Utilities around the world are embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) and all of the benefits that automating formerly manual processes has to offer. Utilities, which were one of the first industries to embrace point-to-point, machine-to-machine (M2M) communications and SCADA systems, are now utilizing the next generation of machine communications. IoT technologies are bringing exceptional operational efficiency to utilities, providing increased visibility and real-time data via automated processes and always-on connectivity, helping utilities “keep the lights on” and provide better overall service to their customers.
Smart Grid technologies are certainly getting their fair share of attention as a top IoT application for utilities, but another segment also deserves significant attention for its role in safety, compliance and business continuity of utility networks: field force automation. The IoT is changing the landscape for assets and employees out in the field, allowing them to use data analytics to make better decisions.
Field force automation and management – the practice of using technology to streamline the administrative role and logistics of field service personnel using the data received back from the site to make better decisions – allows field technicians and engineers to focus on problem solving at the job, instead of ‘paper pushing’ and the manual entry of data captured on site.
IoT is the enabler, providing a central hub that spans platforms, applications and devices out in the field. These devices can be used by humans (through PDAs, tablets, smartphones, etc.) or by machines (such as transformers or even heavy equipment such as bucket trucks or cranes, for example). IoT enables the sharing of information and provides a constant synchronization between field workers and people and machines at the home office.
Although IoT has automated many parts of the utility network, engineers and maintenance crews in the field are still play a critical role. In the same way that automated devices need two-way communications with headquarters to work effectively, so too do field technicians. These connections are used for many purposes, including transmitting work instructions and technical information, including large data files, to workers in the field, as well as to report back conditions on-site.
In many areas, cellular networks meet these connectivity needs. However, field workers are always on the move and cellular connections can be ‘spotty’ or ‘patchy’ in some of a utility’s coverage area and aren’t reliable – or frequently unavailable – in rural or other remote areas. The exchanging of large data files is often an issue as well because of cellular’s limited bandwidth capabilities. As such, satellite connectivity is emerging as an efficient and reliable way to keep IoT solutions and field technicians productive, even in the harshest of weather conditions.
Out in the Field
IoT is playing a growing role in utilities around the globe. At the macro level, utilities are facing increased pressure from regulatory agencies to have communications infrastructures with an even greater of redundancy to ensure service continuity.
Events like the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan and Hurricane Sandy in the U.S. in 2012 hammered home the need for not only more resilient utility networks, but more resilient communications networks to support them. In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Infrastructure Protection (IP) collaborated with the utilities industry to identify guidelines, best practices and agreed-upon codes of practice to help with business continuity and disaster recovery. IoT is playing a big role in these proceedings, especially in the monitoring of lines, reclosers and transformers, helping not only to speed repair when the network is impacted, but in many cases preventing an outage in the first place.
But on a more micro level, IoT is having a huge impact on day-to-day operations of a utility company, including field force automation. Examples of some of the different benefits that IoT technologies are providing not only for the utilities, but for the workers in the field as well, include:
Satellite’s Key Role
Despite the drive for greater innovation among utilities and to support field force automation because of IoT, none of these could be accomplished without reliable connectivity. Cellular has its role, but it’s only as reliable as the strength of the signal from the nearest tower. In inclement weather, such as hurricanes and ice storms, service can be interrupted. In other areas where utilities may serve a very large area, there may not be any service available due to a lack of cellular infrastructure, or vehicles might go in and out of coverage several times depending on their route. In these areas, field personnel are ‘flying blind,’ unable to send or receive critical information to do their jobs.
Field workers need the ability to communicate with headquarters at any time, and vice versa, even in situations where a natural disaster has occurred. In these scenarios, utilities need the ability to manage and re-assign work crews in real time, consolidate operations with informed decisions based on real-time data, and issue work orders as soon as they are needed to repair outages, while maintaining communications during disaster recovery.
Cellular networks are often the first to be impacted in natural disasters because of their reliance on terrestrial infrastructure. Even some satellite solutions that operate in low earth (LEO) orbit are subject to disruptions from weather. However, satellite connectivity from a constellation in geosynchronous (GEO) orbit offers the best solution for utilities, free from weather disruptions and terrestrial constraints.
However, utilities do not need to rely solely on satellite for their IoT connectivity needs. Solutions that have both cellular and satellite connectivity capabilities are enabling utilities to achieve always-on communications with their field workers. The transition between cellular and satellite is automatic via least-cost routing; if the cellular signal is weak or drops, the device transfers automatically to its satellite connection, and back to cellular when signal strength is achieved. The driver or operator is free to just perform their tasks without needing to manage communications.
Today’s utilities have come a long way from simple SCADA systems and IoT is playing a large role in making operations increasingly efficient. Field force automation is one of the key beneficiaries of IoT technologies, and by default, field personnel are also realizing key benefits as well.
About the Author
Chuck Moseley joined Inmarsat in January 2003 with more than eighteen years’ experience in communications. As Director, Internet of Everywhere, Chuck is responsible for Inmarsat’s portfolio of M2M products and services worldwide. Prior to this role, he managed all North American SCADA communications customers and projects for Stratos (now part of Inmarsat). Mr. Moseley holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master of Sciences in Telecommunications from Southern Methodist University.
