FAQs
‍Frequently asked questions

Peakboard GmbH was founded in Stuttgart in 2016 and spun off in 2022 as an independent company from Theobald Software, a long-established SAP interface vendor. The company serves over 300 customers in DACH and the US and operates from multiple locations. Peakboard America Inc. was founded in Chicago in 2022.

First applications are live in under 5 days; a full rollout typically in under 3 months.

Peakboard Designer, Peakboard Boxes, and BYOD devices generally run locally at the customer – data does not leave the company. Only with the Peakboard Hub is there a choice: as Peakboard Hub Online (SaaS, hosted by Peakboard) or as Peakboard Hub On-Premise in your own network. For industrial customers with strict data sovereignty requirements, Hub On-Premise is the common setup.

Over 100 out-of-the-box interfaces, including: SAP (certified, incl. EWM, ECC, MES, MII, S/4 HANA), OPC UA, MQTT, Siemens S7, Beckhoff, Rockwell, Modbus, MS SQL, Oracle, MySQL, MongoDB, REST APIs, ODBC, Power BI, Qlik, Tableau, IBM Cognos, Excel, SharePoint, OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, CSV, JSON, XML, OData.

Neither. Peakboard is an edge-computing platform that sits between data acquisition (PLC, SCADA) and planning (ERP, MES, BI tools). Unlike MES systems, Peakboard is not monolithic and not built for multi-year implementation projects. Unlike BI tools such as Power BI, Peakboard offers real-time updates (per-second instead of periodic), a feedback channel from the shop floor, and direct machine connectivity via OPC UA.

Four points:

1. On-premise as standard – data stays in your own network, supports strict data sovereignty requirements.
2. Device-based subscription instead of user-based licensing, avoiding cost explosions as you scale.
3. SAP-certified connector for EWM, ECC, MES, S/4 HANA – with roots in the ecosystem of Theobald Software, a long-established SAP interface vendor.
4. Business-team autonomy – OPEX and lean teams build and modify applications themselves, at their own pace and close to the process.

Peakboard is aimed at mid-sized and larger production and logistics companies, primarily in the US and DACH. Typical users are OPEX managers, lean managers, digitalization leads, and production managers. The focus is on companies that want to bring together machine data and business-team applications without large classic IT projects.

Yes, the Peakboard Hub provides an HTTP or HTTPS interface for integration with external systems and for executing remote function calls. Hub Online uses HTTPS only; Hub On-Premise supports HTTP or HTTPS depending on configuration. In addition, an MCP server is available, making the Hub usable as a data source for AI agents and LLM applications via the Model Context Protocol.

Peakboard Hub On-Premise runs on a Windows Server with IIS in your own intranet. As database, the included SQL Server Express or your own SQL Server can be used. Authentication uses Active Directory with Windows username and password.

The Hub centrally stores and evaluates alerts. There are three alert types (Info, Warning, Problem), delivered by email to configurable recipient lists or by browser push notification on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Alerts can be triggered by Peakboard Boxes, Hub Flows, or via the Hub API.

Hub lists are central data tables with a graphical interface that all connected Peakboard Boxes, BYOD devices, browser applications, and the Hub API can read and write simultaneously. Columns can be configured with types, default values, and constraints; filtering (equal, not equal, starts/ends with, contains) and sorting are built in. Typical data models: machine and production data acquisition, shop floor management, actions, shifts, and newly captured values.

Yes. The Peakboard Hub acts as a bridge between the shop floor and IT systems. You can exchange data bidirectionally, buffer and bundle machine requests before passing them to SAP, receive order data, and report production figures back to ERP or MES. Credentials for third-party systems are managed centrally in the Hub.

With Hub Flows you automate data processing and business logic directly inside the Hub. Flows are built visually from triggers and steps, without classical programming. Available triggers are time-based (periodically or at fixed times), event-based (on data changes), function triggers with parameters, and manual triggering. Flow projects are created in Peakboard Designer and uploaded to the Hub, where they run centrally on the Hub server – without UI or display device, instead of being maintained on every box in parallel. Hub Flows are currently only available in the On-Premise edition.

Peakboard Hub Online Starter is free for up to 5 connected Peakboard Boxes or BYOD devices, including Hub lists. For larger deployments, pricing is available on request. Peakboard Hub On-Premise is licensed separately based on setup size – please contact us for current details. Add-ons such as Hub Flows may increase the total price.

Peakboard Hub Online is the SaaS edition, instantly ready and maintained by Peakboard. A free Starter tier is available for small setups; pricing for larger deployments is available on request. Peakboard Hub On-Premise runs on the customer's own Windows Server hardware in their intranet, offers full data sovereignty, and is currently the only edition with Hub Flows, availability overview, Hub logs, and external MQTT broker integration. Both editions are equally valid – the choice depends on data sovereignty requirements, workflow complexity, and setup size.

