Data that Drives Electric Vehicles
There was a lot of hype surrounding electric vehicles when they first hit the market for consumers. Supporters saw electric vehicles as a key solution for battling gas prices and making a positive impact on the environment. Over the years, several countries throughout the world have incentivized the purchase of electric vehicles through subsidies available to both the car makers and the buyers. However, as we roll into 2017, sales are short of expectations in the U.S. Currently, we’re seeing only about 400,000 electric vehicles on the road. In President Obama’s First term, he said that he believed the U.S. could have one million electric vehicles on the road by 2015. When January 2016 hit, the estimate was looking like it could take up to another four years to accomplish the goal – especially with continuing low gas prices and troubled electric vehicle battery technology. To help further the push towards electric vehicles, the White House recently hosted an electric vehicle datathon to find and discuss what data would drive the deployment of more electric vehicles on U.S. roads. The event was co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy and four National Laboratories. The White House announced that electric vehicle experts, automakers, charging-station providers, cities and states collaborated with software-development and data-analysis communities as the group looked for answers to the electric vehicle challenges. Together, they worked to better understand how plug-in (electric) vehicles contribute to and help the environment and economy. They also worked to find out find out what it will take to make U.S. consumers more interested in purchasing electric vehicles. Electric Vehicles and the Right Data Electric vehicle manufacturers, well aware of the challenges and slow adoption, have also worked to provide U.S. citizens with appealing electric vehicle options. During the R&D process, these manufacturers are challenged with improving vehicles to increase purchases and usage in the U.S. Battery challenges aside, careful selection of communication technology is essential to improving data and performance of these vehicles. Without proper data collection and transport, vehicle performance cannot be analyzed and improved. One of the leading electric car companies uses Sensor-to-Server (S2S) solutions for RTK base station communications to improve data and correlation. As the Internet of Things (IoT) infiltrates more areas of our everyday life, S2S solutions designed to be robust and reliable in heavily industrial environments work as a communication solution for many industries across the board. From typical industrial environments like oil/gas and water/wastewater, to smart cities and the automotive industry and more specifically, electric vehicles. S2S solutions offer high-speed, long range connectivity with 900 MHz RF technology and they can support third party applications. As the electric vehicle industry looks to data for overcoming challenges, these solutions are designed to collect, protect, transport and control critical data from network end points all the way back to the server. Electric car manufacturers have a ways to go in terms of driving more adoption from consumers, but they have a nice selection of IoT and sensor-based technologies to help improve data and communications.
2017 Analyst Predictions – Industrial IoT
Predictions can be enlightening as we round out the end of the year, and industry analysts covering the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) have begun forecasting what to expect in 2017. In the ever changing digital business landscape, companies need to keep a pulse on the technology and regulatory environments to have direction on where to focus their efforts. Over the past few years, IIoT has taken on the shared title of industry 4.0, as new ways of connecting businesses and consumers impact systems infrastructures and technology integrations across many, if not all. business lines. In honor of reigning in 2017 as a strong year for the industrial internet, we have dedicated this week’s round up to highlight some of the top IIoT analyst predictions in the coming year. Gartner Predictions: Surviving the Storm Winds of Digital Disruption By Daryl C. Plummer, Martin Reynolds, Charles S. Golvin, Allie Young, Patrick J. Sullivan, Alfonso Velosa, Benoit J. Lheureux, Andrew Frank, Gavin Tay, Manjunath Bhat, Peter Middleton, Joseph Unsworth, @rayval, @DavidFurl, Werner Goertz, @JCribbs_Gartner, Mark A. Beyer, @Alex42Linden, @noahelkin, @nheudecker, Tom Austin, @mc_angela, Fabio Chesini, Hung LeHong | Published on @Gartner_inc “Digital business innovation creates disruptive effects that have a wide-ranging impact on people and technology. However, secondary ripple effects will often prove to be more disruptive than the original disruption. Digital strategists must actively identify secondary effects when planning change.” Gartner Also Suggests That its Time to, Harness IoT Innovation to Generate Business Value By @chetster | Published on @Gartner_inc “The Internet of Things is moving beyond concepts and trials, and has begun to deliver business benefits