SE1951351A1 - Modular beverage preparation system - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a system comprisingat least one beverage preparation module comprisinga) a container containing a computer-controlled beverage producing unit, b) a device for wireless data communication based on cellular wireless communication for providing data communication to the computer-controlled beverage producing unit,the system further comprisinga mobile device for cellular data communication and a server, where the mobile device is configured to provide instructions to the computer-controlled beverage producing via the server and the device for wireless data communication of the beverage preparation unit.

Description

I\/|odular beverage preparation system Field of the invention This invention relates to a system and methods for providing beverages, in particular beer.

Background Distribution of beverages is typically centralised meaning that beverages are produced andpackaged (bottled) centrally and containers/bottles are then distributed using a fleet oftrucks or other vehicles. This has several drawbacks. For example, it may be difficult to de-liver different kinds of beverages quickly because the distribution chain is long. Also, trucks that carry out transport have a large carbon footprint and other environmental effects.

Summary of invention ln a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising at least one beverage preparation module comprising a) a container containing a computer-controlled beverage producing unit for brewingbeen b) a device for wireless data communication based on cellular wireless communica-tion for providing data communication to the computer-controlled beverage pro- ducing unit, the system further comprising a mobile device for cellular data communication and a server, where the mobile deviceis configured to provide instructions to the computer-controlled beverage producingunit via the server and the device for wireless data communication ofthe beverage preparation module.

The main component of beverages is water. Hence, the current beverage distribution sys-tems, which uses vehicles, mainly transport and store water. The system described hereinprovides for localized production of beverages to meet local fast fluctuation in demand forbeverage. A new type of beverage can be provided within a short time at the push of abutton. This system described herein can replace the current system which mainly usestrucks and large storage areas and will have lower environmental impact, such as for exam- ple a lower emission of carbon dioxide.

The container may preferably be of such a size that it can be transported by truck.

The server may have stored a plurality of recipes for producing different kinds of beer,where each recipe comprises instructions for the computer-controlled beverage producingunit for how to produce the beer, where the recipes can be selected by using the mobiledevice, and the selection of a recipe using the mobile device causes the server to providethe instructions to the computer controlled beverage producing unit to produce the bev- erage.

The beverage producing unit may comprise at least one sensor selected from a flow sen-sor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and a level sensor and the system may be configured to collect data from the sensor and provide it to the server.

The system may comprise two or more beverage preparation modules. The server may then have stored in its memory a module dataset which comprises information about fail-ures or error codes ofthe plurality of modules, and where the server may then be config-ured to use the dataset to create a decision rule for maintenance ofthe modules. The de- cision rule may be created by applying machine learning to the module dataset. ln one embodiment the system is configured to be connectable to a solar panel for gener- ating electric power to the beverage preparation unit and the system is configured to time the execution of beverage production steps according to the when the solar panel is able to produce electric power. The beverage production step may be heating or cooling. ln a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for providing a beverage producing system comprising the steps: a) providing at least one beverage preparation module, said beverage preparationunit comprisinga. a container containing a computer-controlled beverage producing unit,b. a device for wireless data communication based on cellular wirelesscommunication for providing data communication to the computer-controlled beverage producing unit,b) transporting the at least one beverage preparation module to a desired loca-tion,c) connecting the at least one beverage preparation module to at least a waterSupply,d) establishing a data connection between the beverage preparation module and a Se FVe F.

The method may comprise the step of registering an identity of the module in a module dataset of the server. ln a third aspect ofthe invention there is provided a method involving a system accordingto the first aspect of the invention where the server has stored in its memory a moduledataset which comprises information about failures or error codes of the plurality of mod-ules, and where the server is configured to use the dataset to create a decision rule for maintenance of the modules and the method comprising a) applying machine learning the dataset, where the dataset contains information abouta plurality of modules, to obtain a decision rule and storing the decision rule in modulemonitoring software of the server. b) the server receiving data from a computer about operation of a module, c) the module monitoring software making a decision about the maintenance of the par- ticular module from which the data was received.

Drawings The accompanying drawings form a part of the specification and schematically illustratepreferred embodiments of the invention, and serve to illustrate the principles of the inven-tion.

Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of a system.

Fig. 2 is a drawing of a beverage preparation module in operation.

Fig. 3 is a schematic drawing of a beverage preparation module.