No. Peakboard Boxes and BYOD devices also run autonomously without the Hub. But the Hub makes many things easier as soon as multiple devices, multiple plants, or newly captured data come into play.

The Peakboard Hub is the central platform for Peakboard applications and turns decentralized shop floor solutions into an orchestrated overall system. The Hub is not mandatory – Peakboard Boxes and BYOD devices also run autonomously – but it makes a lot of things easier as soon as multiple devices, multiple plants, or newly captured data come into play. Three core jobs:

1. Centrally manage Peakboard Boxes and BYOD devices – device overview, licenses, IP addresses, remote configuration, and automatic updates rolled out to the entire device fleet.
2. Centrally store and historize data from machines, sensors, and manual inputs instead of only displaying it momentarily. Hub lists work as central data tables that all connected devices can read and write simultaneously; Hub Variables synchronize individual values via MQTT in real time.
3. Define logic once in Hub Flows and run it centrally on the Hub server, instead of maintaining it on every box separately – including buffering and bundling of thousands of machine requests to SAP, writing production figures back to ERP/MES, and centrally managed credentials for third-party systems. (Hub Flows are currently only available in the On-Premise edition.)

The Hub addresses two user groups: IT staff for device administration, network configuration, and access control, and process teams for data models, workflows, and reporting.

Peakboard is a low-code platform for digitalizing production and logistics processes. It connects live data from SAP, machines (via OPC UA, MQTT, Siemens S7), and IT systems to interactive dashboards directly on the shop floor. Business teams build and modify applications themselves, without programming knowledge.

No, the BYOD license is hardware-bound, not user-bound. This means the license is tied to a specific device — but there is no restriction on which or how many users can operate that device. Any user working on the licensed hardware can use Peakboard BYOD without limitations.

Depending on the setup, to use Peakboard, you need either a Peakboard Box or your own Windows device (BYOD).

When you the Peakboard Box uses, do you need:

• A power connection (USB-C power supply is included)
• One network connection via LAN or WLAN
• Einen Monitor with HDMI port to display the visualization

For the use of Peakboard BYOD or to install the Peakboard Designers We recommend a device with Windows 10 or newer.

You need one license per device. For 5 applications on 5 screens, you need 5 BYOD licenses and 5 compatible devices.

We are unable to provide replacements or support for hardware issues. Integration can also take more time, as the Peakboard Box is optimally tailored to our software.

Windows 10 (from version 1607) and Windows 11 are supported, each in a 64-bit version. 32-bit and ARM-based systems are not supported.

If you already have IPC hardware, you can use it right away — No additional procurement or IT approval is required.

Minimum requirements: 1GHz dual-core CPU, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage. For a smooth experience, we recommend higher values. If you have any uncertainties, our sales team is happy to help.

Yes, Peakboard BYOD can be used on a Windows tablet or laptop — a 64-bit Windows operating system (Windows 10 or 11) is required. ARM processors are not supported

Yes, with Peakboard BYOD, you can use applications view on your own device. All you need is a usage license and a compatible Windows device.

After your request via our pricing page, you will receive a download link. The trial version can be used immediately — for long-term use, a Hardware-bound license required.

There is no functional differences. With Peakboard BYOD, you use your own Windows device like a Peakboard Box.

Yes, on our Templatesite You'll find a variety of templates that you can customize individually.

The Peakboard Designer and the Peakboard helpsite are available in English and German.

As part of the SLA, you have Access to all updates. As a rule, a new update appears approximately once a month. We recommend upgrading 2-3 times a year or as needed. We actively communicate safety-relevant updates. You can find all information on our Help page.

In the Peakboard Designer, you will find a country flag at the bottom right, which you can use to change the language.

All updates and technical support are Free of charge as part of a valid maintenance contract included.

You can find useful tips and assistance on the Peakboard help page Or on our YouTube channel.

No, integration into a domain is possible but not absolutely necessary.

No, the Peakboard Box requires No Internet access by default.

By default, all ports are blocked — with the exception of ICMPv4/v6, ports 6, 7, 5985, 5986, and 40404, 40405 and 40407 (for Peakboard communication).

The screen requires a HDMI input. Touch screens also require a USB port.

Yes — with Peakboard Hub (cloud-based or on-premise) You can manage your boxes centrally via the browser, carry out updates and distribute content.

Yes, the Peakboard Box is robustly built and suitable for industrial environments. It has an aluminum housing and can be additionally protected if required or Can be mounted on a DIN rail.

Peakboard Pro offers a limited edition number of interfaces. With Peakboard Enterprise, all available data connections are available to you — just like on our website at Data connections listed.

You can One monitor per Peakboard Box Connect via HDMI cable. Splitting a visualization across multiple monitors is not intended.

Yes, every Peakboard Box comes with an administrator user who can create any number of users with individual roles and rights.

