Meet 7layers at automation meets wireless, a new congress, parallel to all about automation
21 – 22 June 2017 Germany
Messe Essen Norbertstrasse South Entrance
Hall 1A, Booth 231
As an experienced wireless specialist, 7layers will present is engineering services and comprehensive test & certification portfolio at this fast growing event for the first time. We look forward to meeting and supporting you to make your automation projects run smoothly.
Join the praxis-oriented congress at automation meets wireless on 22 June 2017, 10:00 am onwards and listen to 7layers on:
Embedding wireless technologies in smart automation process
Why to enhance factory automation processes with wireless connectivity
Which aspects to consider when choosing a wireless technology for sensors and actors in a manufacturing environment.
Rules & Regulations wireless connected devices have to adhere to and how to streamline the market access process
Accelerating the digital in-car revolution Benefit from 7layers, an expert in certification program development and smart world testing, to accelerate vehicle-to-X developments
Ratingen, Germany, 22 May 2017: In future, the world will experience a completely new kind of “mobile device”. The digital in-car revolution will turn our beloved vehicles into something more like a connected device on wheels! While passengers will have access to Internet, emails and entertainment just like at home, the vehicle itself will communicate with its environment for improved road safety, reduced congestion, smoother parking and other vehicle-connected services.
To bring such developments forward, the US Department of Transportation (US DOT) for example is currently working on a connected-vehicle certification program which is expected to be released this year. To support this development, the US DOT chose three certification service providers, one of which is 7layers, a company with many years’ experience in developing certification programs for mobile devices and technologies. Their vision is to develop a self-sustaining certification program that supports the deployment of DSRC (dedicated short range communication) based vehicle-to-X (V2X) services. The US DOT program is expected to focus on the assurance of a minimum set of quality standards and to aim at ensuring interoperability of OEM equipment, eventually leading to a choice of connected-vehicle service systems. To achieve the necessary certification, testing must be conducted by independent third-party test laboratories. Based on its outstanding experience in testing and certifying wireless in-car technologies such as MirrorLink, DSRC, GNSS, and also Bluetooth®, Qi, GSM, LTE etc., 7layers is preparing to become one of the first laboratories able and ready to test in accordance with the upcoming US DOT standards.
While the US is already paving the way for V2X services, Europe is currently lagging behind. Nevertheless, the first harmonized V2X services, which are widely applicable systems for automated emergency calls, are now ready to capture the market. Whereas ERA-GLONASS is already in operation in Russia, eCall-enabled cars are expected to be launched in the EU mid of next year. 7layers, together with its parent company Bureau Veritas, is prepared to support its customers with the required market access services.
eCall and ERA-GLONASS are defined by legal requirements. The proprietary V2X services that will be driving the digital in-car revolution however are not solely subject to existing legal requirements. Additional rules need to be in place if proprietary V2X services are to be reliable, safe and secure. “As an expert in wireless communications, 7layers has already supported the development of several proprietary verification & validation programs for the automotive sector”, explains Angela Spielberg, Consultant, Technology & Services Development at 7layers. For future projects, such experiences can be ideally combined with our competence and involvement in the development of leading connected-car technologies such as cellular V2X or 802.11p.” This capability, together with 7layers’ web-based Interlab EVO Test Management System for efficient test and certification processes, forms a solid basis to bring future-oriented V2X services on the road to success.
About 7layers: 7layers is a group of engineering & test centers specializing in wireless technologies. The organization supports the development, testing and market access processes of connected devices, as well as the set-up and maintenance of smart IoT services. Stakeholders in IoT processes, such as manufacturers and suppliers of connected devices, wireless component manufacturers, network operators, application developers and the service providers themselves benefit from using 7layers services and supporting tools. 7layers services for connected devices encompass antenna and module integration; RF consulting; Radio/EMC testing, interoperability, field and conformance testing; certification as well as international type approval (RED, FCC, ISED Canada etc.). IoT processes are supported with technical consulting, analysis of suitable technologies, reviewing requirements, benchmarking plus the development of specifications, quality policies, test specifications and test cases. 7layers also provides the new Interlab EVO Test Management System for the verification lifecycle management of connected devices and Smart Services. 7layers’ service centers and/or accredited test labs are located in the USA, Germany and Asia. 7layers belongs to the Bureau Veritas Group, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, serving a large variety of industries. More information at: www.7layers.com and www.bureauveritas.com/cps Contact: Brigitte.Lewis@7layers.com
Join 7layers and over 11,000 other attendees at the “Internet of Things World” in Santa Clara, CA.
