PowTechnology’s Metron telemetry is 21 years old! These days, the Metron range of sensor gateways enjoy a global reputation for innovation, but they’re actually built on 21 years of expertise and first-hand field experience!
Back in 2005, PowTechnology, or Powelectrics as it was known, was evolving from being a sensor distributor and gaining traction in connected sensor solutions, using third-party telemetry.
PowTechnology have always strived to truly partner with customers and understand their needs. Those customers told us they needed battery-powered instrumentation for more remote monitoring.
They wanted a device that could not only power a sensor, but accommodate lots of different sensors, with different signal types and settling times. Perhaps, more than anything, they wanted a unit they could deploy without specialist coding skills.
Their ideal solution simply wasn’t available … so we made it … releasing the very first ‘In4ma’ Metron to rave reviews!
Spurred on by this success, we developed the world’s first ATEX-approved GPRS-capable telemetry unit in 2008! MetronATEX introduced GPRS to send data and alarms. It sold by the thousand, particularly in propane gas applications.
This was quickly followed by the cutting-edge Metron2 in 2009. Like its predecessor, it was compatible with thousands of sensors, but it also offered three power options- mains, battery and solar. It’s more visible screen now acted as a local gauge, as well as being used for commissioning and diagnostics.
The refined menu improved the customer experience, with simpler configuration, tank linearisation and rate of change alarms. Weatherproof and self-contained, it was proven in extreme temperatures (-20 to +65°C) and harsh environments, suitable for use almost anywhere with a mobile phone signal!
Metron2 was incredibly popular with customers and even won a British Engineering Excellence Award for our young engineer, Oliver Start!
Our telemetry hardware was so popular, we invested in our own customer-focussed platform. MetronVIEW software was introduced in 2010 and was extremely well-received, as it dramatically reduced customers’ data costs and delivered new features, such as cloud-based configuration, data integration via an API and even the ability to brand the portal as their own!
The MetronVIEW portal has been constantly developed and improved, including a significant upgrade in August 2026. It reliably processes tens of millions of sensor readings per month and sends thousands of alarms to our users to prevent downtime, improve safety and maintain quality.
Metron2 hardware was also regularly upgraded with additional features, such as expansion cards for pulse counting, to augment functionality, responding to and anticipate evolving customer needs.
Constant innovation and evolution ensured that PowTechnology’s IIoT kit was adopted into multiple new sectors and applications, going far beyond tank level to monitoring of flow, pressure, temperature, vibration, humidity, effluent and emissions and more.
Skipping Metron3, we introduced Metron4, with 4G capabilities in 2018, enhancing versatility and functionality with developments such as multiplexed digital inputs (MUX) cards to allow a mix of analogue and digital signals for applications like condition monitoring. The robust design, both internally and externally, means that many of these older units are still in operation and will only be retired with the 2G sunset!
Our latest Metron5 sensor gateway was introduced in 2025 and is 5G ready. This evolution of the Metron brand involved a serious design upgrade! Metron5 incorporates innovative modem management and comes with a processor that supports on-the-edge processing, extended data logging and integration with additional sensors via MODBUS.
We’re extremely proud of where our Metron journey has taken us! Metrons can be found all over the world, in applications that range from smart logistics to beaver reintroduction, from industrial glue dispense to flood monitoring, from condition monitoring on trains to environmental compliance!
So … Happy 21st Metron … hip, hip hooray! You hold the keys to a lot of doors!
READ THE METRON5 BROCHURE TO FIND OUT MORE
PowTechnology have been intelligent automation specialists for over 35 years. We’re known for making it easy to connect data from sensors and machines to the cloud. We help you create and use data to gain actionable insight and drive efficiency and sustainability.
If you’re looking for a partner to help you accelerate your digitalisation journey and realise the benefits of Industrial IoT quickly, securely and with minimal risk, look no further!
We welcome your enquiries. Please come to us with your application ideas and we will do our very best to help!
+44 1827 310 666 sales@PowTechnology.com or use this contact form.