across a range of industries. Studying innovation and how early use cases have fared will help CIOs and IT leaders capture business value.” Forrester Predictions 2017: Cybersecurity Risks Intensify By @AmyDeMartine, Jeff Pollard, @infosec_jb, @acser, @heidishey, Christopher McClean, @jz415, @merrittmaxim, @sbalaouras, Trevor Lyness, Peggy Dostie | Published on @forrester “The connected world has arrived; we live and work in it. In this new reality, the next 12 months will see battles rage that will determine the amount of control individuals have over their own data and right to privacy as well as the offensive and defensive responsibilities of our governments. This report guides security and risk (S&R) pros through five predictions for 2017 that highlight escalating ramifications of poor security hygiene and how to mitigate potential damage.” Ovum 2017 Trends: Radio Access Networks By @sonixag | Published on @OvumICT “This is part of Ovum’s 2017 Trends to Watch series. This report looks at what Ovum believes will be the major trends next year when it comes to the radio access network (RAN) market.The RAN market remains a challenging area and the need for spectrum remains a constant concern. RAN vendors are looking for new growth areas, and everybody wants 5G and they want it now. All of these factors are driving market trends.” IDC 2017 Forecast: Manufacturing Worldwide By @kimknickle, Simon Ellis, @hashtonIDC, Christopher Holmes, @jeffhojlo, @ivanoortis, @VeronesiLor, Jing Bing Zhang | Published on @IDC “This IDC study provides manufacturers with the top 10 predictions and underlying drivers that we expect to impact manufacturers’ IT investments in 2017 and beyond. Technology leaders and their counterparts in the line-of-business (LOB) operations can use this document to guide their IT strategic planning efforts. According to Kimberly Knickle, research vice president, IT Priorities and Strategies, IDC Manufacturing Insights, “Technology continues to reshape the relationship between business and IT for innovation and digital transformation. Manufacturers want to work smarter using digital technologies in their products and processes and throughout the value chain. Our predictions create a framework for IT and line-of-business executives to plan and execute technology-related initiatives in the year ahead.” As we conclude our highlights this week, we should realize these predictions are just the tip of the digital iceberg anticipated for 2017. The future could see more intelligent technologies communicating in industry 4.0 with machines processing more data. We could also expect to finally dig deeper into our IoT connected understanding. All we can do is hold tight as the next corner of digital transformation unfolds.
Top News: Unmanned Aircrafts Taking Flight
As we near the end of 2016, it’s hard to ignore the current and potential impact that Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technology has on society. News reports from around the world continue to highlight many instances of unmanned aircrafts taking to the skies. As the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other international airspace regulatory bodies continue opening up the airways for new technology deployments, businesses look to be in a prime position to leverage numerous unmanned flights around the globe. Despite the continued pressures on government agencies to make UAS deployable in commercial airspace, regulators and safety officials still tend to err on the side on caution. Numerous testing sites and operations have already begun in hopes of helping to define and implement the safety protocols UAS operators need to follow. However, will regulators allow UAS to fly “out of sight” missions one day? Will retailers finally get approval for the chance to deliver packages via drones? How will airport officials help coalesce flight patterns from both manned and unmanned systems? Only time will tell, but as the excitement around UAS grows, we’ll keep a keen eye on the developments and use cases. Take a moment to enjoy this week’s highlights of the top UAS coverage throughout the past week. FAA to Conduct Unique Drone Testing at DIA By @CBS4Jeff | Published on @CBSDenver “Unique drone testing is going on at Denver International Airport. The only other testing like it has been done at JFK Airport in New York and at Atlantic City Airport. Now testing is looking at how to identify and control drones near airliners in Denver.” NASA Proves Out of Sight UAS Operations By @NASAAmes | Published on @UASMagazine “During the test, two of the drones flew beyond their commanders’ lines of sight. As many as two drones were operated in the same test airspace, separated by altitude and within sight of their operators. The pilots used the NASA-developed UTM research platform to gain information about all the drones’ locations and proximity to other air traffic and hazards. UTM also informed other airspace users of potential hazards and conflicting operations that could affect their plans.” Flight at the Bay Shows UAS Role in Emergencies By GPS World Staff | Published on @GPSWorld “The test also helped Shore Regional Health explore new ways of providing