May 16 – 18, 2017 Santa Clara Convention Center Santa Clara, CA,
USA Booth #1243
By visiting 7layers and other IoT companies you can learn about upcoming IoT trends, technologies and opportunities.
7layers will be presenting its services and products for IoT manufacturers and Smart Service providers. Come to our booth to learn how we are tailoring our services to a variety of industries developing smart world solutions. We support companies across a wide range of wireless technologies such as LTE, Bluetooth®, LoRaWAN, ZigBee, and many others. 7layers is a trusted partner for many IoT manufacturers, smart service providers and wireless industry associations for consulting, engineering, testing and market access.
Services for M2M Industries
helping you meet market access requirements such as PTCRB, GCF, LoRA, Bluetooth, FCC, CE, etc. for M2M products and applications
Services for Automotive from preliminary consulting to certification testing and international type approval for the automotive industry
Services for Wearables
overcoming the challenges associated with the use of wireless technologies on the body with our RF expertise and know how
RF Consulting Services
remove obstacles to integrating wireless technologies with the help from 7layers RF consulting services
Smart Services
setting up and maintaining a successful smart services process is complex and requires a deep insight into the demands of various stakeholders
Don’t miss an opportunity to speak with a market access expert and reserving a time to speak with 7layers today by contacting us at info@7layers.com
Threatening news on RED? Did recent news on the upcoming RED confuse you?
Recent news regarding the implementation of the new Radio Equipment Directive (RED), which is due to become valid in the EU on 12 June 2017 has confused many manufacturers and suppliers.
The news threatened that devices with radio capabilities might be banned from sales in the EU from June 17 onwards due to a lack of new RED standards.
The EU commission has now released a statement that clarifies the situation
The new RED regulations became necessary due to the increasing number of devices with integrated radio capabilities on the market.
The aim of the RED is to ensure that all electrical and electronic devices that emit or receive radio waves adhere to essential safety and health requirements, taking care of the efficient use of radio spectrum and electromagnetic compatibility.
The RED became applicable on 13 June 2016 with a transitional period of one year, to ensure smooth transition from the former R&TTE directive.
Currently the European standardization organization ETSI has submitted roughly 70% of the total standards needed.
Of these, 65 standards were received positively. The EU commission and ETSI are now working on a solution to quickly increase the number of standards available by beginning of June 2017.
In the meantime manufacturers and suppliers can relax
All products that have already been placed on the market by 12 June 2017, so that they are available to the end-consumer, are not affected.
All products that will be placed on the market after this deadline have to be in compliance with the RED.
In case ETSI will not deliver the missing standards in time and/or the EU commission and ETSI cannot agree on a solution to speed up the process:
the EU commission could – on an interim basis – enforce the former R&TTE rules, for the currently missing standards
manufacturers can use alternative conformity assessment procedures to show that their products meet the requirements to legally place their products on the market in the EU and affix the CE marking.
This can be achieved by using an accredited test lab (like 7layers) in combination with a notified body (like Bureau Veritas – our parent company) for example.
The 7layers team has been working together with manufacturers and suppliers of radio devices for many years and understands the concerns this rather unclear situation is creating. Do not hesitate to contact us for any further information on the subject, so that we can support you in bringing your products to market as smoothly as possible under the current circumstances.
