Utilities

The Utilities Industry is no stranger to Internet of Things based technology, as smart solutions such as meters, are fast becoming the norm. As these customer-facing technologies grow, it’s important – that your Utilities business has a similarly advanced back-end technology to enable high level automation to reduce human error due to manual tasks and boost overall productivity by freeing people up for customer facing tasks that bring in revenue.

The Orion Data Network combines RFID with the Internet of Things to provide real-time data that allows you to streamline generation, trading, distribution, retail and enterprise resource planning. There are numerous benefits to businesses in the Utilities industry, as Orion automates, provides greater data accuracy enabling more informed decision-making and results in a better work environment and a superior customer experience.

Streamlined Operations via Asset Management

The Utilities industry has a vast number and wide range of different types of assets including power stations, cables, substations, pipelines, industrial equipment, technology equipment, buildings and of course personnel. It’s a highly volatile and heavily regulated industry, which makes for a lot of business uncertainty and requires a balance between striving for constant innovation and being as risk averse as possible without compromising progress.

The increasing use of distributable renewable energy sources is the latest in an ever-growing set of industry disruptors. Also key to success in the Utilities industry, is finding the perfect balance between meeting the ever-increasing demand for energy and the need to provide greener solutions that don’t negatively impact the environment.

Other major challenges include strict regulations and statutes and auditing requirements and a talent war brought about by the fact that many of the old school engineers are now reaching retirement age and the upcoming working population aren’t skilled in the existing legacy systems and technologies.

The companies who are ahead of the game, are those that have excellent internal operations that translate to a fantastic customer experience, fair prices and innovative products and services. Of course, impressive corporate performance and good returns also keeps the stakeholders and investors happy. The best way to improve your operations and regain lost revenue, is by automating and maximising your supply chain through strategic asset management.

Smarter Utilities Solutions

The Utilities Industry is no stranger to Internet of Things based technology, as smart solutions such as smart meters, are fast becoming the norm. As these customer-facing technologies grow, it’s important that your Utilities business has a similarly advanced back-end technology to enable high level automation to reduce human error due to manual tasks and boost overall productivity by freeing people up for customer facing tasks that bring in revenue.
The Orion Data Network combines RFID with the Internet of Things to provide real-time data that allows you to streamline generation, trading, distribution, retail and enterprise resource planning.

There are numerous benefits to businesses in the Utilities industry, as Orion automates your processes and provides greater data accuracy, enabling more informed decision-making, resulting in a better work environment and a superior customer experience.

Gaining a Competitive Advantage in the Utilities Industry

Reduce Your OpEx and CapEx

The purpose of Smarter Technologies Group’s Orion Data Network solutions for the Utilities industry is to reduce overheads and infrastructure expenses, help you meet regulatory and compliance requirements and save time for increased productivity. The solutions are applicable to all utilities including but not limited to electric, hydroelectric, fossil, natural gas and power generation and distribution, or water supply and sewage management.

Smart Cities Preferred Suppliers

As cities get smarter, only the most forward-thinking Utilities companies will find themselves on the preferred supplier lists. Orion provides an environmentally friendly, low-cost solution with a fast return on your investment. With better planning and higher efficiency there is no need to pass additional costs on to your customer, so you can rest assured of an excellent customer experience that will set you apart from other utilities companies.

Applications in the Utilities Industry

As the smart meter market grows exponentially so does the opportunity for smart meter fraud. Our smart meter solutions with integrated tamper and movement detection sensors, are designed to prevent theft, for example by current manipulation and magnetic devices. We can also help you to keep track of the location of all your smart meters even in times of high customer turnover.

Similarly, in the water sector there is pressure to reduce capital expenditure but a lot of the existing infrastructure is old and in a state of disrepair and processes are manual and outmoded. Smarter Technologies Orion asset management solutions provide SCADA compatibility and the business intelligence data you need for preventive and predictive maintenance scheduling; quality assurance; streamlined processes; simplified budget planning; and operational risk assessment and management.