access to medical care to rural areas, according to William Huffner, Shore’s chief medical officer. UAS technology has the potential to bring supplies not only to medical staff, but also directly to patients in isolated areas.” The future is here: UAS are delivering Domino’s pizzas to customers By @mcwm | Published @qz “To order a pizza with a drone, a customer has to opt into the service, and can then order online or through the Domino’s app to get the pie they desire. Right now, Domino’s told Quartz, the drones have a delivery radius of 1.5 km (about one mile) from the Whangaparaoa store, but the company is aiming to expand that to about 10 km (roughly six miles).” Disney Plans to Fly Over 300 UAS Every Night This Winter at Disney World by @aprilaser | Published on @Recode “In August, after the Federal Aviation Administration released the drone rules for commercial operators, Intel was granted a waiver to fly an unlimited number of its Shooting Star drones per pilot at night over any uncontrolled airspace in the country.” As we conclude this week’s unmanned aircraft edition, we hope to have inspired, informed and most of all entertained with all the possibilities of UAS taking flight. Reliable IoT connectivity and data communications are key to opening doors to what some deemed impossible to happen. It’s time to embrace these new technologies and discover what the future will unleash for the next-gen airspace.
JavaOne 2016 Recap
JavaOne had the pleasure of taking San Francisco by storm. The 2016 conference left little to be desired, with more than 450 java-focused demos, labs and sessions with peer experts, plus time to network with this high-tech crowd. This year aimed its attention at young coders, enterprise, developers and the tools they need to keep innovation alive. If by chance you weren’t part of the masses that migrated to San Francisco, this week’s recap is dedicated to JavaOne highlights. So sit back, relax and enjoy this week’s recap. Opening Keynote Hints At Ambitious Changes In Next Version Of Java By @Oracle | Published on @Forbes “A common theme in the keynote was the promised modularization feature, Project Jigsaw—which enables Java programs to ship and run with much smaller footprints, thereby using fewer system resources.” Java EE moves forward once again By Alex Handy | Published on @SDTimes “The state of innovation in Java EE was so in question that, earlier this summer, the Java Guardians were formed to champion the platform and demand that it be pushed forward. At JavaOne today, Oracle finally detailed its plans to address the neglected enterprise Java platform. Alongside that road map came new information on the in-development Java SE 9 and OpenJDK 9.” Audience Gets a Glimpse of the Power of JShell By @mon_beck | Published on @InfoQ “During his JavaOne 2016 keynote, Mark Reinhold, Chief architect of the Java platform group pointed out that Java 9 is much bigger than Jigsaw as can be seen in the 85 JEPs targeted for Java 9. I would like to discuss one new Java feature he highlighted, JEP 222, the Java shell (also known as JShell.) With JShell, Java 9 will enable developers to use Read-Eval-Print loop (REPL) which is an interactive tool that evaluates user input and prints the output either as a value or a state change.” A boost for cloud app developers By Admire Moyo | Published on @ITWeb “Oracle says by giving developers a choice of programming languages, databases, compute types, operating systems and virtual machines, integrated development environments and tools, the company provides developers with the choice and flexibility needed to build modern applications in the cloud.” Top Tweets During the Event! Women in tech are taking over Posted by @java Times are changing as women in tech fill up the next JavaOne panel discussion. Talking code, programming and technical specifics is no longer a man’s world. https://twitter.com/java/status/778694106503532545/photo/1 Don’t forget your Star Wars costumes! Posted by @hendrikEbbers JavaOne asked us to reach for our inner Star Wars fan, by giving away Star Wars stickers to the first 50 people that dressed up in their best Star Wars gear. We are still looking for the proof. If you did dress up, please share your pictures with us! https://twitter.com/hendrikEbbers/status/778347600600719360/photo/1 ReadWrite Meets FreeWave! Posted by @citizencaen The excitement around JavaOne was palpable! We were thrilled to finally meet the Chris Caen from ReadWrite as we caught him up on the new partnership announcements with Teachneaux and Resilio. We also had the pleasure of showcasing our latest ZumLink IIoT Programmable Radio at JavaOne, as pictured below. Chistorpher Caen with ReadWrite caught up wtih Michelle Marceny at FreeWave Technologies. Caen found out that, “When FreeWave says their devices have 2.8 million combat hours, they really mean combat hours.” https://twitter.com/citizencaen/status/778662244276064257/photo/1 JavaOne Entertains in Style! Each night was filled with social networking, good food and drinks. Wednesday night they pulled out all the stops grabbing the attention of both young and old by having performances by both Sting and Gwen Stefani. Lots of fun!