Securing IoT / M2M devices 7layers speaks on securing the enterprise for IoT panel at enterprise IoT in Austin, TX, USA
7layers’ Mahesh Kodukula was joined by Paul Jauregui, VP Marketing, Praetorian; Jon Clay, Sr. Global Marketing Manager, Technology and Threat Marketing, Trend Micro; Dr. Shane Rooney, IoT Executive Director, GSMA on a panel moderated by Steve Brumer of RCR Wireless. They discussed the challenges facing the market on securing M2M devices.
IoT security is of growing concern, as the number of devices and the scope of smart services increases.
In this video you learn about the security challenges of todays enterprise IoT deployments, and what is being done to help secure IoT device networks.
Listen to a broad variety of backgrounds and perspectives from IoT & security experts in this video, which was taken at the recent Enterprise IoT Summit in Austin, TX on March 28th, 2017.
GCF certifications for NB-IoT and LTE Cat.M products Following the most recent discussions and decisions of the GCF CAG 49ter and the GCF SG#70, certification of initial NB-IoT and LTE Cat.M products is possible now!
Currently certification is still at a very early stage and GCF has lowered the specific entry criteria for NB-IoT and LTE Cat.M certifications. The 80% threshold, typical for the validation progress of conformance work items, has been lowered to 50% or even less. On that basis, a few work items have been activated already and the respective test results can be used to provide the required compliance evidence (see GCF-CC Version 3.65.2).
At the moment GCF certification is still weak in providing appropriate qualified field-trial networks for the required field-test assessments. So far it is not clear when appropriate networks can be referenced and actually being used. It is likely that progress will be made at the next GCF FTAG meeting, which will be held end of April 2017 in London.
“7layers is already well positioned in the field of NB-IoT and LTE Cat.M”, states Thomas Jaeger, Director Global Business Developments and Innovation at 7layers. “We are already involved in first product developments and are performing the corresponding assessments in our laboratories”.
It is to be expected that power efficient and less expensive NB IoT and/or LTE M devices will make an impact on the IoT, being especially suited to monitoring sensor data for example in smart buildings, manufacturing plants etc. Manufacturers and IoT services providers, looking for NB-IoT and LTE Cat.M development support and certification services, rely on 7layers outstanding experience in cellular technologies and assessment procedures, a valuable asset when it comes to introducing new certification procedures into our laboratories.
Actility joins forces with 7layers to scale up
ThingPark Connected programme globally
Actility, the industry leader in low power wide area networking, today announces that it has selected 7layers, the leading international testing and certification house for the wireless industry, to implement the interoperability testing that leads to Actility’s “ThingPark Connected” status. ThingPark Connected devices have been extensively tested through LoRaWAN use cases and application integration to confirm interoperability in networks powered by Actility’s network server and management software.
7layers has implemented the ThingPark Connected test plans for Europe, and the service is now available through ThingPark Market.
“We’re very pleased to launch this collaboration with 7layers, one of the leading global wireless test houses,” says Actility EVP for Products, Boris Lacroix,”It’s a mark of the strength of the Connecting with ThingPark programme, and the demand that we are seeing from our device vendor partners, that we needed to bring aboard a dedicated global specialist like 7layers only months after the programme launched. Our partners recognize that getting to be ThingPark Connected is a product improvement programme, not a barrier that must be overcome, and they know that it will increase the reach and profile of their product dramatically“
“7layers will ensure that the whole process runs extremely smooth, providing support from our own engineers throughout,” explains Dipl-Ing Thomas Jaeger, Director for Group Business Development & Innovation at 7layers. “We will be able to offer vendors a full service, for example providing LoRaWAN Certification or radio antenna performance optimization alongside ThingPark Connected testing. This will help them make sure their product is optimized for real network deployment from Day One. The target is also to give service providers clear visibility of the whole process, so that they can be confident that the products coming through the pipeline are ready to be deployed on their IoT networks.”
Actility’s “Connecting with ThingPark”(*) programme is designed to support device and application vendors in bringing their LPWA products and applications to market.