Fig. 4 is a schematic drawing of a system showing both hardware and software components.Fig. 5 is a schematic drawing of a computer of a beverage production unit.

Figs. 6-7 are flowcharts showing methods.

Detailed description With reference to Figs 1 to 5, system 1 comprises a beverage preparation module 2 com-prising a container 3 which contains a beverage production unit 4 which is computer con-trolled. I\/|odule 2 also comprises a wireless data communication device 5. System 1 alsocomprises server 6. The wireless data communication device 5 and the server 6 are able toexchange data with the use of wireless communication, in particular cell network 7. Sys-tem 1 is adapted to interact with cell network 7 which may be any suitable cell networkhaving a data communication ability for example a 3G, 4G or 5G cell network. Wirelesscommunication device 5 may also comprise hardware and software for other types of wireless communication such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

The container 3 is preferably of a size such that the beverage preparation module 2 can betransported using a truck or trailer, or similar. Hence the container 3 may be movable. Forexample, it may have the dimensions of a prefabricated shipping container. The container3 may be made of steel or other strong material such as aluminium, glass fiber, plastic, ply-wood or similar material. The container 3 is preferably self-supporting. Container 3 mayhave any suitable shape where a rectangular block shape or approximately to such a shapeare preferred. The rectangular block may have dimension that are approximately: height 2-3 m, width 2-3 m and length 3-12 m. The container is adapted to be placed on the groundor on a floor. The container 3 may have an essentially flat underside for placing the con-tainer 3 on flat ground or on a floor, but container may be provided with feet or rails for placing on a slightly uneven surface.

Container 3 may have a suitable arrangement for lifting the container 3 by a crane or oth-erwise moving the container 3. For example, the container 3 may have one or more ringsfor attaching the hook of a crane, or arrangement for attaching a spreader for lifting the container 3.

Hence, the beverage preparation module 2 can be transported to the intended location and easily connected and provide beverage in a short time.

Container 3 may be suitable for being placed outdoors and may thus have suitable proofingagainst heat, rain or snow. The walls of container 3 may have thermal insulation. Container3 may be provided with arrangements for proving a controlled temperature and humidityinside, such as heaters, coolers humidifiers or dehumidifiers. The computer may be ar-ranged to control the internal conditions of container 3 and keep for example temperature or humidity within a predetermined range.

The beverage preparation module 2 is preferably connectable to external power supply, awater supply and sewage and may preferably be provided with suitable pipes and wiring to enable easy connectivity. Walls of container 3 may have suitable bushings for various connections or ports for various utilities such as electricity, water, sewage and data com- munication.

The container 3 may have an inlet or door (or booth) for providing solid materials in thebeverage preparation process (such as malt, hops and yeast). The container 3 has one ormore taps 8 for dispensing the beverage from the beverage preparation module 2. The tap8 may be operated manually (by hand) (actual movement of beverage trough tap 8 is typi- cally powered by pressure of the beverage in a tank of the beverage preparation unit 4).

Beverage preparation module 2, in particular computer 10, is able to establish data com-munication with server 6, which data connection preferably is carried out in part throughcell network 7 and internet 11. More specifically, data communications device 5 preferablyhas an antenna 9 for connecting to cell network 7. The antenna 9 may be external to con-tainer 3. Communications device 5 may comprise means for identifying communication de-vice 5 in cell network 7 such as a SIM card or a site for inserting a SIM card, or similar. A virtual SIM card may be used.

Beverage production unit 4 is located in container 3 of beverage preparation module 2. Thebeverage production unit 4 may be adapted to provide any type of beverage such as potablewater, beer or soda, wine or cider. In one embodiment the beverage is potable water, andthe beverage production unit may comprise a water purification unit. The water purificationunit may use any suitable technology such as filters, heating, UV irradiation or addition ofchemicals such as chlorine. The beverage production unit 4 may also provide a unit for add-ing various ingredients such as flavouring, such as syrup for providing a soda, and carbon dioxide.

Beverage production unit 4 may produce the beverage on demand, for example by mixingwater and a syrup when a user uses tap 8. Syrup and water may then be mixed immediatebefore being provided to user trough tap 8. Alternatively, beverage may be produced bybeverage production unit 4 in a batch process in advance and stored in a tank in beverage production unit 4. This is the case with for example beer, cider and wine.

Potable water may be produced on demand or in advance.

