Ayla launches Dealer Hub for connected device networks

Ayla Networks has launched Dealer Hub, a device management tool for dealer and installer networks that extends access to devices connected to the Ayla cloud.

The service is aimed at brands that sell connected products through two-tier distribution models, where dealers install or service devices rather than sell them directly to end users. Dealer Hub gives brands oversight of multiple dealers, lets them assign devices to those dealers, and provides visibility into device health and status across the network.

Once a dealer is onboarded, the platform allows that dealer to view and manage the devices it installs and services. Access is organised by role and can be set across locations and franchises, giving dealer administrators, staff and site-based managers different levels of visibility.

The launch adds a channel management layer to Ayla's existing OEM Device Dashboard. Ayla, which supplies cloud services to more than 60 smart home brands, is targeting manufacturers whose products require professional installation or ongoing support after sale.

Target markets

The service is designed for sectors including HVAC, water purification, home security, pool and spa equipment, and solar battery and storage systems. Ayla is also positioning the tool for property and facilities settings where businesses oversee multiple sites, including quick-service restaurants, self-storage, multi-dwelling units, retail and hotels.

In these environments, portfolio managers can maintain a broad view across fleets of connected devices while local staff retain access to equipment at their own sites. The structure reflects a broader shift in the internet of things market, as device makers look beyond consumer apps to operational systems used by dealers, installers and facilities teams.

Dealer Hub includes four user roles. Dealer Admin users have read and write access across locations, staff, devices and end users under a dealer account. Dealer Staff users have read-only access to user, device and end-user data, including alerts and video streams.

Site Manager users have read and write access for their own site, including the ability to manage users, devices and end users at that location. Site Supervisor users have read-only access limited to site-specific user, device and end-user data.

The system is intended to help service teams identify problems before customers report them. Depending on role, users can monitor device health, review alerts, read error codes and change device settings. Service teams can also receive notifications by text, push alert or email, and use the platform for remote diagnostics, troubleshooting and support visits.

Integration focus

The service was also built with cloud-to-cloud integration in mind. Ayla said it exposes application programming interfaces so dealers and site managers can connect the tool to customer relationship management systems, building management systems, property management systems and guest management tools.

Ayla also offers integration services for brands that want device data pulled into their own software environments. This allows dealers, sites and connected device fleets to be managed from a single interface rather than across separate systems.

Ajit Pradhan, Director of Product at Ayla Networks, said the platform addresses a gap in conventional dealer software. "Existing dealer management tools cannot natively expose device data because they don't own the IoT cloud," Pradhan said.

He said the service is intended to give both manufacturers and field operators more direct access to device information. "Dealer Hub informs brands how individual dealer support teams are performing. Dealers themselves get a robust monitoring and management tool that empowers them to offer more efficient and effective service for any device connected to the Ayla cloud," Pradhan said.

Dealer Hub is available now. Ayla said it has activated more than 15 million devices worldwide and manages billions of transactions each month.