Each day, New Zealanders are the first to see the sunrise due to the country’s location west of the international date line. But that’s just the beginning of the country’s claims to fame. The first commercial and legal bungee jump was invented and performed there, and New Zealand was the first country to grant women the right to vote, way back in 1893. The country is also home to Define Instruments, an Auckland-based company that turns data into action for companies worldwide.
Since 2005, Define Instruments has designed industrial automation and measurement equipment that is intuitive, reliable, and built with technicians in mind. For example, when a service technician receives an alert about a machine malfunction before it causes downtime, or when products are automatically reordered just as inventory runs low, the technology behind these seamless operations often comes from Define Instruments.
“Data without action is just noise,” said Anthony Glucina, Owner and Chief Operating Officer. “We specialize in making data work for our customers. We help them operate smarter by simplifying complex data into tools that drive real results, whether they are tracking performance, optimizing systems, or minimizing downtime.”
Turning Data into Action
Define Instruments offers a comprehensive range of measurement and control equipment tailored for Original Equipment Manufacturers, service teams, and industrial users. Its products are designed to be straightforward to install, simple to operate, and powerful in performance – ensuring customers get the data they need, when they need it.
Its robust industrial lineup and scalable remote monitoring solutions help customers gain deeper insights into their operations. From real-time dashboards to automated service alerts and action lists, Define Instruments systems are built to transform raw data into clear, actionable steps which results in streamlining operations and enhancing service delivery.
“Equipment failures, restocking consumables, ongoing maintenance, and service schedules can quickly overwhelm service teams and erode profit margins,” Glucina said. “The traditional approach of adding more technicians, trucks, and trips isn’t sustainable. We help customers make existing resources smarter and more efficient through intelligent data utilization.”
Define Instruments’ custom IoT solutions and remote monitoring systems do more than track equipment performance; they tell customers’ teams exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to prioritize tasks for maximum efficiency. Its industrial automation equipment is designed for technicians and built to last, while its remote monitoring and diagnostics improve uptime, anticipate maintenance, and reduce disruptions. Its custom solutions are systems tailored to track, control, and optimize unique processes,
and for data visualization, it offers real-time dashboards and prioritized action lists for smarter decision-making.
AutomationDirect sells Define Instruments’ Twin Link Series Wireless Transmitter/Receiver & Signal Repeater and ToolBox software. The Twin Link is a powerful wireless I/O solution designed for challenging environments, providing reliable bidirectional communication where traditional wiring is difficult—or even impossible. Each paired sender and receiver creates a robust radio link that transmits both analog and digital signals with minimal setup, while supporting a wide range of input types. With an impressive transmission range of up to 0.9 miles line-of-sight (or 500 feet through walls), the Twin Link delivers dependable performance in demanding industrial conditions.
The free to download ToolBox software makes setup fast and intuitive. Users can configure universal analog inputs, 4–20mA outputs, and digital I/O in under 60 seconds via a simple USB Bridge Key. Pre-calibrated input ranges, flexible scaling, and click-and-select options streamline setup, while advanced setpoint programming supports alarms, remote control, temperature regulation, or pump operations.
Additional features such as Simulation Mode (for testing without hardware), Import/Export (for easy backups and cloning), and Configuration Certificates (professional PDF summaries for records and sharing) enhance usability and make deployment efficient.
Real-World Impact
From its New Zealand headquarters, Define Instruments serves a diverse range of sectors. For Original Equipment Manufacturers, it provides remote monitoring capabilities that enhance product value and enable proactive service models. For service and support teams managing geographically distributed assets, it creates efficiencies. For process automation and control, it optimizes manufacturing and production processes through intelligent data utilization. For utilities, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, it monitors critical systems and enables predictive maintenance strategies.
Every successful system starts with a solid strategy, and Define Instruments transforms the way customers capture, process, and act on data with its comprehensive four-step process:
· Data Strategy: It identifies exactly what data needs to be captured to address specific operational challenges.
· System Build-Out: Using insights from the data strategy phase, Define Instruments develops and customizes remote monitoring systems tailored to the customer’s unique requirements.
· To-Do List Generation: It converts raw data into prioritized task lists, service schedules, pick lists, and reorder notifications that minimize labor costs and maximize operational efficiency.
· Ongoing Support: Comprehensive training and continuous system improvement ensure that customers can leverage their new capabilities while adapting to changing needs.
By following this process, the company creates technology that technicians actually want to use. Its systems are designed to be intuitive and straightforward, providing clear guidance rather than overwhelming the user with unnecessary complexity.
This user-centric approach extends to Define Instruments’ custom IoT development platform, which enables rapid deployment of tailored solutions without the typical complexity associated with industrial IoT implementations. The result is technology that enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them.
Looking Forward
Define Instruments’ proven method of turning data into prioritized, actionable tasks addresses one of the most persistent challenges in modern industrial operations – working smarter using available information. The company’s combination of technical expertise, practical experience, and customer-centric approach demonstrates that the future of industrial automation is making smarter decisions enabled by intelligently processed data. Mark that as another claim to fame coming from New Zealand!