HMS Expands Industrial Connectivity with New Gateway, Firmware, and MQTT Support

HMS pushes deeper into connected building automation

HMS Networks has unveiled a coordinated set of upgrades targeting one of automation’s fastest-evolving frontiers: connected HVAC and building systems. The release includes a new gateway for heat pump integration, a firmware upgrade for network diagnostics, and MQTT support aimed at cloud-native control strategies.

The move reflects a broader industry shift toward unified data access across devices, where gateways no longer act as simple protocol converters but as intelligent data brokers.

Bringing heat pumps into the automation layer

Gateway design for multi-system coordination

The newly introduced NIBE Gateway enables direct integration of heat pumps into building automation systems. It supports bidirectional communication and manages up to 100 data points across multiple units.

This architecture allows centralized coordination of heating and cooling, especially in multi-residential buildings and light commercial environments where load balancing becomes critical.

The gateway enables structured integration of distributed HVAC assets into unified control systems.

Beyond HVAC: expanding system boundaries

What makes this gateway relevant is not just HVAC integration. It also extends to photovoltaic systems and auxiliary temperature control loops.

This positions the device as a flexible edge integration node, bridging traditionally isolated subsystems into a shared automation architecture.

Firmware evolves from maintenance tool to engineering asset

Topology visualization changes diagnostics workflow

The Atlas2 Plus firmware update introduces a topology tree view that transforms how engineers interpret network structures. Instead of linear diagnostics, users can now visualize device relationships and communication paths.

This reduces troubleshooting time and provides clarity in systems where dozens or hundreds of nodes interact simultaneously.

The new visualization tool maps device relationships, making complex networks easier to manage and debug.

Centralized updates reduce engineering overhead

The addition of the Atlas Update Tool allows batch firmware updates across multiple devices. This eliminates the need for manual, device-by-device intervention.

For large facilities, this directly reduces maintenance time and minimizes system downtime during upgrades.

MQTT brings HVAC into the cloud era

From fieldbus to publish-subscribe

The Intesis 700 Series Air gateways now support MQTT, enabling publish-subscribe communication models. This marks a shift from traditional polling-based communication to event-driven data exchange.

With MQTT, HVAC systems can transmit real-time data to cloud platforms and receive control commands without direct physical access.

MQTT support enables remote monitoring and control of HVAC assets through cloud infrastructure.

Why this matters for system design

Cloud connectivity enables predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics, and centralized optimization. These capabilities are increasingly expected in modern facilities.

Engineers designing systems today must account for both local control and cloud integration from the start.

Application impact across automation environments

These updates directly affect system integrators working with distributed control architectures. In HVAC-heavy facilities such as commercial buildings, hospitals, and mixed-use developments, integration speed and data visibility define project success.

For engineers sourcing compatible control hardware, platforms such as PLC/PAC systems and industrial communication modules remain essential building blocks alongside gateway technologies.

Industry direction: convergence of IT and OT continues

The combination of gateway expansion, firmware intelligence, and MQTT support signals a clear trajectory. Industrial networks are converging with IT infrastructure, with data accessibility becoming as important as control reliability.

Vendors that enable seamless movement between field devices, edge gateways, and cloud platforms will define the next phase of automation deployment.

Author’s perspective

The significance of this release lies not in any single product, but in the integration strategy behind it. HMS is aligning hardware, firmware, and communication protocols into a unified ecosystem.

In my view, this is the correct direction. Future automation systems will not tolerate fragmented data layers. Solutions that simplify connectivity while enhancing visibility will ultimately win adoption across both legacy upgrades and new installations.

Daniel Reeves, Senior Industrial Systems Analyst. 14 years of experience in PLC integration, industrial networking, and building automation systems. سابق project contributor with Siemens and Schneider Electric ecosystem deployments.