The beverage production unit 4 is computer controlled such that a computer 10 controlsthe valves, pumps, heaters and coolers in a predetermined sequence to provide an auto-matic brewing process. Computer 10 may also control a cleaning process when the bever- age has been prepared or on a predetermined schedule (Clean-in-place).

Beverage production unit 4 preferably has at least one sensor 15 for sensing for example,flow, temperature, pressure or level in the beverage production unit 4. ln general, sensor15 is able to provide data to computer 10 and to server 6 and to handheld device 12. Forexample, there may be a sensor 15 that senses the amount of beverage that has been dis-pensed, for example a flow sensor that senses flow through tap 8. The sensor 15 may alsocollect noise or vibration for example pump noise or pump vibration. When beverage pro-duction unit 4 is adapted for brewing beer, computer 10 uses the information from sensor15 to control the beverage production process. For example, temperature sensors are usedfor sensing the temperature when heating and cooling during the brewing process. Pressure sensors are used to sense the pressure in the tanks.

Computer 10 may be able to generate error messages and to provide these to server 6 and to mobile device 12.

Computer 10 is connected to data communications device 5. Computer 10 may also com-prise memory 18, processor 19 and bus 20. Computer 10 is connected to at least one sensor15. The memory 18 of computer 10 of the beverage production unit 4 has at least one setof instructions in digital form for producing a beverage. The computer 10 may have accessto a plurality of instructions, one for each type of beverage, such as different types of beer, soda etc. The digital instructions may be provided from server 6 to computer 10.

System 1 also comprises mobile device 12. The mobile device 12 may be for example amobile phone a tablet computer, but in a preferred embodiment the mobile device 12 is a mobile phone such as for example iPhone or an Android phone. I\/|obile device 12 preferably has a user interface comprising a display and a keyboard, such as a touchscreen. As is known in the art, mobile device 12 has a processor and a memory and wire-less communication ability, in particular means for acting as a user equipment (UE) in a cell network 7, for example a SIM card.

The mobile device 12 is configured to control beverage preparation module 2, for examplewith the use of an app stored on mobile device 12 and preferably via server 6. I\/|obile device12 may have software such as an app, for controlling the beverage production module 2,such as sending a start or stop command. The software may also be used for receiving anddisplaying information about the beverage production module 2 and an ongoing brewingprocess. Communication between mobile device 12 and module 2 is preferably via server 6via cell network 7 and internet 11 but may occasionally also occur using other wireless orwire bound technologies, for example Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, for example in case of failure of network 7 or server 6.

Hence, data communication device may comprise a wi-fi router that is able to establish aconnection with mobile device 12 using wi-fi (in many instances without providing an inter- net connection).

The mobile device 12 may be able to reach certain (or most) services of server 6 only afterlogging in with a user account. Typically, an instruction from a user of a module 2, such astart command, is input by a user of mobile device 12 using interface of mobile device 12.I\/|obile device 12 then provides the command to server 6, which in turn provides the in-struction to module 2. Communication in system 1 may encrypted. Mobile device 12 mayreceive a confirmation from module 2 via server 6. lf server 6 is unable to reach module 2,mobile device may receive an error message. Computer 10 may also provide informationabout the beverage preparation process to mobile device 12. Information may comprisesta rt of run, end of ru n, error messages, no water, no concentrate, power out, sensor values, STC.

The server 6 may be a single, standalone computer server, or server 6 may be distributedacross several physical or virtual computer servers or data stores, as the case may be.Hence, various components and functionalities of server 6 may be carried out by different COmpUtefS.

Server 6 typically comprises a module for handling user accounts and permits. Such as cre-ating user accounts setting passwords and association user accounts with individual mod-ules 2. The user account may define which modules a mobile device 12 is able to control.Hence an individual module 2 is associated with a permit for at least one user account.

One user account may be used to control more than one module 2.

Server 6 has stored various recipes 21 for various beverages. ln a preferred embodimentthere are recipes for producing different types of beer such as lager, ale, IPA, stout etc. Therecipes 21 comprise digital instructions to the computer 10 of the beverage producing unit4. Memory of server 6 may comprise also module dataset 13, external event dataset 14 and module monitoring software 23, described in more detail below.

