- Introduction
- The challenge: Managing decentralised paint mixing systems
- The solution: Nationwide rollout of IoT SIMs in paint mixing machines
- Why M2M connectivity matters in paint mixing
- Benefits of IoT SIMs in the paint industry
- Specific IoT use cases within paint shops and painting operations
- Key benefits of IoT for paint retailers and manufacturers
- Expanding beyond the paint mixing machine
- Why Cellhire’s IoT SIM is the best
- Conclusion
Introduction
The paint industry is in the midst of a digital evolution. From streamlining supply chains to enhancing the customer experience in-store, the Internet of Things (IoT) is reshaping how manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers operate. One of the most compelling applications of IoT in this space is the transformation of paint mixing machines, a core component of many DIY retailers and trade outlets.
As customer demand for custom paint grows, the ability to manage, monitor, and update these machines remotely has become critical. IoT SIM technology plays a vital role in enabling this connectivity, reducing operational costs, and unlocking central control across widespread retail networks.
The challenge: Managing decentralised paint mixing systems
Paint mixing machines are often deployed across hundreds, if not thousands, of retail locations. These machines require regular software updates, colour database synchronisation, and diagnostic checks to ensure they are functioning correctly and delivering consistent results to customers.
Traditionally, managing these assets has relied on manual processes or fixed-line connections that are both costly and inflexible. Without central oversight, businesses struggle to track performance, address faults proactively, or roll out updates at scale. This results in inefficiencies, increased service costs, and inconsistent customer experiences.
The solution: Nationwide rollout of IoT SIMs in paint mixing machines
A UK-based retail business recently partnered with Cellhire to solve this challenge. With over 2,200 paint mixing machines located in major DIY stores and paint wholesalers across the UK, Ireland and Europe, they needed a cost-effective, scalable, and centrally managed solution to bring these devices online.
By integrating IoT SIMs into each paint mixing machine, the company was able to achieve complete visibility and real-time control over its entire estate. The deployment also supported the use of multi-network connectivity, ensuring each device connects to the strongest available signal in-store.
The results of this transformation were significant:
- Over £60,000 saved annually in operating costs through more efficient connectivity and usage monitoring.
- Real-time data insight into machine usage and performance across all retail sites.
- Seamless remote rollout and management of over 2,200 SIMs, with the infrastructure in place to expand further.
- Guaranteed network availability across all locations using multi-network SIMs from major UK and European carriers.
This shift gave the company complete confidence to scale across the UK, Ireland and EU without the connectivity challenges that previously held back progress.
“The solution delivered everything we didn’t know we needed – from full portal visibility and multi-network reliability to real cost control. We’re now rolling out across the UK, Ireland and EU with complete confidence.”
— IT Services Manager, UK Retail Business
For a more detailed breakdown, check out the Global IoT Paint Mixing Case Study.
Why M2M connectivity matters in paint mixing
Modern retail environments rely heavily on paint mixing machines, which enable the creation of bespoke colours on demand. But without consistent connectivity, these machines can face major issues:
- Outdated colour libraries
- Delays in software updates
- Manual data reporting
- Limited central visibility across store locations
That’s where Cellhire’s IoT SIM solutions come in, enabling every machine to be remotely monitored, updated, and managed in real time.
Benefits of IoT SIMs in the paint industry
IoT SIMs can add significant value, regardless of whether your store has 10 locations or 2,000. Here are a few benefits to note:
- Smarter management: Central platforms give IT and operations teams full control of all SIMs, usage data, alerts, and diagnostics. This removes the reliance on manual store-level processes and ensures nothing goes unnoticed.
- Always-on connectivity: Multi-network SIMs automatically switch to the strongest local network, vital for stores in remote or mixed-signal areas. This ensures uninterrupted connectivity for updates, diagnostics, and secure reporting.
- Measurable cost savings: By replacing traditional fixed-line connectivity and legacy mobile contracts, businesses reduce overheads while gaining flexible tariffs and pooled data usage. As seen in the UK use case, this can mean tens of thousands saved annually.
- Fast rollout and scalability: Cellhire’s SIMs are delivered preconfigured, ready for plug-and-play integration with most commercial paint mixing systems. New stores can be added within minutes, with no complex setup required.
Specific IoT use cases within paint shops and painting operations
Beyond connecting paint mixing machines, IoT technology is increasingly being applied within professional paint shops, workshops, and industrial painting environments to enhance safety, efficiency, and control. Below are several high-impact use cases where IoT is already proving valuable:
Air quality and fume monitoring
Paint shops often deal with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fumes that can pose health risks to staff. IoT-enabled air quality sensors can continuously monitor levels of VOCs, temperature, and humidity within spray booths and mixing rooms. If thresholds are exceeded, alerts can be triggered automatically, allowing ventilation systems to activate or staff to take protective measures.
This supports health and safety compliance and helps maintain optimal working conditions for high-quality paint finishes.
Spray booth performance monitoring
Many modern spray booths now integrate IoT sensors to monitor pressure levels, airflow rates, and filter performance. These sensors allow maintenance teams to monitor booth efficiency in real time and schedule proactive servicing before breakdowns or safety issues arise.
Connected booths can also report energy consumption, which supports sustainability efforts and cost reduction targets across large-scale painting operations.
Paint curing process control
In industrial and automotive painting, curing time and temperature are critical for paint durability and finish. IoT sensors embedded in curing ovens or drying bays can ensure that heat levels are consistent and within specified tolerances, reducing the risk of rework due to improper curing.
When integrated with machine control systems, these sensors can adjust temperature settings dynamically or shut down the process automatically if conditions fall outside of defined parameters.
