Table of contents

Cookie Policy

Loopback Systems

Last Updated: April 10, 2025

At Loopback Systems ("we," "us," or "our"), we provide powerWatch, a trusted utility-grade solution for connecting, monitoring, and managing Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). This Cookie Policy explains how we use cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website www.loopbacksystemsinc.com (the "Site") and powerWatch platform interfaces (collectively, the "Services"). It supplements our  and applies to users in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and beyond.

This policy outlines what cookies are, how we use them, your choices, and how we ensure compliance with privacy laws. If you have questions, please contact us at [insert contact email].

1. What Are Cookies and Tracking Technologies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device (e.g., computer, tablet, or smartphone) when you visit our Site or interact with our Services. They store information to enhance functionality, improve user experience, analyze performance, or deliver personalized content. Other tracking technologies we use include:

  • Web Beacons/Pixels: Tiny images embedded in web pages or emails to track views or clicks.
  • Local Storage: HTML5 storage to save data on your device for functionality (e.g., remembering preferences).
  • Device Fingerprinting: Collecting device characteristics (e.g., browser type, IP address) to identify users anonymously.
  • Analytics Scripts: Code from tools like Google Analytics to monitor usage patterns.

These technologies help us deliver secure, efficient Services to utilities, DER owners, and other stakeholders.

2. Why We Use Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and tracking technologies for the following purposes:

a. Essential Operations

  • Enable core Site functionality (e.g., navigation, form submissions, account logins).
  • Support powerWatch platform access for utility staff and DER owners (e.g., secure dashboard sessions).
  • Ensure secure, encrypted connections to DER sites, aligning with utility-grade standards.

b. Performance and Analytics

  • Analyze how users interact with our Site and Services (e.g., which pages are visited, time spent).
  • Monitor powerWatch performance (e.g., dashboard usage, error rates) to optimize for utilities and DER owners.
  • Generate aggregated, anonymous reports to improve our offerings.

c. Personalization

  • Remember your preferences (e.g., language, cookie settings) for a tailored experience.
  • Suggest relevant content (e.g., case studies for utilities or hardware guides for DER owners).

d. Marketing and Communications

  • Deliver targeted ads or email campaigns (e.g., promoting powerWatch features), with your consent where required.
  • Track engagement with our newsletters or demo requests to refine outreach.

e. Security

  • Protect against unauthorized access to our Site or powerWatch platform.
  • Support secure VPNs and firewall configurations for DER connectivity.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

We categorize cookies based on their function and duration:

a. By Function

  • Strictly Necessary Cookies:
    • Essential for Site and Services to work (e.g., session cookies for logins, cookies for form submissions).
    • Cannot be disabled without affecting functionality.
    • Example: Cookies ensuring secure access to powerWatch dashboards for utility monitoring.
  • Performance/Analytics Cookies:
    • Collect anonymous data on usage (e.g., page views, click patterns).
    • Help us optimize Site performance and powerWatch workflows.
    • Example: Google Analytics cookies tracking how utilities explore DER integration guides.
  • Functional Cookies:
    • Enable enhanced features (e.g., remembering your time zone or preferred utility standards).
    • Improve user experience without being essential.
    • Example: Cookies saving your view preferences on powerWatch reports.
  • Marketing/Advertising Cookies:
    • Deliver personalized ads or content across our Site or third-party platforms.
    • Track campaign effectiveness (e.g., demo sign-ups).
    • Example: Cookies from marketing tools showing you ads for powerWatch’s lifecycle management.

b. By Duration

  • Session Cookies:
    • Temporary, deleted when you close your browser.
    • Used for navigation or active powerWatch sessions.
    • Example: Maintaining your login during a single visit.
  • Persistent Cookies:
    • Remain on your device for a set period (e.g., days, months).
    • Remember preferences or track usage over time.
    • Example: Recalling your cookie consent choice on return visits.

4. Specific Cookies and Third-Party Tools

Below are examples of cookies and tools we use, grouped by purpose. This list may evolve as we update our Services.

a. Strictly Necessary Cookies

  • Webflow Cookies:
    • Purpose: Enable Site hosting, navigation, and form functionality.
    • Duration: Session or short-term persistent.
    • Example: Cookies ensuring contact forms work for demo requests.
  • powerWatch Authentication Cookies:
    • Purpose: Secure logins for utility and DER owner accounts.
    • Duration: Session.
    • Example: Cookies maintaining your dashboard session.

b. Performance/Analytics Cookies

  • Google Analytics (_ga, _gid, _gat):
    • Purpose: Track Site usage (e.g., page views, traffic sources) anonymously.
    • Duration: Up to 2 years.
    • Example: Measuring how utilities access DER case studies.
    • Privacy: Google Analytics Privacy Policy.
  • Hotjar (_hjid, _hjAbsoluteSessionInProgress):
    • Purpose: Analyze user behavior (e.g., heatmaps, session recordings) anonymously.
    • Duration: Up to 1 year.
    • Example: Understanding how DER owners navigate hardware guides.
    • Privacy: Hotjar Privacy Policy.