The programme offers access to a world-leading IoT carrier-grade network platform, which has already been selected in over half the large scale LPWA network rollouts globally, and a developer programme offering support, tools and a community which can be accessed online and in real life through a range of developer events and meet-ups. When partners have developed their device, they can follow the product optimisation programme hosted by 7layers, providing the testing and recommendations to get you ready for market and leading to the ThingPark Connected mark. When their product is ThingPark Connected, they can market it through an e-commerce platform to enable and support global sales and marketing initiatives, targeting the worldwide customer base connected to the entire network of ThingPark powered networks.
“7layers will be a major asset to our programme, and support for our partners,” says Derek Hunt, Technical Director for Partner Services at Actility. “Thingpark Connected testing is available in Europe now, and we are working with 7layers to complete test plans and have testing available across NA and APAC within the next few months. Soon anyone who wants to join the ThingPark ecosystem will have access to quick and comprehensive ThingPark Connected testing, and more, anywhere around the globe.”
(*)The ”Connecting with ThingPark” programme, and the “ThingPark Connected” mark were previously known as “ThingPark Approved”.
About Actility Actility is the industry leader in LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) large-scale infrastructure and the innovator behind the ThingPark IoT Solution platform. Actility’s ThingPark enables scalable LPWA networks and interoperable IoT applications and services. ThingPark Wireless is a core network management and supervision solution for LPWA connectivity designed from the beginning for carrier-grade solutions, and already deployed in over half the national LPWA network rollouts globally. ThingPark OS is a central IoT management service to connect sensors to applications with bidirectional interactions. ThingPark X is a data analytics and control framework which exposes data from connected things to applications and connects with cloud platforms, and also offers off the shelf IoT industrial applications. ThingPark Market is a B2B ecommerce platform aggregating, distributing and connecting IoT devices and applications to the ThingPark platform. Actility is a founding member of the LoRa Alliance. Press contact: anne.vangemert@actility.com http://www.actility.com
Interlab EVO – Test Management for the IoT 7layers presents the next evolution of test management for wireless connected devices and IoT services at Mobile World Congress 2017
7layers presents “Interlab® EVO” at the Mobile World Congress 2017 in Barcelona (Stand 1F50 of Bureau Veritas). Interlab EVO is a web-based, flexible test management solution that ideally supports the complex verification & validation processes that are required for the development and market access processes of connected devices and IoT services. With the evolution of the IoT, devices and services are becoming more complex and prone to error. This results in costly recalls and fixes that endanger customer satisfaction. With Interlab EVO users can rely on a consistent process organization, combined with a high level of automation that stands for effective team collaboration, error prevention, quality and time-to-market.
We welcome Mobile World Congress visitors to our stand in Hall 1, 1F50, on Tuesday afternoon, 28th February 2017
4:30-5:30 pm for an Industry Insight on the “Theory of Testing and Test Management” and an Interlab EVO presentation
4:30 – 7:00 pm followed by a drinks reception at the Bureau Veritas stand and further talks with our specialists.
Interlab EVO is composed of the Test Management System and the Test Requirements Management System.
Users organize the actual project handling within the Test Management System, which includes version control of devices-under-test, test laboratory management, results management and automated test report generation. Specific report templates can easily be uploaded and used within the system. Members of different teams and locations work together 24/7 on the seamless platform.
The Test Requirements Management System is an individual module of Interlab EVO, enabling users to smoothly manage the numerous and constantly changing specifications, quality policies and the consequential test plans. Specifications, including test specifications plus test case descriptions, and quality policies, containing official or private certification aspects, are the backbone of any verification lifecycle management process. Interlab EVO ideally supports the handling of such crucial information. Once uploaded data can be centrally maintained and used time and time again, by all teams involved.
Ready-to-use Content Packages
In the IoT environment, which is characterized by continuous change, it is of prime importance to maintain such specifications continually for up to date test and certification processes. To facilitate this, 7layers offers ready-to-use content packages for Interlab EVO. These cover the requirements of industry interest groups such as GCF, PTCRB, Bluetooth® and LoRaWAN. Ready-to-use content packages for regulatory requirements such as RED of FCC are currently in planning. The flexible system also enables users to enter their own content, including product or service requirements, specific quality policies, device-under-test descriptions and report templates.