Whatever type of energy you provide, our advanced technology comprising a huge variety of different sensors and tracking devices, combined with Orion’s real-time data and reporting, enables you to take control of your assets. You’ll see instant improvements in you inventory management; asset lifecycle; recovery of lost and stolen assets; site and building security; and the support you provide to lone workers. The return on your investment is fast and significant with clients reporting up to 20% reduction in their operational costs within few weeks. Our solutions are also up to 75% cheaper than others currently available to the utilities sector.

Orion Data Network in the Utilities Industry

RFID Technology

The Orion Data Network is a low power, long-range digital data network utilising advanced Radio Frequency Identification technology, and GPS and consisting of a system of Orion Gateways & Tags. The system listens and monitors, allowing utilities companies to track and their valuable assets and personnel for optimum longevity and security.

Bespoke Data and Reporting

Orion offers a huge range of application possibilities as almost any asset or application that requires real-time data can join the Network. Both hardware and software can be tailored to meet your utility company’s specific real-time data needs. We assist clients by allowing them to scale their network without limitations and create their own private data and security network. The Orion Data Network can be deployed anywhere in the world quickly, simply and cost-effectively.

No GMS, SIM or Ongoing Costs

Data, security and logistics networks run in parallel on the Orion network, so you can control your key assets on and off site with no need to rely on GSM network connectivity, meaning that there are no SIM cards or ongoing costs and you are always connected at both long and short-range. The active RFID tags monitor your assets and alert you according to your predefined parameters, ensuring asset longevity and top-level security.

Different Gateway & Tag Options for Total Coverage

The gateways listen and the tags report every 2 minutes when static and 30 seconds when your assets are in transit or use. Orion simultaneously reports a wealth of data that can be pre-programmed to align to your business goals. In this way Orion delivers unparalleled real-time asset viability and security solutions that will provide great time and cost benefits for your utility business.

The coverage that Orion provides out performs all other solutions in the utilities marketplace because we utilise 3 different kinds of tag and gateway. The gateways are Ethernet, which you can integrate with your existing architecture, mobile which runs directly over the Orion network and satellite which is ideal for remote sites. The tags are GPS, non-GPS and switch which interface with a full range of different sensors for measuring and identifying critical factors such as temperature and moisture gauges, liquid level and gas emissions, tilt, movement, shock, impact, damage and location.

Asset Tracking Software really is the key to enabling the simplified mass deployment of monitoring, tracking and recovery solutions for your utility business, without being overwhelmed by the task.

Benefits of Orion for Utilities Industry

Optimise your Plant Maintenance

Manage assets and spare parts and prolong asset life

Manage your fuel

Improve trading with informed decision-making

Manage your supply chain

Improve your Distribution

Incur fewer losses

Employ preventative Maintenance or repair assets, even before user notices an issue

Increase workforce productivity and protect lone workers

Recover lost and stolen assets

Create a better customer experience

Meet consumer demands and focus on system sustainability

Meet regulatory demands

Improve your rates with better operational and financial planning

Streamline your digital operations

Reduce overall Opex and Capex

Improve enterprise resource planning

Reduce your dependency on emergency frequency in times of crisis

Create a great work environment and attract the best talent

Features of Orion for the Utilities Industry

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The Orion data network is entirely independent of GSM

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75% lower cost than other asset tracking solutions and a faster ROI

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Orion is highly adaptive and simple to deploy

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Real-time visibility (RTLS)

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Unlimited scalability

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Ecologically driven, low-frequency RFID technology

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Tags for monitoring temperature

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GPS location to within 5 meters

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GPS tags for real-time tracking of vehicles and people

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Non-GPS tags for tamper alerts and logistics solutions

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Switch tags for smoke detectors and fire systems

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Directional Antenna’s for targeted localisation

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Ethernet (wired) 3G or 3G Router (Wireless)

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Each Orion Gateway creates a local hotspot and controls key access points

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The Orion gateway plugs easily and quickly into the existing Ethernet port

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Long range monitoring – 500 meters + radius of each gateway

Contact NFC Group

LET’S TALK

Our experts are waiting to answer your enquiries and help design a solution for you.

Call on 0330 223 5000

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Smarter Technologies Group 1 Austin Park, Yeoman Road, Ringwood, BH24 3FG, United Kingdom

Utilities enquiries

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