prevent employees from reaching their full potential.

- **Missed Collaboration Opportunities**: When information isn’t easily accessible, individuals may miss out on opportunities to build on each other's work, which can hinder creativity and overall team effectiveness.

## Benefits of Knowledge Management

Here are some key ways that good knowledge management can help:

- **Team Consistency**: A central knowledge hub ensures that everyone has access to up-to-date information quickly. This minimizes errors and speeds up tasks, so no one has to waste time digging through old emails or outdated files, everyone knows exactly where to find the answers.

- **Identifying Skill Gaps**: Consolidating all knowledge makes it easier to identify areas where skills and knowledge are lacking. This allows the organization to provide targeted training or recruit new talent as needed.

- **Knowledge Retention**: People come and go, but the knowledge they hold should remain with the organization. A well-managed knowledge base ensures that critical information is not lost, facilitating smooth transitions for new employees and enabling continuity for ongoing projects.

- **Enhanced Data Security**: Centralizing information also makes it easier to safeguard data by restricting access to only authorized personnel, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

## Tips for Establishing an Effective Knowledge Management System

Creating an good knowledge management system involves careful planning. Here are some key tips for establishing a solid knowledge management system:

1. **Identify Your Knowledge Needs** : Start by identifying the types of knowledge that your organization needs to manage. This can include documents like policies, procedures, FAQs, training materials, and insights from past projects. Assessing what knowledge is crucial to your team’s work will help you prioritize and organize the information effectively.

2. **Select the Right Tools** :  The tools you choose will be the backbone of your knowledge management system. Depending on your needs, these tools could range from, **Knowledge Bases** or even  **Knowledge Management Portals**. These tools provide a central repository where all important company documents are stored.
   
3. **Use Conversational AI bot** :  Traditional knowledge management systems often require employees to search through documents manually, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.  Instead of searching, employees can ask an AI-powered tool questions directly to get quick, accurate answers. For example with **SupraChat** an AI conversational assistant, employees can quickly access information through natural, conversational queries. This eliminates the need to manually search through extensive documents.

4. **Keep Knowledge Up-to-Date** : A knowledge management system is only as good as the information it contains. Regularly update content to ensure it remains accurate and relevant. Assign responsibility to specific individuals or teams to maintain certain areas of the knowledge base. Tools like AI assistants can also help identify outdated or redundant information that needs revision.

5. **Train Your Team** : Once you have a knowledge management system in place, train your team on how to use it. Hold workshops or training sessions to demonstrate how to search for information, how to contribute new content, and best practices for using the system efficiently. By investing in training, you can help maximize the potential of the system and ensure everyone is making the most out of it.

## Conclusion: Building a Unified Knowledge Foundation

Having a knowledge management system can unify your team and significantly impact your company’s success by promoting collaboration and fostering innovation through shared information in a cohesive work environment. By putting the right strategies in place, you can transform knowledge into a powerful tool that boosts productivity, supports growth, and helps your team excel in their roles.


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Explore smarter ways to manage knowledge that drive efficiency, innovation, and seamless team collaboration

My Blockchain Internship at Suprabit!

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Smart Sensor - Case Study

Knowledge Management: Applications for Modern Enterprises