App Management
Apps are ready-made solutions that you install from the App Store into your project. Each app provides everything needed for a specific use case — a user interface for monitoring, data collection from your devices, controls, and optionally AI features — all bundled together.
If no existing app fits your needs, you can easily create your own in the App Studio. Custom apps let you solve unique requirements in your specific context — whether it’s a specialized dashboard, a custom data pipeline, or a tailored control interface for your devices.
What is an App?
Unlike many other IoT platforms where an “app” is just a container you deploy to edge devices, an IronFlock app is a complete distributed service. It combines a hosted user interface, a backend for data storage and real-time messaging, and an edge component that runs on your devices — all wired together automatically.
The edge container is the most important part — it’s the software that actually runs on your devices, collects sensor data, controls actuators, or hosts local services. But it’s only one piece of the whole app:
- Edge container — The core software running on your devices, handling data collection, local processing, and device control.
- User interface — Real-time charts, gauges, maps, tables, and controls via the app’s board.
- Data backend — Automatic storage of device data in a time-series database that powers the UI and enables historical analysis.
- Real-time messaging — Live data streaming between devices and the cloud, so dashboards update instantly.
- Remote access — Secure access to device web interfaces, cameras, or diagnostics.
- AI assistant — Some apps include AI agents you can talk to for insights about your data.
When you install an app, all of these components are set up automatically — no configuration or wiring required.
How Apps Work in a Project
Apps are installed at the project level, not on individual devices. Once installed, the app appears on your project’s home panel. You then assign devices to the app, and those devices begin sending data.
Key things to know:
- One app, many devices — Install an app once and assign hundreds of devices. All device data flows into the same user interface.
- Data stays in your project — Each project has its own private database. Apps in different projects never share data.
- Install multiple apps — You can install several apps in the same project for different use cases (e.g., one for temperature monitoring, another for predictive maintenance).
In This Section
- The App Store — Browse and discover apps
- Add Devices to Apps — Add devices to an app so they run its edge component
- App Settings & Parameters — Configure app behavior per device
- App Updates — Update apps when new versions are available
- User Privileges — Control who can access what