Seismic Shift in IIoT Monitoring
There’s been a seismic shift in monitoring earthquakes via the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) with advanced Machine-to-Machine (M2M) technology have reshaped the industrial communication industry. Every device or machine along the network, even at the outermost edge, now has the opportunity to be fully-connected for automated collection and delivery of information. As Sensor-2-Server (S2S) communication technology evolves to keep up with the demand for this connectivity paradigm, new efficiencies are created and Big Data is available to drive actionable intelligence. Seismic Shift Data that Saves Lives The sheer quantity of available data, combined with the speed of automation can support mission critical applications that are designed to save lives. Research centers can leverage IoT networks to relay critical data in real-time from areas where earthquakes are a common threat to people living nearby. While natural events like earthquakes and volcanos are not avoidable or fully predictable, an IoT network can potentially help reduce the level of devastation through close, reliable seismic monitoring via highly sensitive and advanced sensor technology. S2S communications monitor and send data from remote areas where Earth changes are first detected, to the monitoring authorities who are closely tracking seismic activity. S2S solutions leveraged for early detection of these events can enable authorities to warn citizens in advance to take appropriate precautionary measures. When robust, rapid, real-time monitoring is combined with effective emergency communications, human casualties can be significantly decreased. Seismic Shift and the Ever Changing Landscape IoT has been adopted at such a rapid pace that the demand for modern, sophisticated communication technology is driving constant changes in remote, industrial communication networks that will further advance applications like seismic monitoring. These changes have clearly disrupted the traditional Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) market. While SCADA systems are not obsolete, industries like environmental monitoring will continue to leverage new technologies designed to help seismologists make more informed decisions than with just SCADA alone. Now, network operators can evolve and adapt their monitoring programs over time through the IoT with edge devices that allow third-party software applications to be deployed network-wide. This has not only opened new doors for software developers, but it opens up the opportunity for advancements in environmental monitoring to further improve natural event monitoring. Fast and accurate data transport from the sensor networks in seismic monitoring therefore requires robust and reliable technology that doesn’t fail in remote and sometimes harsh environments. RF technology, for example, is advancing to help field crews make intelligent decisions and closely monitor the elements that can help delivery early warning for natural events. Find us at JavaOne this Week
Top Industrial IoT News Roundup
There is a lot happening in the industrial IoT (IIoT) space lately, as evidenced by all the recent news announcements, analyst insights and business transactions occurring on the daily. Some say there is a foggy forecast for the industrial internet of things, mainly because the success of cloud computing must extend beyond data centers, but real world use cases should continue to pave the way. In some respects, perhaps it’s just the fact that the ROI from the IIoT is still in its infancy, but many are clamoring that a more standardized infrastructure is needed to help solve the unique complexities that IIoT presents. In this week’s IIoT news roundup, you’ll find a little bit of everything – from oil and gas and manufacturing to fog computing, drones and sensors. Dive in and see if you have any other articles that you think are worth adding! And don’t miss the bonus update at the end of the news roundup. Deloitte: End-to-End Automation Real Value of IIoT Technology By @KarenBoman | Published on @Rigzone “Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies such as machine learning and drones are now available, but the real value lies in linking these technologies together to allow for end-to-end automation, a Deloitte executive told attendees at the Internet of Things Oil and Gas Conference 2016 Wednesday in Houston.” Is Now the Time to Apply Fog Computing to the Internet of Things? By Dr. Vladimir Krylov @Artezio | Published on @IoTEvolution “With fog computing, latency is minimized if one uses fog nodes for data analysis without sending it to the cloud. All event aggregation in this case has to be performed in the distributed architecture deployed in the network where devices (sensors) and fog nodes are located. Thus, fog architecture moves the capacity question from the cloud to the network implementation.” Manufacturing firms investing in IIoT data analytics – even if other areas are slowing down By @James_T_Bourne | Published on @IoTTechNews “The research, the findings of which appear in the report ‘Data’s Big Impact on Manufacturing’, found that of the more than 200 North American manufacturing