Getac has announced the launch of its ZX10 fully rugged tablet, a versatile new 10-inch device built around the Android 11 operating system (OS).

The ZX10 will sit alongside Getac’s popular ZX70 fully rugged 7-inch Android tablet, giving customers in industries such as public safety, utilities, energy, transport & logistics, manufacturing, automotive, and defence more options when choosing rugged Android devices that best suit their operational needs.

Powerful Operational Efficiency

The ZX10’s combination of Android 11 OS, Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 Mobile Platform, and Adreno™ 512 GPU delivers a seamless user experience, enabling efficient workflow in a wide range of field scenarios. Dual hot-swappable batteries ensure full-shift operation, while the LumiBond® sunlight readable display (boasting 800nits of brightness) with rain and glove touch capability helps maintain productivity in a range of weather conditions. The ZX10 also has options of up to 6GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB storage to help customers prepare for future industry demands.

Excellent Field Communications

An 8MP front camera and best-in-class 16MP rear camera deliver exceptionally high-quality photo/video capture, while dual integrated microphones filter out loud background noise for enhanced audio quality. Elsewhere, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth (v5.0), dedicated GPS and an optional 4G LTE module offers rapid data transfer and location positioning capabilities in remote field locations. Dual LTE SIM card slots allow field workers to quickly switch between two 4G network carriers. The support to CBRS private network further increases operational flexibility.

Industry Leading Rugged Reliability

Like all Getac devices, the ZX10 is built rugged from the ground up to provide exceptional reliability and peace of mind. MIL-STD-810H and IP66 certification means it can easily withstand drops of up to six feet, shocks, rain, vibration, dust, and liquid spillages. Furthermore, an operating temperature range of -29°C to 63°C (-20°F~145°F) delivers year-round usability. With all these built-in rugged features, the ZX10 is still only 17.9mm thick and weighs just over 1kg, offering excellent portability and mobility in the field.

Ideally Suited to Key Industry Applications

The ZX10 is designed to meet the needs of public safety, utilities, energy, transport & logistics, manufacturing, automotive, and defence professionals who utilise Android-based devices. As part of Getac Select®, it is available in a range of industry specific builds that combine different features, accessories, and software utilities to help customers quickly solve everyday challenges. Below are some example use cases:

Data capture and ePCR access for emergency first responders

Emergency first responders require real-time access to electronic patient health records (ePCRs) to deliver appropriate care and medication, often in high pressure environments. The ZX10’s powerful connectivity options allow them to quickly access this information, while optional barcode/RFID and smart card readers help verify IDs, check operational procedures, and ensure patient confidentiality.

Rugged, full-shift reliability for field utilities engineers

When conducting outdoor activities like GIS mapping, utilities engineers need devices they can rely on in a variety of weather conditions. Furthermore, a lack of access to charging facilities while working in remote locations means long battery life is vitally important. The ZX10’s fully rugged design, dedicated GPS, versatile LumiBond® display with rain and glove touch capability, and dual hot-swappable battery design gives field engineers the peace of mind they need, wherever their duties take them.

Remote communications and asset maintenance for energy workers

Energy workers must regularly inspect and maintain assets in the field, but often require remote support from experts to do so effectively. The ZX10’s mobile connectivity, best-in-class 8MP front camera and 16MP rear camera and dedicated GPS lets workers interact with colleagues around the world in real-time, quickly share/exchange information, and complete tasks at the first time of asking. Dual LTE SIM card slots also let them quickly switch between two different carrier networks without having to swap SIM cards and staying connected conveniently.

Optimising efficiency for warehouse employees and forklift drivers

Warehouse employees and forklift drivers need to collect and move goods between multiple different environments, ranging from internal cold storage and climate-controlled areas to external yards that are exposed to the weather and elements. The ZX10’s compact yet rugged design and wide operating temperature range means it can seamlessly transition between these environments without fear of damage or disruption. Additionally, the optional barcode/RFID-reader and range of programmable buttons makes it quick and easy to identify/process items in a matter of seconds.

“As Android continues to gain popularity, a growing number of organisations are looking for rugged Android solutions that enable them to enjoy the versatility it has to offer, even when working in harsh and/or challenging environments,” says Rick Hwang, President of Getac Technology Corporation. “The ZX10 does exactly that, expanding our line-up of Android-based solutions and helping customers optimise their operational efficiency, while also hitting all-important total cost of ownership targets.”