The server 6 has a user interface for carryout out for example: editing of recipes, addingrecipes, creating user accounts, adding beverage preparation module identity, and moni-toring a fleet of modules 2. The user interface may be used to manually enter information about failures of individual modules 2 or parts of modules 2 into module dataset 13. ln a preferred embodiment the beverage production unit 4 comprises a brewery for brew-ing and providing beer, typically in a batch process. The capacity may be about 100 to 3000litres of beer per batch. Hence, the beverage production unit 4 may comprise tanks storingfor malt, hops and yeast, one or more fermentation tanks, heaters and coolers as is knownin the art of brewing. The beverage production unit 4 may also comprise tanks, pipes, valvesand pumps necessary for this purpose. ln a preferred embodiment the beverage productionunit for producing beer comprises a water purification unit. Again, the beverage productionunit 4 is computer controlled such that a computer 10 controls the valves, pumps, heatersand cooler in a predetermined sequence to provide an automatic brewing process for brew- ing beer. Beer brewing as such has been known for thousands of years and will not be discussed in detail here, but typically brewing beer involves mixing water with malt andhops, boiling the mixture, then adding yeast to allow the mixture to ferment and then amaturation step. Ready-to-use malt, hops and yeast is convenient to use, for example anmalt and hops extract The computer 10 has software that provides instruction for the brew-ing process. The computer control is preferably such that a user need only to provide astarting command to the computer 10, which then controls the rest of beverage productionunit 4. The computer 10 may provide a message to the user when the brewing process is completed. For brewing beer, the brewing time is often around 3-20 days. ln a preferred embodiment system 1 comprises a plurality of modules 2. Each beveragepreparation module 2 may be controlled by a separate mobile device 12. Each beveragepreparation module 2 preferably has a separate identity which is stored in module dataset13 in server 6. I\/|odule dataset 13 is preferably a database that contains the identity of aplurality of modules 2, and where each module 2 is associated with data regarding associ-ated user accounts and other information described in more detail below. The identity ofmodule 2 may be stored as a string of characters or numbers in module dataset 13. User account login service may be provided by a provider Google (gmail) or Facebook.

With the use of mobile device 12 a user may be able to select a certain recipe from a list ofrecipes. The list of recipes may for example be shown on the screen of mobile device 12.Selecting a certain recipe causes server 6 to send instructions to brew the selected beverageto computer 10 of beverage production unit 4. The recipes include instruction to select thecorrect beverage preparation conditions for the selected beverage. The instructions may beused to update or select or define parameter in software of computer 10. This may includefor example, amounts of water and flavouring, mixing time, mixing temperature, brewingconditions such as temperature, pressure etc and maturing time. When the beverage isready to be dispensed, the mobile device 12 may receive a notification from beverage pro-duction unit 4 via server 6. The beverage is then ready to be dispensed, for example from tap 8. 11 Communication between mobile device 12 and module 2 can occur at any suitable sched-ule. Data communication between mobile device 12 and module 2 may occur on a needbasis such as when mobile device is sending a command to module 2, querying module 2 or when module 2 sends information to mobile device 12.

The system 1 is preferably modular in that it can be expanded in a simple manner by addingfurther modules 2. The identities ofthe further modules 2 are then preferably added to themodule dataset 13. This may also involve establishing a data communication between theserver 6 and the module 2. Hence system 1 may be expanded from having one module 2,to having 2, 3, 4 5 or more modules 2. With reference to Fig. 6, a method for providing abeverage producing system 1 may comprise the following steps. ln step 100, a beveragepreparation module 2 is transported to a desired location. The location may be outdoors orindoors. For example, a truck is used. The beverage preparation module may be a previouslyunused module 2. The beverage preparation module 2 does not have a data connectionwith server 6 during this step and does not have connection to a water supply or sewage.ln step 101 the beverage preparation module is connected to at least a water supply andpreferably also a power supply and sewage. This is preferably done using the pre-madeports of module 2 for these utilities. ln step 102 a data connection is established betweencomputer 10 of beverage preparation unit and server 6, using data communication device . Steps 101 and 102 may be carried out in any order.

The method may comprise the step 103 of registering an identity ofthe module in a dataset13 ofthe server 6. The method may also comprise the step of associating the module 2 witha user account, thereby providing control from mobile device 12. The method may alsocomprise the step of loading necessary material for producing a beverage and starting a beverage prepa ration run.