Test Plan Generator
The Interlab EVO Test Requirements Management System also features a fast and almost automatic test plan generator. Users simply choose the quality policy their device-under-test should adhere to and describe it via a guided questionnaire. The system simultaneously and automatically creates the respective test plan, which can be adapted manually if necessary. Should requirements or product changes arise, the generation of “delta test plans” is fully supported. If preferred, it is also possible to import test plans created by “Interlab LIVE”, an online test plan generator from 7layers, or use test plans from other Interlab sources.
Working with Interlab EVO
The highly critical but laborious task of tracing test results back to their respective requirements, is facilitated by the seamless Interlab EVO platform and its systematic, consistent process organization. It effortlessly compares features and versions of devices-under-test, plus the test laboratories and test resources involved, with the respective quality policies and specifications including test cases and test parameters. For a quick and precise project overview and status information, the system provides clearly arranged metrics of test results via specially designed dashboards.
“With Interlab EVO we are now offering a comprehensive but also flexible verification lifecycle management solution for the IoT”, explains Carsten Kuhfuss, Interlab Product Manager at 7layers. “Depending on the size and the requirements of their organization, customers can not only choose between different product options and content packages. The generic interfaces between Interlab EVO and other IT systems also enable them to easily import relevant data and templates to manage their specific needs. Interlab EVO is the successor of the proven Interlab software system, which is in use by certification organizations, network operators, IoT service providers, test laboratories and leading smartphone manufacturers around the world.
After the initial presentation at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Interlab EVO will be introduced to the market gradually, starting spring 2017.
About 7layers: 7layers is a group of engineering & test centers specializing in wireless technologies. The organization supports the development, testing and market access processes of connected devices, as well as the set-up and maintenance of Smart Services. Stakeholders in Smart Services processes, such as manufacturers and suppliers of connected devices, wireless component manufacturers, network operators, application developers and the Smart Services providers themselves benefit from using 7layers services and products. 7layers services for connected devices encompass antenna and module integration; RF consulting; Radio/EMC testing, interoperability, field and conformance testing; certification (PTCRB, GCF, Bluetooth®, MirrorLink, LoRa and many more) and international type approval (RED (R&TTE), FCC, ISED Canada etc.). Smart Services processes are supported with technical consulting, analysis of suitable technologies, reviewing requirements, benchmarking as well as the development of specifications, quality policies, test specifications and test cases. Additionally, 7layers provides test solutions (Bluetooth RF, Device/UICC, TTY, LoRa) and the new Interlab EVO Test Management System for the verification lifecycle management of connected devices and Smart Services. The 7layers service centers and/or accredited test labs are located in the USA (Irvine, Sunnyvale), Germany (Ratingen), Korea (Seoul), Japan (Yokohama) and China (Beijing, Shenzhen). 7layers belongs to the Bureau Veritas Group, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, serving a large variety of industries. More information at: www.7layers.com and www.bureauveritas.com/cps Contact: Brigitte.Lewis@7layers.com
7layers – now authorized to provide LoRa Alliance US certification services Benefit from 7layers comprehensive portfolio for LoRa devices and modules
Ratingen, Germany, 24.01.2017: Following the initial announcement in June 2016, 7layers has been authorized as a world-wide service provider for LoRa Alliance certification. Based on this, the 7layers group has now added LoRa Alliance certification services for the USA to its already existing LoRa certification services in Europe. The announcement was made at the LoRa Alliance All Member Meeting, taking place in London in January 2017.
As a proven technology driver, 7layers has once again been deeply engaged; this time with the main US-based drivers to launch LoRa certification for products working on the US specific frequency band (915 MHz) for LoRa technology.
