SMARTLINK: How to monitor and optimise your compressed air system

SMARTLINK, the advanced compressed air monitoring platform from Atlas Copco, provides that visibility. Installed and supported by Maziak, SMARTLINK turns your compressor installation into a connected, data-driven, proactive operation. It helps you detect issues early, avoid breakdowns, reduce energy waste, and extend equipment life.

This guide explains what SMARTLINK does, how it works, and how it has already prevented costly failures in real customer environments.

What Is SMARTLINK?

SMARTLINK is a real-time remote monitoring system that continuously collects and analyses performance data from your compressed air equipment. It gives you clear insights into:

• System uptime
• Energy consumption
• Temperature, pressure and dew point levels
• The health and efficiency of each machine
• Service requirements
• Emerging issues or abnormalities

SMARTLINK can be used for a single compressor or an entire multi-unit installation. It offers a level of visibility that traditional manual checks cannot provide.

How SMARTLINK Works

1. Sensors inside your compressor monitor key parameters.
2. Connected hardware uploads data to the SMARTLINK cloud every five minutes.
3. SMARTLINK analyses trends, looks for irregularities and predicts potential failures.
4. You receive notifications via email, SMS or through the SMARTLINK app.
5. Maziak engineers can take proactive action before a small issue becomes a critical shutdown.

SMARTLINK effectively provides 24/7 monitoring without requiring anyone to be physically present.

Why install SMARTLINK?

SMARTLINK delivers several operational advantages to any compressed air user.

Prevents unplanned downtime

SMARTLINK detects early warning signs before they turn into failures. Small anomalies such as rising temperatures, pressure fluctuations or irregular running hours can indicate developing problems that require attention.

Improves system energy efficiency

With SMARTLINK Energy, you receive detailed analyses and recommendations based on actual operating conditions, allowing you to reduce wasted energy and lower running costs.

Extends equipment lifespan

By ensuring compressors run within optimal conditions, SMARTLINK helps reduce wear on components and prolongs the life of your assets.

Reduces maintenance costs

More issues can be resolved proactively, often with minor adjustments, rather than expensive reactive callouts after a breakdown.

Supports sustainability goals

Reduced energy use and fewer unplanned component replacements contribute to lower environmental impact.

Provides full visibility

SMARTLINK eliminates the need for manual checks or logbooks. All system information is available via the online dashboard or mobile app.

SMARTLINK tiers: choose the level of insight you need

SMARTLINK Service

Ideal for users who want structured maintenance planning and equipment visibility.

• View service history and future visits
• Access manuals and documentation
• Track running hours and service deadlines

SMARTLINK Uptime

Designed for organisations that prioritise system availability.

• Live data uploaded every five minutes
• Automatic warnings and alerts
• Proactive intervention from Maziak engineers for customers with service plans

SMARTLINK Energy

Best for businesses seeking to reduce energy consumption.

• Energy dashboards
• ISO 50001-friendly reports
• Actionable recommendations based on real operating data

SMART AIRnet Sensors

For full system insight beyond the compressor room.

• Pressure sensors
• Flow meters
• Dew point sensors

These can be integrated into SMARTLINK for complete air network monitoring.

Real case studies: how SMARTLINK has prevented major failures

£6 million fire avoided

SMARTLINK detected a motor overload on a GA90 at a waste processing facility. A Maziak engineer found a burnt isolator and missing phase - an issue that could have caused another major fire. SMARTLINK enabled rapid intervention before the site restarted production.

Wet air avoided at a jam manufacturer

SMARTLINK flagged a high dew point. A faulty dryer was identified and repaired before moisture could enter the production line, preventing product contamination.

Ageing compressor element detected early

At a semiconductor plant, long-term temperature data showed reduced element efficiency. The customer scheduled an overhaul before failure, avoiding downtime in a critical environment.

Frozen drains avoided during a cold snap

A cereal manufacturer’s condensate drains were at risk of freezing. SMARTLINK warnings prompted immediate action, saving an estimated £80,000 in potential breakdown costs.

Overheating compressor fixed before shutdown

SMARTLINK alerted Maziak to an overheating compressor at an aerospace manufacturer. An engineer passing nearby attended immediately and resolved the issue before the customer noticed any impact.

What happens without SMARTLINK?

Without remote monitoring, you’re forced to rely on manual compressor room checks, logbooks, scheduled (rather than predictive) maintenance, and detecting faults only after they’ve already occurred. As a result, downtime becomes more likely, emergency repairs become more frequent, energy consumption increases, and overall equipment life is reduced. SMARTLINK removes much of this risk by providing constant monitoring and intelligent, real-time alerts.

SMARTLINK app

The SMARTLINK mobile app provides:

• Live status of all connected machines
• Push notifications for warnings
• Easy access to manuals and service records
• A customisable dashboard

The app is free, and any Atlas Copco machine can be added by serial number.

Frequently asked questions

Which machines can SMARTLINK monitor?
Any Atlas Copco compressor, dryer, vacuum pump or nitrogen generator. Older units can be retrofitted.

Do I need a service plan?
SMARTLINK works without one, but service plans unlock proactive repair support.

Is SMARTLINK secure?
Yes. The system uses encrypted, industry-standard cybersecurity protocols.

How quickly are alerts sent?
Data uploads every five minutes on SMARTLINK Uptime, with immediate notifications if events occur.

Can SMARTLINK monitor multiple sites?
Yes. Multi-site businesses can view all equipment from one login.

Ready to get SMARTLINK installed?

SMARTLINK is one of the most effective ways to reduce downtime, save energy and improve reliability across your compressed air system. Maziak can supply, install and support any SMARTLINK tier to help you transform your plant into a smarter, more efficient operation.

Download the SMARTLINK brochure here.