The Peakboard Box runs on Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise (LTSC) with support up to 2029. Only the Peakboard Runtime is installed — no additional software can be installed.

Yes, a paid upgrade is possible. It is activated with a new license key. Simply contact sales@peakboard.com.

A virus scanner can be installed via administrator access, but is not necessary. The box is already well protected due to its closed system and limited user rights.

Peakboard is based on a Windows operating system with an integrated rights concept. User accounts are password protected, Windows Defender is active. Passwords in visualizations are encrypted. Additional access restrictions at network level should be set up.

Data is generally only cached locally on the Peakboard Box and only temporarily — usually for a few minutes. For longer or more extensive buffering, it is recommended to use an external database.

Data protection and data security are top priorities at Peakboard. No data is passed on to third parties — with the exception of cloud-based interfaces such as OneDrive, which require a functional transfer. Data is exchanged exclusively within the interfaces used, e.g. with the SAP system.

The box is configured in kiosk mode with a restricted Windows user who cannot install or run any programs. It is not possible to switch to desktop mode. There is a separate administrator account for administrative tasks. Important: Change the password after logging in for the first time and store it securely — it is not possible to reset it.

Our support team usually answers within one working day — available on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m.

Yes Peakboard is SAP-certified and offers its own, fully integrated interface to SAP systems.

The exchange is carried out through our support team. Defective devices are returned for analysis and, if possible, repaired sustainably.

Peakboard offers over 100 integrated interfaces — e.g. for SAP, OPC UA, Excel — without additional middleware or license costs.

Contact our support team — many issues can be resolved quickly via remote access without the need to replace them.

Many systems offer APIs or standard interfaces. Our extensions and team are happy to help you with the integration.

You can freely configure the update — from real-time to multi-day intervals, depending on demand and source.

We always recommend a replacement device in stock to have. In an emergency, it can be used immediately.

The box can via LAN or WLAN be integrated and behaves like a Windows client. Configuration is done via Peakboard Designer. Integration into the Active Directory domain is possible as an option.

Yes — you can work interactively with the dashboard using the mouse, keyboard, presenter or directly via the touch display.

There are two ways:

1. Peakboard Web Access – direct access to a single Peakboard Box via your web browser (desktop or mobile). You see a current screenshot of the visualization, can edit lists, variables, and resources, swap files like images or PDFs, and run predefined functions. Ideal for users who want to operate their Box.
2. Peakboard Hub – central management of multiple Peakboard Boxes. The browser gives you an overview of all devices (with regularly updated screenshots) and lets you switch visualizations, adjust network and IP settings, and manage licenses and users. Ideal for administrators and teams with larger setups.

Peakboard is offered exclusively as a rental model to allow maximum flexibility — including regular updates, support and security features.

Every employee can use Peakboard Designer to create applications. However, this is usually done by employees who are well versed in the various data sources in the company. You may need administrator permission to install our software, the Peakboard Designer. Depending on the company policy, a non-administrator can also set up the Peakboard Box. However, you usually need a network or IT administrator to integrate the box into the infrastructure.

For most applications, the low-code editor is enough: drag & drop, conditional formatting, pre-built templates, and an intelligent assistant. OPEX and lean teams build productive dashboards on their own. For more complex logic, you can either work with Building Blocks or write Lua scripts directly in the classic text editor.

The quickest way to reach our technical support is by email at support@peakboard.com.

Yes — for example, individual workshops or free webinars. If you are interested, simply contact sales@peakboard.com turn around.

The Peakboard Designer is free, with no time limit. Licenses are charged per device, billed annually:

• Peakboard BYOD starting at $1,400/year (pricing capped at $28,000/year for 20+ licenses)
• Peakboard Box (incl. hardware) starting at $2,000/year (additional Boxes beyond 20 at $300/year each)

Onboarding, implementation, support, and maintenance are included. The Peakboard Hub Online includes a free Starter tier for small setups; pricing for larger deployments is available on request. Please contact us for current details.

BI solutions such as PowerBI are usually already implemented in companies and can automatically process complex data analyses and historical data. However, they are rather unsuitable for recording and presenting real-time and process data and usually require a complex IT project. This in turn makes them complex and inflexible — subsequent changes, for example, are very difficult to implement. This is where Peakboard comes in: Low-code operational intelligence platforms are characterized by their ease of use. This allows even users without in-depth IT knowledge to develop and adapt applications. In addition, Peakboard analyses data in real time and enables companies to intervene directly in ongoing processes. The high level of flexibility enables rapid adaptation to changing requirements or feedback loops.

Yes, very thoroughly. With the free Peakboard Designer you can build your project without functional restrictions and test it in preview mode with real data. You can even connect your laptop via HDMI to a monitor or touchscreen and work with the team on the target device. After 30 minutes a notification banner interrupts the preview mode. For permanent operation on a screen, you need a Peakboard Box or a BYOD license.