When system 1 comprises a plurality of modules 2 the server may store, in module dataset13, information about each ofthe modules 2 with regard to for example: which recipes havebeen selected and how many times, running time, date of starting operation, beverage con- sumption, time point for consumption, error codes from beverage production unit 4, values 12 from sensor 15 of beverage production unit 4 (such as flow, temperature, pressure or level).Information is associated with the identity of each module 2. Information may be manuallyentered or automatically harvested from rest of system 1, for example using any useful schedule.

Server 6 may apply machine learning to the module dataset 13 to predict any of the follow-ing: beverage consumption, system maintenance (such as maintenance and or support ofbrew system 4 including filters, pumps, etc), and beverage distribution. I\/|achine learningmay be provided from a separate machine learning provider 22 (such as Amazon Web Ser- vices).

When machine learning is used the dataset 13 preferably comprises information about alarge number of modules 2, such as for example 10 or more, 20 or more, 50 or more, 100 or more, or 1000 or more. ln addition, server 6 may gather information from external information supplier such asweather service, news agent, social network services (such as Facebook) or cell networkoperator about any ofthe following: weather, gatherings (such as concerts, festivals or sportevents), vehicle traffic or other type of traffic, and gather this information in an externalevent data set 14. External event data set 14 may also be included in the machine learningprocess. As an example, a music festival occurs in the vicinity of a certain beverage prepa-ration module 2 in 3 days from now. Information about this is included in external eventdataset 14. This triggers a suggestion for ramping up production of beer in this beverage preparation module 2. ln a preferred embodiment, module dataset 13 comprises information about failures orerror codes in a plurality of modules 2 and is used to create a decision rule (for example byusing machine learning) stored in module monitoring software 23 of server 6 that can beused for making a maintenance decision for a beverage preparation module 2. I\/|onitoringsoftware is used to monitor a fleet of modules 2 in system 1. The occurrence of failures or error codes is correlated to other information stored in module dataset 13. Many different 13 parameters in module dataset 13 may be useful for this such as, but not limited to: num-ber of brewing sessions, amount of beverage produced, run time, noise, vibration, totalflow through beverage production system 4, number of starts and stops, emergency stops,temperature outside or inside container, temperature in various parts of beverage pro-duction unit 4, pressure in various parts of beverage production unit 4. The maintenancedecision may be for example scrapping, service or replacement, or replacing a part, for ex-ample a part in beverage preparation unit 4. The decision may be to stop the beverageproduction unit 4. Certain types of decisions may be taken automatically, such as emer-gency stopping the beverage production unit 4 of the module 2, or a certain part of bever-age production unit 4, such as for example a certain pump. The maintenance decision maybe in relation to any part of module 2, in particular beverage production unit 4. Themaintenance decision may for example refer to filters, pumps, valves, heaters, coolers,sensors, stirrers, etc. As an example, machine learning applied to of module data set 13reveals that a certain pump breaks down frequently. This is information is used to decidethat this type of pump in beverage preparation module 2 should be replaced before 1000 h of operation. This decision rule is stored in module monitoring software 23.

Information is provided to dataset 13 from each module 2 in system 1, for example by com-puter 10 in brewing system 4 of each module 2 using wireless communication. Computer10 may for example gather information using any useful schedule such as every minute,every hour, daily or weekly, and transfer the information to server 6 for storage in dataset13 using any useful schedule such as hourly, daily or weekly. Server 6 may query computers in modules 2, or computers 10 may push the information to server 2.

Server 6 may be provided with a user interface for inspecting and analysing dataset 13. Forexample, a user of server 6 may look up an individual module 2 to check how it is running.User of server 6 may choose to extract certain data from dataset 13 for analysis. User ofserver 6 may also send commands such as emergency stops, locking unit 2, adding unit 2 todataset 13, removing unit 2 from dataset 13 etc, sending messages to user of device 12, etc.I\/|essages may also be automatically sent from server 6 to device 12 for example messagesregarding maintenance. I\/|essages may also include new recipes 21, that are added to the server 6. 14 With reference to Fig. 6, a method may comprise the steps of step 200 applying machinelearning to dataset 13, where the dataset contains information about a plurality of modules2, to obtain a decision rule. The decision rule is stored in module monitoring software 23.ln step 201 server 6 receives data (at least one datapoint) from computer about operationof a module 2, for example a value from a sensor 15, and in step 202 module monitoringsoftware 23 makes a decision about the operation of the particular module 2 from whichthe data was received or applies to, in particular make a decision about maintenance ofthemodule 2. I\/|odule monitor software 23 may automatically repeatedly carry out carry out step 201 and 202, such as using on any useful schedule such as every minute or every hour.