Inventory tracking of paints and solvents
IoT tags or weight sensors on shelves and storage cabinets can help paint shops monitor stock levels of frequently used items such as primers, hardeners, thinners, and spray cans. Real-time alerts can be triggered when supplies fall below a defined threshold, enabling automatic reordering or internal stock redistribution.
This supports lean inventory practices and reduces downtime caused by material shortages.
Tool tracking and usage logging
IoT-enabled tags can be applied to spray guns, respirators, and other critical tools to track usage and location within a facility. This prevents the loss or misuse of expensive equipment, guarantees correct tool usage, and facilitates regular calibration or servicing routines.
For large or shared workshops, usage logs can also help with accountability and training.
These use cases highlight how IoT is bringing precision, visibility, and automation into day-to-day painting environments, not just in retail but also in trade, automotive, marine, and industrial paint applications. By connecting key systems and monitoring conditions in real time, paint shops can improve quality control, reduce waste, and operate more safely and efficiently.
Key benefits of IoT for paint retailers and manufacturers
Centralised device management
With all machines connected via a secure IoT SIM network, businesses gain access to a central management portal that provides full visibility across their infrastructure. This includes data usage, machine status, location tracking, and automated alerts for faults or unusual activity.
Reduced operational costs
Replacing legacy connectivity methods such as fixed lines or single-network mobile contracts with flexible, pooled IoT data plans can significantly reduce costs. Businesses can consolidate billing, eliminate wasted data, and reduce the need for on-site diagnostics or maintenance visits.
Seamless remote updates
Software patches, firmware upgrades, and new colour libraries can be deployed instantly across all sites. This ensures consistency and compliance with the latest standards while reducing the risk of manual error or outdated machines.
Futureproof scalability
IoT SIMs provide a foundation for future expansion. Whether a business is adding new stores, trialling new technologies, like colour-matching kiosks, or integrating predictive maintenance tools, the same connectivity framework can scale with minimal friction.
Improved in-store reliability
With multi-network capability, each SIM dynamically connects to the strongest available network at any location. This minimises downtime, improves reliability, and ensures customer-facing machines always remain fully operational, which is particularly important in busy retail environments.
Expanding beyond the paint mixing machine
Other IoT use cases in the paint industry’s value chain include:
While paint mixing machines offer a clear and immediate return on investment, IoT connectivity has much broader potential across the paint sector, from manufacturing and warehousing to in-store customer experience. Below are additional high-impact use cases where IoT SIMs and devices are helping businesses streamline operations, reduce waste, and deliver better outcomes.
Smart inventory management and replenishment
Maintaining optimal stock levels across multiple store locations and depots can be difficult without real-time visibility. IoT-enabled inventory sensors and connected shelves can detect when paint tins, mixing bases, or accessories are running low and automatically trigger restock alerts or reordering workflows.
This prevents lost sales, avoids overstocking, and improves operational efficiency for both retailers and suppliers.
Asset tracking for logistics and deliveries
Paint and materials are frequently transported across regional warehouses, distribution hubs, and retail stores. IoT-enabled asset tracking devices can be attached to delivery pallets, cages, or containers to provide real-time GPS visibility, temperature monitoring, and arrival updates.
This ensures greater transparency across the supply chain and helps identify inefficiencies or delays, especially in multi-vendor logistics environments.
Environmental monitoring in storage areas
Certain types of paint, particularly solvent-based or temperature-sensitive products, require specific environmental conditions during storage. Wireless IoT sensors can be used in warehouses or store backrooms to monitor temperature, humidity, and air quality.
If any readings move outside safe parameters, alerts can be sent to facility managers in real time, reducing the risk of product spoilage or regulatory non-compliance.
Predictive maintenance for mixing equipment
Beyond basic connectivity, IoT solutions can integrate with machine learning or analytics platforms to identify early warning signs of faults in paint mixing equipment. Maintenance teams can receive alerts before a breakdown occurs by monitoring vibration levels, motor temperature, and runtime metrics.
This reduces equipment downtime, extends machine life, and avoids disruption to in-store services.
Connected digital signage and colour displays
Many paint retailers use colour visualisation tools, touchscreen kiosks, or smart signage to enhance the customer experience. With IoT SIMs, these systems can remain connected even in areas where Wi-Fi is unreliable. This allows for the simultaneous rollout of real-time content updates, seasonal promotions, or colour scheme recommendations across all stores.
Mobile POS systems for remote or in-store use
Whether offering personalised paint consultations or supporting staff in large showrooms, mobile point-of-sale (POS) systems can benefit from independent connectivity. IoT SIMs guarantee immediate processing of transactions, stock checks, and customer orders, eliminating the need for store Wi-Fi or wired networks.
Why Cellhire’s IoT SIM is the best
With nearly four decades of experience in telecoms and global IoT connectivity, Cellhire is uniquely positioned to support retail and industrial deployments across the UK and beyond.
Our IoT SIM solutions offer:
- Industrial-grade SIM cards to reduce the risk of failure, even in the most demanding environments
- Access to 430+ global mobile networks across 191 countries
- Seamless multi-network switching between EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three UK
- Flexible commercial models including pooled data and tailored tariffs
- A secure, user-friendly portal for SIM lifecycle management and usage insights
- A range of security and simplified integration options
- Full onboarding and UK-based support throughout the rollout
Whether you're deploying 50 devices or 5,000, Cellhire ensures reliable, scalable and secure IoT connectivity tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
IoT is driving the next generation of operational excellence in the paint industry. From increasing uptime and reducing costs to enabling remote control over key assets, the value of connected machines is clear. Businesses that embrace this change not only gain immediate performance improvements but also position themselves for a more agile, data-driven future.
To learn more about how IoT SIMs can power your retail technology, explore our IoT solutions or contact the Cellhire team for tailored advice.