executives polled, 70% said investing in data analytics would lead to fewer equipment breakdowns, while less unscheduled downtime (68%), unscheduled maintenance (64%), and fewer supply chain management issues (60%) were also cited.” Go Ahead, Fly a Tiny Drone. The Man Doesn’t Have to Know By @luxagraf | Published on @WIRED “THE WILD WEST days of drone flight came to end earlier this year when the FAA began requiring that pilots register their aircraft with the agency. If you want to use your Unmanned Aircraft System (as the FAA calls them) for anything remotely commercial, you’ll need to go a step further and pass a test.” Could Optical Fibre Sensors Save Lives? By @loctier | Published on @euronews “This edition of Futuris looks at how optical fibre sensors could help monitor the stability of roads, buildings, bridges and other constructions – and save lives.” Discovering Value in the Age of IIoT By @lasher64 | Published on @automationworld “The solutions of tomorrow will be much more integrated between implementation tiers on the plant floor to the enterprise and beyond. Therefore, it is imperative that these solutions give strong consideration to network architectures and cybersecurity. As we continue to move forward, you will hear more about operational technology (OT).” IoT is not about radios; it’s all about data By Alan Carlton | Published on @NetworkWorld “The initial challenge for the Internet of Things (IoT) was how to provide physical connectivity of small and often remote devices to the Internet. This issue has basically been solved with the plethora of wireless connectivity solutions. The real challenge for IoT is data organization, sharing and search on an unprecedented scale.” BONUS NEWS This week, FreeWave announced a contest at a chance to win FreeWave’s award-winning WavePro WP201 shorthaul and Wi-Fi solution. Contest entrants must provide a high-level account of the application of the WavePro, along with a description of the need for the platform. Winners will be announced at the close of the entry period. To enter the contest, please visit: http://go.freewave.com/wavepro-network-giveaway. Submissions are due by September 30!
Thinking Outside the Box with Sensor-2-Server Applications
When we talk about Sensor-2-Server (S2S) applications, we tend to lean towards examples of common industrial communication networks for industries like oil and gas, utilities and municipalities. These application solutions typically incorporate the transfer of data from edge devices back to a specific server for use cases such as pump and tank monitoring or SCADA systems. However, as Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications transform alongside the adoption of the Internet of Things(IoT), the types of applications that require connectivity at the edge are virtually endless. If we step back and look at the big picture, it is clear the entire landscape of technology is changing. With these changes we foresee the decline of standalone RF technology. Decision makers need Big Data in to make intelligent decisions that will transform their business operations and save them time and money. S2S communication networks are designed to address this challenge by driving intelligent transmissions from a specific location back to the appropriate server with the necessary intelligence to drive action for change. As technology evolves to meet industry demands, RF technology must adapt to meet new needs. We’re already seeing this happen in the industrially hardened, wireless communications industry. Some wireless IoT communication solutions providers are offering platforms to host third-party applications in addition to creating the communication links for devices. Sensor-2-Server Solution Along with this widespread technology change, we have begun to see new and exciting ways that modern RF technology solutions can be leveraged in an S2S network. Here are some nontraditional real-life examples of S2S applications: S2S communications to connect satellite communication dishes in remote locations where there is little to no cell coverage. The solutions extend communications and create a single POC for all of the remote locations. Monitoring cold storage food at distribution centers for a large US Supermarket chain where the cold storage warehouses are 500 feet X 500 feet and are located several hundred feet away from the monitoring room. RTK base station communications to improve data and correlation for an Electric Car manufacturer. Remote access to GPS Stations for improved data transfer in order to complete ocean mapping. Irrigation control on golf courses. For most industrial organizations there is a clear push towards complete connectivity from the sensors at the edge of the network all the way back to the central server. We often talk about data collection for familiar applications in oil and gas, utilities and smart cities. However, the reality of today’s technology transformation is that any industrial communication network, regardless of the industry, will likely need to connect its edge devices and eventually program its edge through third party applications in order to take the most cost effective approach and drive intelligent operational decisions.
