APQS
Connected Machine Platform for Industrial Quilting Systems
Project Background
APQS, a leading manufacturer of longarm quilting machines, relied heavily on manual service workflows to support their customer base. Troubleshooting and diagnostics were primarily handled over the phone, requiring customers to describe issues without a structured way to transmit machine data. In many cases, machines were shipped back to the manufacturer for further inspection, creating delays and added operational costs.
APQS identified an opportunity to modernize their product ecosystem by enabling direct communication between machines, users, and service teams. The objective was to improve diagnostic accuracy, streamline support workflows, and establish a scalable foundation for future product capabilities.
Services and Solutions
EngineeringPeople partnered with APQS to design and implement a connected system that integrates embedded hardware, mobile applications, and cloud-based infrastructure.
01
- Designed and implemented firmware using an ESP32 microcontroller integrated with the machine’s electrical system
- Enabled real-time data capture and communication between the machine and external devices
- Supported firmware update capabilities for ongoing product improvements
02
- Developed a cross-platform mobile application (iOS and Android) using Flutter
- Implemented Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication between the mobile device and machine
- Enabled users to capture and transmit diagnostic data directly from the machine
- Facilitated configuration management and firmware updates via the mobile interface
03
- Leveraged EngineeringPeople’s Fabric platform to enable secure device connectivity and cloud-based coordination
- Integrated device-to-cloud communication for diagnostics, configuration file management, and system updates
- Developed a web-based service portal for technicians to access machine data and manage workflows
- Configured a dedicated environment to support APQS operations and future scalability
04
- Implemented Fabric-supported workflows to streamline flashing and configuration of ESP32 devices during production
- Established a consistent process for preparing machines prior to deployment
Approach
EngineeringPeople executed a phased approach to transition APQS from a standalone product environment to a connected platform:
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Outcome and Results
EngineeringPeople delivered a fully integrated system that transformed APQS machines into connected products with enhanced service capabilities.
- Enabled remote diagnostics, improving the speed and accuracy of troubleshooting
- Reduced reliance on phone-based support and manual service workflows
- Reduced the need to send machines in for service by allowing issues to be identified and addressed remotely
- Introduced over-the-air firmware update capabilities through mobile and Bluetooth communication
- Established production-ready processes for device configuration and firmware deployment
- Provided a scalable platform foundation to support future machine integrations and expanded service functionality
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