Frequently Asked Questions

The field agent Windows service is installed on the site PC. Internet access and TCP access to Modbus devices from that PC is sufficient; no physical mounting, cable routing or panel changes are required. Duration depends on device count and site network layout.

We support Modbus TCP/RTU, M-Bus TCP and DSE protocols. Most industrial energy analysers, transformer protection relays and UPS units connect via Modbus. Contact us with your device catalogue number and compatibility is checked immediately.

Modbus RTU operates over RS-485 serial, common in older devices; up to 32 devices per line. Modbus TCP operates over Ethernet/Wi-Fi, preferred in modern panels, faster and more fault-tolerant. Argus supports both protocols; they can be used together in the same system.

Yes. Argus EMS is designed with multi-tenant architecture. Each site operates in its own isolated database, but all facilities can be accessed with a single session from the central web interface. Ideal for hospital chains, factory complexes or building portfolios.

Argus EMS works as an independent monitoring layer; it does not replace but complements your existing SCADA or BMS system. Parallel connections to the same devices over Modbus TCP can be established. An OPC-UA bridge is planned for future versions.

Data continues to accumulate in a secure local queue on the site PC, buffering up to ~30 days. When the internet reconnects, all accumulated data is automatically transferred to the server — not a single reading is lost. This is guaranteed by the ACK-based mechanism.

According to EPDK regulations, a penalty applies when inductive reactive energy exceeds 20% of consumption and capacitive reactive energy exceeds 15%. Argus monitors these ratios cumulatively throughout the month and sends an advance warning when approaching the threshold. The end-of-month estimate is also displayed in real time.

Unlimited devices can be defined in a single project. In practice, each field agent can manage dozens of Modbus devices through a gateway; capacity can be increased by defining multiple gateways. In the multi-tenant structure, each site operates in isolation in its own database.

The field agent reads devices every 60 seconds by default; this can be reduced to 15 seconds per project. The dashboard refreshes automatically every 5 minutes. Push notifications for instant alarm conditions are delivered immediately.

THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) and power factor can be monitored if the device provides these registers. Parameters are configured via the device template; the system itself does not measure harmonics — it reads and visualises the values measured by the device.

Tenant-based invoices are automatically calculated from sub-meter readings and the defined tariff. They are generated as PDFs and can be sent by email. Distribution company invoices can also be uploaded via OCR; deviations are automatically detected.

Electricity and water bills are automatically read with OCR. PDF and photo (JPG/PNG) formats are supported. New invoice formats are added on request; usually takes 1–2 business days.

Instant readings are stored for 13 months, hourly summaries for 3 years, and daily summaries indefinitely; up to 30 days of offline buffer is kept on the site side. Storage duration can be extended as server capacity increases.

Yes. Argus EMS fully implements the TEDAŞ multi-period tariff (off-peak/peak/night). Hourly summaries are broken down by tariff period; each period is shown separately in the monthly invoice. Tariff hours and prices can be updated from the web interface.

Argus uses the same period's consumption from the previous year as the base and applies seasonal correction factors. Annual change trend for electricity, bell curve for gas and seasonally weighted average for water are used. The projection is updated monthly and shown in real time on the dashboard.

Each customer/site is kept in a completely separate, isolated database. Token-based authorization verifies project access on every API call; cross-access is blocked at the system level.

The ISO 50001 performance summary (EnPI) module is under development. The current data model is designed to meet ISO 50001 requirements: baseline year consumption, normalisation factors and energy intensity calculation infrastructure is ready.

The field agent is updated remotely with a single command over a secure channel. No physical access to the site PC or remote desktop is required. When the update is complete, the agent restarts automatically and data flow is not interrupted.

Yes. MQTT traffic between the site PC and server is encrypted with TLS; the web interface is served over HTTPS and HTTP requests are automatically redirected to HTTPS. Sessions are protected with short-lived tokens.

BACnet/IP protocol support is on our roadmap. It is planned after the current Modbus and M-Bus infrastructure is complete. If you have a BACnet-compatible device and integration is a priority, let us know — it helps determine development priority.

DSE (Deep Sea Electronics) controllers communicate via Modbus TCP. Argus supports the register map of DSE 7310, 7320 and compatible models: running hours, RPM, oil pressure, coolant temperature, load and fuel level can be read.

M-Bus is a communication protocol for heat, water and gas meters under the EN 13757 standard. Argus supports meters connected via M-Bus TCP. Compatible with meters from Kamstrup, Landis+Gyr, Sontex and other leading brands with TCP-M-Bus converter units.

We do not commit to a payback period in advance — it depends on the facility's current invoice, tariff and the actions taken. Where the return comes from is clear, though: removing the reactive penalty line from the invoice, making load that shifts into the peak band visible, basing tenant billing on meter readings, and spotting equipment left running idle. Request a demo for an estimated ROI calculation based on your facility's current energy bill.

Argus EMS is licensed per project; each site is configured and priced independently. Offered as an installation fee + annual support package. Cloud hosting is included; no additional server cost. Contact info@nevacontrol.com for a detailed price quote.

Upload the reactive kVArh values and active kWh values from your last 12 months of electricity bills to Argus; the system automatically calculates the time spent in the penalty zone and the estimated penalty amount. It also recommends the required kVAr capacity for a compensation panel installation.