The module 2 may comprise a solar panel 16 or may be connectable to a solar panel 16 forgenerating electricity. I\/|odule 2 may also comprise a battery 17 or be connectable to a bat-tery 17 for storing electric power. The computer 10 may be configured to schedule produc-tion or steps of production in a certain manner, for example depending on the availabilityof power. ln particular, computer 10 may be configured to schedule production when solarpower is available. Alternatively, the computer may be configu red to carry out certain steps,in particular heating or cooling, when it is likely that the sun is shining, for example during daytime. lt is understood that the present method is partly computer-implemented, using digitalcomputer equipment. The server 6, the computer 10 and the mobile device 12 may com-prise or at least use (run on) conventional computer hardware, in turn comprising a CPU, aRAM memory and a computer bus, and hardware and software for exchanging and storingdata. Each of server 6, computer 10 and mobile 12 have computer network interfaces. Eachmay have input and output means such as a display a mouse or keyboard. Each may havean operating system. Any suitable programming language may be used for the softwareunits described. Data communication in system 1 can comprise any suitable wire bound or wireless network technology such as ethernet, Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, or 5G or Bluetooth.

The various embodiments described herein are intended to illustrate various typical situa- tions that may occur during shared browsing. lt is realized that everything which has been described in connection to one embodiment is fully applicable to other embodiments, ascompatible. Hence, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be varied within the scope ofthe enclosed claims.

Claims (2)

1. 6 CLAll\/IS 1. A system (1) comprising 3. 4. at least one beverage preparation module (2) comprising c) a container (3) containing a computer-controlled beverage producing unit (4) forbrewing beer, d) a device (5) for wireless data communication based on ce||u|ar wireless communi-cation for providing data communication to the computer-controlled beverage producing unit (4), the system (1) further comprising a mobile device (12) for ce||u|ar data communication and a server (6), where the mo-bile device (12) is configured to provide instructions to the computer-controlled bever-age producing unit (4) via the server (6) and the device (5) for wireless data communi- cation of the beverage preparation module (2). The system according to claim 1 where the server has stored a plurality of recipes forproducing different kinds of beer, where each recipe comprises instructions for thecomputer-controlled beverage producing unit for how to produce the beer, where therecipes can be selected by using the mobile device, and the selection of a recipe usingthe mobile device causes the server to provide the instructions to the computer con- trolled beverage producing unit to produce the beverage. The system according to claim 1 where the beverage producing unit comprises at leastone sensor selected from a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and alevel sensor and the and where system is configured to collect data from the sensor and provide it to the server. The system according to any one of clams 1 to 3 where the container is of such a size that it can be transported by truck. 17 5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 comprising two or more beverage preparation modules. 6. The system according to claim 5 where the server has stored in its memory a moduledataset which comprises information about failures or error codes of the plurality ofmodules, and where the server is configured to use the dataset to create a decision rule for maintenance ofthe modules. 7. The system according to claim 6 where the decision rule is created by applying ma- chine learning to the module dataset. 8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 where the system is configured to beconnectable to a solar panel for generating electric power to the beverage preparationunit and the system is configured to time the execution of beverage production steps according to the when the solar panel is able to produce electric power. 9. The system according to claim 8 where the beverage production step is heating or cooling. 10. A method for providing a beverage producing system comprising the steps: e) providing at least one beverage preparation module, said beverage preparationunit comprisinga. a container containing a computer-controlled beverage producing unit,b. a device for wireless data communication based on cellular wirelesscommunication for providing data communication to the computer-controlled beverage producing unit,f) transporting the at least one beverage preparation module to a desired loca-tion,g) connecting the at least one beverage preparation module to at least a water Supply, 18 h) establishing a data connection between the beverage preparation module and a Se FVe F. 11. The method of claim 10 comprising the step of registering an identity of the module in a module dataset of the server. 1

2. A method involving a system according to claim 7 involving the steps: d) applying machine learning the dataset (13), where the dataset contains informationabout a plurality of modules (2), to obtain a decision rule and storing the decision rulein module monitoring software (23) ofthe server (6). e) the server (6) receiving data from a computer (10) about operation of a module (2), f) the module monitoring software (23) making a decision about the maintenance of the particular module (2) from which the data was received.