All Aboard the IoT Railway
In many parts of the world, rail represents a major component of infrastructure – for the transportation of both humans and goods. In fact, railways are critical to some of the major industries like oil and gas, agriculture, and food refrigeration/transport. Much like those industries have, over the years, adopted automated, machine-to-machine (M2M) technology, railroads have similarly deployed more advanced technology over the years as well. Railways began the “automation” process by adding Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) tags back as early as 1989. These sensors track the specific item tagged, but they have no way of knowing how the train is operating as a whole. Companies also began deploying RFID tags to track goods being transported along the different lines. The AEI sensors could provide information on the rail car and would interact with the various readers along the route. The additional sensors were great for location awareness, but still lacked the ability to monitor all the moving parts on the train. Still, with these two initial steps, the early stages of Internet of Things (IoT) technology began to come into focus for the railroad industry. IoT Railway Solution The rail industry needed a way to develop a more intelligent infrastructure that enabled Sensor-2-Server (S2S) data transmission via a network of Wi-Fi and voice, video, data and sensor control systems. Due to the massive amount of data collection a system like this would develop, railways are now developing a fully digital service that is directed toward centralized facilities capable of aggregating data from different sources and streams and analyzing that data in real-time. For instance, today, railroad sensors monitor everything from rail car and locomotive health, to track conditions, air temperatures, stress gauges and component conditions. Having a centralized system allows operators to take that data being collected and use it to develop predictive maintenance practices; that is, the ability to predict when a section of rail or a specific component is in need of repair or near failure. Predictive maintenance is only one component of IoT integration for the rail industry, but it is one that can potentially transform practices across the board, ultimately saving companies time and money – valuable elements for an industry centered on logistics. Across the pond, the University of Huddersfield’s Institute of Railway Research has found that tracks can be monitored with inexpensive sensors set to operate by the vibrations of oncoming trains. According to the research, the sensors will still operate if one of the sensors is damaged, because of a built-in fail-safe. These sensors are projected to detect both approaching trains and the real-time conditions of the track. Adding an IoT network to trains can help improve safety and efficiency with traffic congestion, monitoring and control speed. Even the non-critical business operations have the ability to operate efficiently on the train with the help of modern sensors. Beyond rail sensor networks, there is also the consideration of the passengers as well. If railroads can implement Wi-Fi networks on passenger cars, passengers will be able to receive travel updates, railroad companies can develop specific apps for their travelers, and riders can enjoy the utility of internet in areas that previously lacked service. Although rail remains largely an industrial consideration in the United States, the growth of IoT technology available to the greater industry bodes well for the continued development of this infrastructure around the world.
Smart Golf Courses = A Hole in One!
Smart golf courses are coming to a green near you. A modern day golf course requires many things, including real-time monitoring for irrigation and pump systems, automated vehicle location capabilities for carts and players, and the ability to provide employees with the internet connectivity necessary to manage the sprawls of the course itself. As a result, golf course managers are turning toward some of the cutting edge Internet of Things solutions on the market to meet that demand. As far as preferred pastimes go, golf ranks relatively highly for young and old alike. In fact, according to the National Golf Foundation, there are more than 15,000 18-hole golf courses throughout the United States. The American Society of Golf Course Architects estimates that a full-size golf course would need up to 200 acres of usable land, which means that courses in the U.S. take up at least three million acres. By comparison, that’s nearly three times the size of the Grand Canyon National Park. With that in mind, the management of golf courses is a minor feat in advanced agricultural practices and logistics. Smart Golf Course Solution For one Colorado course, the smart golf course solution to its connectivity conundrum lay in the deployment of an industrial-scale Wi-Fi network capable of handling communication, accessibility and maintenance needs. Course managers selected a dual-band, mesh networking platform that provides Wi-Fi coverage in the necessary areas, and with the help of the provider, set up a network that strategically positioned the platforms so that devices and sensors could remain connected via the mesh networking capabilities as they moved from place to place. However, any outdoor Wi-Fi network does come along with its challenges. For example, another factor that golf courses need to consider when determining the best networking option is the weather. Although most courses are situated in areas that don’t typically draw extremely cold temperatures, many are consistently faced with hot or humid climates that can knock networks offline as the communication platforms succumb to the elements. The last thing any course manager wants is to have their communication network fail, especially if that impacts their customer experience. Adopting ruggedized outdoor networking and communications solutions means being confident that the platforms are designed to function without failure – even in areas with extreme weather events or consistently hot temperatures. Additionally, to ensure that the data being collected from irrigation and pump systems is being delivered in real-time allows grounds teams to monitor and predict when the systems are in need of maintenance, or when certain areas of the course are in greater need of water than others, for instance. Today, grounds crews can track this data via handheld devices that can quickly aggregate and analyze data, rather than spend time manually checking each individual service point. Although modern golf courses often look pristine to players and observers alike, upkeep and ongoing service requires constant attention. As these courses begin to deploy more advanced networking systems to become smart in its communication and monitoring practices, the ability for courses to streamline workflow and maintenance needs will only continue to grow.
