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Bulk Operations for Multiple Devices

  • Updated

This guide shows you how to use Bulk Operation to change settings for multiple Ally devices simultaneously, saving time when managing large installations.

Understanding Bulk Operation

Bulk Operation let you apply the same setting change to many devices at once, instead of configuring each device individually. This is especially useful for:

  • Seasonal temperature adjustments across entire buildings
  • Schedule changes for floors or zones
  • Standardizing setpoints after initial installation
  • Emergency adjustments during extreme weather

Available Bulk Operation

You can perform Bulk Operation for:

  • Manual setpoint (ALLY) - Change Manual mode temperature
  • Schedule at home setpoint (ALLY) - Change At Home temperature
  • Schedule away setpoint (ALLY) - Change Away temperature
  • Schedule pause setpoint (ALLY) - Change Pause temperature
  • Schedule (ALLY) - Change schedule periods and times

Note: Mode switching (Manual ↔ Schedule) and Vacation mode settings are not currently available for Bulk Operation.

Bulk Temperature Setpoint Changes

Step 1: Access Bulk Operation

  1. Go to Bulk Operation in the main navigation

Step 2: Select Setpoint Type

Choose which setpoint to change:

  • Manual setpoint (ALLY) - For devices in Manual mode
  • Schedule at home setpoint (ALLY) - For devices in Schedule mode (At Home periods)
  • Schedule away setpoint (ALLY) - For devices in Schedule mode (Away periods)
  • Schedule pause setpoint (ALLY) - For devices in Schedule mode (Pause periods)

Step 3: Set New Temperature

  1. Enter the new temperature value (e.g., 19°C)

💡 Tip: The same temperature will apply to all selected devices. If you need different temperatures for different devices, perform separate Bulk Operation or adjust individually.

Step 4: Select Devices

Choose which devices to update:

  1. View the list of "Available devices"
  2. Use filters if needed to narrow down devices (by building, floor, etc.)
  3. Select all devices or pick individual ones
  4. Click the right arrow to move them to "Selected devices"

Device selection tips:

  • Click checkbox next to device name to select individual devices
  • Click "Select all" to choose all visible devices
  • Use search bar to find specific devices by name
  • Remove devices from selection by selecting them in "Selected devices" and clicking left arrow
  1. Click Next

Step 5: Review and Apply

  1. Review the summary showing:
  • Number of devices to be updated
  • New temperature value
  • Which setpoint type is changing
  1. Click Apply changes to execute

All selected devices update to the new setpoint within seconds.

Bulk Schedule Period Changes

Change heating schedules for multiple devices at once.

Step 1: Access Schedule Bulk Operation

  1. Go to Bulk Operation
  2. Click Schedule (ALLY)

Step 2: Configure Schedule

  1. Select the day(s) to modify (Monday-Sunday)
  2. Set the periods (At Home, Away, Pause)
  3. Set start and end times for each period
  4. Click Turn on/off schedule setting to activate the configuration

⚠️ Critical Warning: Empty periods and times on days not configured in Leanheat Monitor will erase existing schedules in Ally App. Only configure the specific days you want to change. Leave other days empty to preserve their existing schedules.

Example: Changing weekday schedules only

  1. Configure Monday-Friday with new schedule
  2. Leave Saturday-Sunday empty
  3. Result: Weekday schedules update, weekend schedules remain unchanged

Step 3: Select Devices

  1. Click Next
  2. Select devices from "Available devices"
  3. Move them to "Selected devices" using the right arrow
  4. Click Next

Step 4: Review and Apply

  1. Review the summary showing which days and times will change
  2. Verify the schedule periods
  3. Click Apply changes

All selected devices update to the new schedule immediately.

Common Bulk Operation Scenarios

Scenario 1: Winter-to-Spring Transition

Goal: Reduce all heating setpoints by 2°C as weather warms.

  1. Use Bulk Operation for "Schedule at home setpoint"
  2. Calculate new value (e.g., 21°C → 19°C)
  3. Select all devices in Schedule mode
  4. Apply changes
  5. Repeat for "Schedule away setpoint" if needed

Scenario 2: Building-Wide Weekend Schedule Change

Goal: Extend weekend heating hours for community center.

  1. Use Bulk Operation for "Schedule (ALLY)"
  2. Configure Saturday and Sunday only
  3. Set new At Home periods (e.g., 8:00-20:00)
  4. Leave Monday-Friday empty
  5. Select all devices in that building
  6. Apply changes

Scenario 3: Emergency Cold Weather Response

Goal: Increase all setpoints during extreme cold snap.

  1. Use Bulk Operation for "Schedule at home setpoint"
  2. Increase by 1-2°C
  3. Select all devices across entire system
  4. Apply changes
  5. Adjust "Schedule away setpoint" to prevent pipes freezing

Scenario 4: New Building Standard Settings

Goal: Apply standard setpoints to newly installed devices.

  1. Create device filter for "NewInstall" tag
  2. Use Bulk Operation to set At Home (21°C), Away (18°C), Pause (15°C)
  3. Use Bulk Operation to apply standard weekday schedule
  4. Verify all devices, then remove "NewInstall" tag

Bulk Operation Best Practices

💡 Best practices for safe Bulk Operation:

  • Test first: Apply to 2-3 devices, verify results, then proceed with full bulk
  • Use filters: Create device filters before Bulk Operation to ensure correct device selection
  • Document changes: Note what changes were made and when for future reference
  • Schedule wisely: Perform Bulk Operation during low-occupancy periods when possible
  • Communicate: Notify building occupants before major setpoint or schedule changes
  • Monitor results: Check devices after Bulk Operation to confirm changes applied correctly

Troubleshooting

Problem: Bulk Operation Fails for Some Devices

Check that all selected devices are online. Verify devices are in correct mode (Manual setpoint only works on Manual mode devices). Try smaller batches of devices. Check error messages for specific device failures.

Problem: Schedule Bulk Operation Erased Weekend Schedules

This happens when you configure weekdays but leave weekends empty without intending to. Reconfigure affected devices individually. Always configure only the specific days you want to change.

Problem: Changes Don't Appear in Ally App

Wait 5-10 minutes for sync. Check that integration is enabled. Verify devices are online. Refresh Ally App.

Problem: Wrong Devices Selected

If you notice wrong devices before clicking "Apply changes", go back and reselect. If changes already applied, use Bulk Operation again to correct or revert. Consider creating more specific device filters to prevent future errors.

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