> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://renewables.docs.helinplatform.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://renewables.docs.helinplatform.com/sgm-product-docs/concepts/what-is-sgm.md). # What is SGM The Helin Smart Grid Manager is a middleware platform that connects on-site energy assets to your control systems. The Helin Smart Grid Manager (SGM) is a middleware platform that connects your on-site energy assets, solar inverters, battery systems, EV chargers, to your asset and energy management systems. It sits between your hardware and your upstream systems, translating commands into real-time control actions and streaming telemetry back to wherever you need it. SGM is designed for operators managing a portfolio of 25 or more energy generation sites, with the technical capacity to work with data and APIs in-house. If you need to remotely curtail a solar farm, charge a battery ahead of a peak period, or balance EV charger load across a site, SGM is the control layer that makes that possible. ## What SGM does SGM has two core functions: **Asset and site control**, Send setpoints to individual assets or entire sites via the API, either immediately or on a schedule. SGM translates those setpoints into direct hardware commands and keeps the site operating safely within its configured limits, even if your connection to the cloud drops. **Data management**, Collect telemetry from all assets on site and route it to the destination of your choice: your own data platform, a Kafka topic, a time-series database, or a third-party monitoring tool. ## Two control modes How SGM controls your assets depends on your site configuration: **Asset Control** gives you direct control over individual assets or the whole site output. A setpoint you send is relayed straight to the hardware, no cross-asset coordination. This is the right choice for simpler sites where assets operate independently. **Site Control** is an orchestration layer that manages multiple assets together. It monitors what every asset on site is doing and keeps the whole site within its physical and contractual limits, automatically, in real time. This is necessary for more complex sites, particularly those with a limited grid connection where production or consumption can exceed what the grid allows. {% hint style="info" %} Not sure which applies to your site? See [Asset Control](/sgm-product-docs/reference-docs/asset-control.md) and [Site Control](/sgm-product-docs/reference-docs/site-control.md) for a full breakdown, or check [Configuration examples](/sgm-product-docs/guides/configuration-examples.md) to find a layout that matches your site. {% endhint %} ## What SGM is not SGM manages the site you have, it does not size or design it. Deciding how large a battery you need, how to phase your inverters, or whether your grid connection is sufficient for your load profile is outside the scope of what SGM does. That analysis needs to happen before commissioning. SGM is also not a standalone cloud platform. It runs on a **Helin Gateway**, a Linux-based edge computer installed at your site. The edge device handles all local control and data buffering. The cloud layer handles configuration, monitoring, and your API connection. Both need to be in place for the system to work. See [SGM hardware](/sgm-product-docs/reference-docs/sgm-hardware.md) for gateway options. ## Key capabilities * **Direct and scheduled setpoints**, Control assets now, or schedule setpoints ahead of time for day-ahead trading or planned curtailment windows. * **Watchdog per site**, Define a timeout after which setpoints automatically revert to a safe default if no new commands arrive. * **Inverter protection**, Rate-limiting prevents excessive curtailment instructions from reaching your inverters. * **OAuth 2.0 authentication**, Secure, token-based access to the API. * **Partner access management**, Grant third parties controlled access to specific sites in your portfolio. * **RTI certified**, SGM is a DNV-certified Real Time Interface endpoint, making it compliant for DERs between 1 MWp and 50 MWp under Dutch grid operator requirements. ## The Helin Platform SGM runs on top of the **Helin Platform**, the management layer that keeps your fleet of gateways up to date, accessible, and secure without requiring anyone on-site. **Over-the-air updates (OTA)**, SGM software is updated remotely across your entire fleet. New features, bug fixes, and security patches are pushed to every gateway automatically, without downtime or manual intervention. **Remote configuration**, Site configuration changes are applied through the platform, not by logging into individual gateways. This means your team can adjust limits, failsafe values, and control strategies centrally as your portfolio grows. **Remote access to the local HMI**, Each gateway runs a local interface for diagnostics and monitoring. The Helin Platform provides secure remote access to that interface, so your team can inspect a site's real-time state without travelling to it. **Zero trust networking**, Gateways do not expose open ports or require inbound firewall rules. All connectivity is outbound-initiated and encrypted, so your assets are never directly reachable from the internet. Access to any gateway is authenticated and logged. ## Where to go next

:diagram-project:

How SGM works

Understand how the system is structured.

:sliders:

Asset Control

Control a single asset or site output.

:network-wired:

Site Control

Manage multiple assets together on one site.

:clock:

Scheduling setpoints

Schedule setpoints for day-ahead trading.

:plug:

Supported assets

Check what hardware is supported.

:bolt:

Energy concepts

Understand energy terms used in this doc.
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