7layers is acting as a contributor member for the LoRa Alliance. More than 400 companies have been signing up so far and the number of additional members is growing fast. Following its success in Europe we currently see the LoRa market in the US ramping up as well. “Today we are proud to announce that we have become one of the first authorized LoRa Alliance certification test laboratories, supporting LoRa devices certification, target for the US market”, states Thomas Jaeger, Director for Group Business Development & Innovation at 7layers. More details will be provided on the LoRa Alliance Website soon.
About 7layers: 7layers is a group of engineering & test centers specializing in wireless technologies. The organization supports the development, testing and market access processes of connected devices, as well as the set-up and maintenance of smart IoT services. Stakeholders in IoT processes, such as manufacturers and suppliers of connected devices, wireless component manufacturers, network operators, application developers and the service providers themselves benefit from using 7layers services and supporting tools.
7layers services for connected devices encompass antenna and module integration; RF consulting; Radio/EMC testing, interoperability, field and conformance testing; certification (PTCRB, GCF, Bluetooth®, MirrorLink, LoRa and many more) and international type approval (RED, FCC, ISED Canada etc.). IoT processes are supported with technical consulting, analysis of suitable technologies, reviewing requirements, benchmarking plus the development of specifications, quality policies, test specifications and test cases. Additionally, 7layers provides Interlab test solutions (Bluetooth RF, Device/UICC, TTY) and the new Interlab EVO Test Management System for the verification lifecycle management of connected devices and Smart Services.
The 7layers service centers and/or accredited test labs are located in the USA (Irvine, Sunnyvale), Germany (Ratingen), Korea (Seoul), Japan (Yokohama) and China (Beijing, Shenzhen). 7layers belongs to the Bureau Veritas Group, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, serving a large variety of industries. More information at: www.7layers.com and www.bureauveritas.com/cps Contact: Brigitte.Lewis@7layers.com / Thomas.Jaeger@7layers.com
8th LoRa All Members Meeting 23rd – 25th January 2017 7layers welcomes you at the Open House of the LoRa All Members Meeting
7th LoRa Alliance Market Place
25th January 2017 Royal Garden Hotel 2-24 Kensington High Street London W8 4PT
Learn more about the 7layers services
LoRa Technology – Test & Certification
The LoRa Alliance, an open, non-profit organization is driving the standardization of the LoRa technology as it safe and economical to use for many Internet of Things (IoT) applications. 7layers’ 3rd party test labs in Ratingen (Germany) have achieved status as one of the first independent 3rd party test labs in Europe to be authorized to test and certify according to the LoRa certification program. We offer a comprehensive portfolio for LoRa devices and modules.
Consulting and Engineering Support for Connectivity and Service Providers
7layers engineers work with connectivity and service providers to define and manage all requirements that are necessary to ensure successful service operations. Beyond the scope of regulatory and certification requirements, additional measures are needed to ensure e.g. connectivity, security, accountability and quality of service.
Join the praxis-oriented congress at automation meets wireless on 22 June 2017, 10:00 am onwards and listen to 7layers on:
“7layers will ensure that the whole process runs extremely smooth, providing support from our own engineers throughout,” explains Dipl-Ing Thomas Jaeger, Director for Group Business Development & Innovation at 7layers. “We will be able to offer vendors a full service, for example providing 
constantly changing specifications, quality policies and the consequential test plans. Specifications, including test specifications plus test case descriptions, and quality policies, containing official or private certification aspects, are the backbone of any verification lifecycle management process. Interlab EVO ideally supports the handling of such crucial information. Once uploaded data can be centrally maintained and used time and time again, by all teams involved.
7layers is acting as a contributor member for the LoRa Alliance. More than 400 companies have been signing up so far and the number of additional members is growing fast. Following its success in Europe we currently see the LoRa market in the US ramping up as well. “Today we are proud to announce that we have become one of the first authorized LoRa Alliance certification test laboratories, supporting LoRa devices certification, target for the US market”, states Thomas Jaeger, Director for Group Business Development & Innovation at 7layers. More details will be provided on the 
7th LoRa Alliance Market Place