c. Functional Cookies

  • Preference Cookies:
    • Purpose: Save user settings (e.g., dashboard layout, language).
    • Duration: Up to 1 year.
    • Example: Remembering your preferred view for powerWatch reports.

d. Marketing/Advertising Cookies

  • LinkedIn Insight Tag:
    • Purpose: Track ad performance and deliver targeted ads to professionals.
    • Duration: Up to 6 months.
    • Example: Showing utilities ads for powerWatch’s lifecycle management.
    • Privacy: LinkedIn Privacy Policy.
  • Google Ads (_gcl_au):
    • Purpose: Measure ad conversions and personalize campaigns.
    • Duration: Up to 90 days.
    • Example: Promoting demo sign-ups to DER owners.
    • Privacy: Google Ads Privacy Policy.

e. Other Tracking Technologies

  • Web Beacons:
    • Purpose: Track email opens or link clicks (e.g., in newsletters).
    • Example: Measuring engagement with powerWatch updates.
  • Local Storage:
    • Purpose: Store preferences or temporary data for smoother Site performance.
    • Example: Saving your cookie consent choice.

Note: We work with hardware vendors (e.g., Schweitzer Engineering Labs, GE MDS Orbit, Siemens Ruggedcom, Eaton) and connectivity providers, but their systems typically don’t set cookies on our Site. If you interact with their platforms via links, their cookie policies apply.

5. How We Obtain Consent

We comply with privacy laws requiring consent for non-essential cookies:

  • United States: Consent is not always required, but California’s CCPA allows you to opt out of data sharing for advertising. We provide a cookie management tool for transparency.
  • Canada: Under PIPEDA, we obtain express or implied consent for non-essential cookies via our consent banner.
  • Mexico: Under LFPDPPP, we require explicit consent for cookies that process personal data.

Upon visiting our Site, a cookie banner appears, allowing you to:

  • Accept all cookies.
  • Reject non-essential cookies.
  • Customize preferences (e.g., allow analytics but not marketing cookies).

Your choices are saved in a persistent cookie for future visits, and you can update them anytime via the “Cookie Settings” link in our footer.

You have several ways to manage cookies and tracking:

a. Cookie Consent Tool

  • Access our banner or “Cookie Settings” link to adjust preferences.
  • Choices apply to non-essential cookies only; strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled.

b. Browser Settings

c. Opt-Out Tools

d. Device Management

  • Clear cookies or local storage via your device settings.
  • Disable JavaScript to limit some tracking (may break Site functionality).

e. Email Tracking

  • Opt out of email tracking by disabling image loading in your email client or unsubscribing via our emails.

7. Data Retention for Cookies

Cookie data is retained only as long as necessary:

  • Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser.
  • Persistent Cookies: Retained from 1 day to 2 years, depending on purpose (e.g., Google Analytics cookies last up to 2 years).
  • Analytics Data: Aggregated, anonymized data may be kept longer for trend analysis.
  • Marketing Data: Deleted within 6 months after you opt out or campaigns end.

We align retention with utility contracts and legal requirements (e.g., 7 years for financial records under U.S./Canadian tax laws).

8. Third-Party Cookies and Data Sharing

Some cookies are set by third parties, including:

  • Webflow: Hosts our Site and may set cookies for functionality.
  • Google Analytics/Google Ads: Tracks usage and ad performance.
  • Hotjar: Analyzes user behavior.
  • LinkedIn: Supports professional marketing.

These providers may process data in the U.S., Canada, or elsewhere. We ensure they comply with our privacy standards via contracts. For their policies:

We don’t control third-party cookies on linked sites (e.g., utility portals, vendor pages).

We protect cookie data with:

  • Encryption for sensitive cookies (e.g., authentication).
  • Secure servers and access controls.
  • Regular audits of tracking tools.

However, no system is fully secure, and we encourage you to use updated browsers and antivirus software.

10. Cookies and DER Data

Our powerWatch platform collects technical data from DER sites (e.g., meter readings, hardware status), but this is separate from Site cookies. DER data is handled via secure, encrypted connections (e.g., VPNs) and not stored in cookies unless you access dashboards, where session cookies ensure security.

11. Compliance with Privacy Laws

We adhere to:

  • CCPA (California): No data “sale” or “sharing”; opt-out rights provided.
  • PIPEDA (Canada): Consent for non-essential cookies; clear disclosure.
  • LFPDPPP (Mexico): Explicit consent and ARCO rights support.
  • Other U.S. States: Aligning with Virginia, Colorado, and other state laws (e.g., opt-out for targeted ads).

We monitor evolving laws to maintain compliance.

We may update this policy to reflect changes in technology, laws, or our Services. Updates will be posted here with a revised “Last Updated” date. Significant changes may be announced via email or Site notice, especially for utility and DER owner accounts.

13. Contact Us

For questions or to exercise your rights (e.g., opt-out, access cookie data), contact:

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Loopback Systems
456 Innovation Blvd, Tech City, CA 90001, USA
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Email: support@loopbacksystems.com
Phone: +1 (555) 123-4567

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