Emergency Response From Sensor-2-Server
Emergency response agencies are adding Sensor-2-Server (S2S) communication technologies to their tool belt, thus changing the way our local municipalities operate. As we head in the direction of a more connected world through the Internet of Things (IoT), we see increased efficiencies within our cities and local government operations. For example, municipalities can leverage S2S technology for monitoring and control of their traffic management systems to improve flow of traffic to support community growth or pain points within the local traffic infrastructure. These Smart City types of applications also extend into emergency response. Large scale emergency situations and natural disasters often lead to disabled or overloaded cell towers and disconnected Wi-Fi. When all forms of communication are severed, first responders face the challenge of conducting rescue efforts with extremely limited visibility into identifying which locations require immediate help and conditions of the affected locations. If local government or municipalities leverage Smart City applications to stay online during emergency and disaster recovery situations, response times increase, risk decreases and lives can be saved. A Sensor-2-Server (S2S) solution robust enough to maintain communications during worst case scenarios will provide a mission critical communication link that keeps responders connected. Further, solutions that support voice, video, data and sensor (VVDS) information can aid in complete, accurate assessment during the emergency as well as detailed follow-up after emergencies and disasters are over. Finding a New Solution for Emergency Response Secure wireless communications are a key component to successful emergency response and disaster recovery for Smart Cities. With technology specifically built for harsh outdoor, industrial locations and proven to perform under the most extreme environmental conditions, local governments and municipalities can create emergency response and disaster recovery protocols that would significantly reduce collateral damage. Wireless shorthaul communications solutions with robust Wi-Fi links support VVDS, giving responders a substantial advantage during emergency situations. In a situation where every moment counts, having that connection could make the difference in saving someone’s life. Benefits of Leveraging S2S Solutions with Emergency Response Agencies Functioning even when power outages are plaguing a city, there are a number of ways a Sensor-2-Server type of network can be leveraged by the local government: ⇒ Reduce Risks Significantly reduce the risk of injury for firefighters and first responders. By leveraging video, responders can examine and assess damage after a weather-related incident without having to enter unsafe buildings or areas. ⇒ Assess the Situation Streamline the post disaster assessment by first responders from all directions and relay critical information to headquarters. By leveraging voice and video capabilities responders get an accurate assessment of a situation from every angle and create a faster, safer evaluation than a manual process. ⇒ Increase Response Time When communication networks are down, emergency crews can leverage the secure wireless edge network. Emergency crews can respond faster because messages and instructions are relayed via VVDS rather than manually. ⇒ Protected Data Keep unwanted parties out of the network. Leverage secure encryption capabilities to prevent data hijacking and increase network security. Some solutions will offer a secure, dedicated channel for emergency communications that does not interfere with tactical plans. When a municipality becomes a Smart City, first responders can be highly effective and are better able to protect themselves from the dangerous situations they face. As S2S communications shape the future of municipal communication networks, voice and video can be incorporated into the network. With this new, rich data, emergency management teams can enhance their emergency response protocol and improve emergency planning.