The horticulture industry is increasingly shifting toward data-driven
approaches to enhance productivity and optimize resource use. As the
industry evolves, there’s a growing recognition of the value of precise
data management and environmental control in achieving consistent,
high-quality crop yields.
This requires the ability to monitor greenhouses and other controlled
environments 24/7 in order to maintain desired conditions, identify any
issues, and intervene as necessary. Argus Controls developed TITAN
Envoy to deliver these critical capabilities.
TITAN Envoy is an intuitive and easy-to-use cloud-based software
system that acts as an extension of the Argus TITAN 900 system,
providing secure remote access for growers to their facilities, while
delivering valuable data insights through a streamlined, visual user
interface.
In this article we will break down the key features of TITAN Envoy,
how it works, who can benefit most from using it, and steps for
implementing it alongside existing Argus TITAN systems.
Quick Takeaways:
TITAN Envoy provides an intuitive, cloud-based interface for easy remote access and management of growing environments, augmenting the more comprehensive TITAN 900 system.
Key features of TITAN Envoy include cloud-based access, a user-friendly interface, multi-site visibility, manual intervention capabilities, and monitoring by exception.
Unlike TITAN 900, TITAN Envoy enables you to eliminate returning to your workstation for critical information and alarms. Instead, you can stay updated and make interventions from the greenhouse, office or any remote location.
Envoy focuses on real-time monitoring rather than detailed system customization, making it ideal for junior growers and facilities with limited on-site staff.
TITAN Envoy and Argus LIVE offer distinct functionalities, with Envoy providing a streamlined, cloud-based solution for everyday management, while LIVE offers comprehensive access to TITAN 900's full capabilities through a direct on-premise connection.
Envoy makes it easier for operators to focus on essential monitoring and manual intervention capabilities without the complexity associated with more advanced systems.
Purpose, Features & Use Cases
TITAN Envoy is a cloud-based remote-access software system designed to complement the TITAN 900 system and provide a simplified interface for handling day-to-day tasks related to managing greenhouses and growth chambers.
Envoy makes it easier for operators to access and control their systems remotely and securely. Enabling them to focus on essential monitoring and manual intervention capabilities without the complexity associated with more advanced systems.
Key TITAN Envoy features include:
Cloud-based Access: TITAN Envoy is built on a cloud-based infrastructure, meaning users can access the system from any internet-connected device.
User-Friendly Interface: Designed with simplicity in mind, Envoy offers an intuitive interface that reduces the learning curve for new users.
Multi-site Visibility: TITAN Envoy supports seamless navigation across multiple sites. Users can switch between different facilities for a unified experience when managing more than one location.
Manual Intervention and Equipment Override: With Envoy, users can manually override equipment settings, such as switching between manual and automatic modes, and to perform specific interventions like opening or closing vents.
Monitoring by Exception: Envoy emphasizes monitoring by exception, highlighting deviations from the norm such as equipment left in manual mode. This helps users quickly identify and resolve critical issues that require attention.
TITAN Envoy has been a game-changer for our greenhouse operations. The web-based platform allows us to monitor real-time environmental data remotely, providing key insights that help maintain optimal growing conditions without the need for constant on-site presence.
While Envoy can deliver value in a diverse set of growing environments and use cases, it’s particularly valuable for certain user groups:
Junior Growers and Apprentice Operators: Those new to the industry who may find more complex systems daunting.
Facilities without Round-the-Clock Staffing: Operations that don’t have employees on site 24/7 and need remote monitoring capabilities
Operations Needing Simplified Controls: Those looking to operate basic monitoring and control scenarios without having to navigate the more comprehensive TITAN 900 system.
It’s important to note that unlike the TITAN 900, TITAN Envoy does not allow for the configuration of new equipment or changing system setpoints. It is not designed for users needing to perform detailed system adjustments or customizations. Envoy’s focus is primarily on real-time monitoring and immediate manual controls, rather than long-term system configuration.
TITAN Envoy thus serves as a practical tool for day-to-day operations, particularly in scenarios where simplicity and ease of access are crucial. Its design makes it a valuable addition to existing Argus TITAN systems, providing essential functionalities without the complexities of full system management.
What Are the Benefits of TITAN Envoy?
Designed with simplicity, efficiency, and anywhere-access in mind, TITAN Envoy can deliver value to a variety of users and use cases, from novice growers to seasoned professionals, and to horticulture and floriculture vendors of all sizes. Its benefits are threefold:
Ease of Onboarding & Access
Envoy is installed by an experienced Argus tech who establishes the connection between the client’s TITAN 900 system and the Envoy cloud, making it simple and easy to get started. Once Envoy is up and running, users can access it via a browser from anywhere.
Once installed, TITAN Envoy offers an intuitive interface that shortens the learning curve and allows for easy adoption and onboarding. For employees that want additional and more comprehensive onboarding the Argus Learn system provides an ongoing resource for further familiarization.
Data Standardization
Traditional TITAN systems are configured and customized by different users over time—often many years —making it harder to centralize and standardize data for easy monitoring. TITAN Envoy addresses this challenge by presenting consistent and unified data that provides clear, usable insights to inform decision making and action.
Secure Remote Access
Envoy’s cloud-based infrastructure brings with it maximum system security—a crucial consideration when accessing data from remote locations. Users can safely connect to their Envoy systems without the risk of data compromisation.
TITAN Envoy vs. Argus LIVE: Understanding the Differences
A natural question for Argus users about TITAN Envoy is how it differs from Argus LIVE—a web-based interface that mirrors TITAN 900 software running on a facility’s local PCs. While both TITAN Envoy and Argus LIVE support remote access and monitoring, Envoy is not a direct replacement for LIVE.
LIVE is a valuable tool for users that need access to TITAN 900’s complete interface and comprehensive features, but it requires a direct connection to the on-premise system. Envoy, as mentioned, is based in the cloud and meant for more focused use related to day-to-day management.
The two solutions can provide simultaneous but different value to growers, with Envoy serving as a faster and simpler tool for daily monitoring and remote intervention when needed—one that’s easier to use for across a wider range of user roles and experience levels.
What Clients Say about TITAN Envoy
Clients using TITAN Envoy have reported a 90% satisfaction rate and a 5X faster onboarding compared to more comprehensive systems. Users overwhelmingly report that they would recommend Envoy to other growers and say it improves the overall TITAN experience.
Being able to access and analyze data from multiple devices enhances our flexibility and decision-making. The manual and automatic control options for equipment allow us to respond quickly to changing conditions.