Availability:

The ZX10 will be available in March.

Three-quarters (74 per cent) of UK fleets have adopted more digital solutions since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, new research has revealed.

A pan-European study conducted by Webfleet Solutions among 1,050 fleet decision-makers found that in the UK, smaller fleets of up to 50 vehicles led the charge, accounting for 80 per cent of the tech adopters.

SME BUSINESSES HAVE RECOGNIZED THE VITAL ROLE THAT TECHNOLOGY CAN PLAY IN OVERCOMING THE FINANCIAL AND LOGISTICAL CHALLENGES

Electronic signature tech (60 per cent) topped the list of the new digital solutions, followed by mobile apps (50 per cent) and digital document systems, such as paperless invoicing (44 per cent). In every case, the uptick in digitisation was found to have helped their businesses deal with the pandemic.

“COVID-19 continues to have a dramatic impact on the way we live and work, making operational flexibility, smart customer interactions, risk management and cost control more important than ever,” said Beverley Wise, Sales Director UK and Ireland, Webfleet Solutions.

“SME businesses, in particular, have had the agility to respond quickly to the ever-changing commercial landscape and have recognised the vital role that technology can play in overcoming the financial and logistical challenges – improving the efficient flow of information, supporting remote working and minimising person-to-person interactions.”

Indeed, the drive to increase efficiency was found to be top reason for UK fleets adopting more digital solutions, cited by more than half (55 per cent) of those surveyed. This was closely followed by efforts to reduce the spread of infection (51 per cent) and a continued commitment to sustainability (49 per cent).

Of those that haven’t adopted more digital solutions, 28 per cent cited cost as a barrier, 28 per cent said they had enough in place, while 22 per cent said they lacked the time or resources to implement new systems.

The Netherlands led the digitisation trend with 85 per cent adopting new digital solutions, followed by Italy and Spain (both 77 per cent).

For an overview of the findings, download the infographic here.

Further Reading:

• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/service-innovation-and-design 
• Read more about Fleet Technology @ www.fieldservicenews.com/fleet-technology
• Learn more about Webfleet Solutions  @ www.webfleet.com
• Read more about Webfleet Solutions on FSN @ www.fieldservicenews.com/webfleet-solutions
• Follow WebFleet Solutions on Twitter @ twitter.com/Webfleetnews

The cyber landscape is constantly evolving; that’s why organisations across every sector need reliable, cutting-edge devices that can keep pace.

Durabook trusts Microsoft Windows to deliver an OS platform that meets the most stringent security and enterprise management requirements while providing those controls in a transparent way to the end user, enhancing and improving productivity.

POWERFUL MARKET LEADER IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Microsoft is committed to delivering innovation. Its comprehensive technology stack can be leveraged to create solutions that are relevant to today’s demanding and rapidly evolving industry needs, redefining business models to deliver real value. AI-powered insights enable faster decisions and actions that deliver reliable and predictable performance improvements.Durabook’s Windows-based tablets use cutting-edge CPUs, while the Windows platform was designed to evolve and exceed its previous generation in computing power, performance, functionality and versatility, from off-line age to today’s internet era. Windows OS has evolved so much that it can be found on mainframe data centers, cloud servers, industry-specific professional and corporate office workstations, personal and portable computers and edge computing devices. None of this could be achieved without the fundamental element - computing power.

COMPLIANCE EXPERTISE

Durabook knows that compliance is a continuous process, that’s why Microsoft’s solutions provide an end-to-end differentiated set of values to help customers:

• Intelligently protect and govern data anywhere it lives

• Identify and remediate critical insider risks;

• Quickly investigate and respond with relevant data

• Simplify and automate risk assessments.

Today, Microsoft is the only major cloud provider that provides customers with in-depth security, compliance (regulatory, audit, litigation, etc.), and privacy information, to assess the Microsoft Cloud with the Services Trust Portal (STP).

security specialists

Microsoft is committed to investing in privacy and control, compliance and transparency, and especially those features that matter the most to its customers, such as compliance certifications and best-in-class encryption.In today’s “zero-trust environment”, Microsoft enables businesses to protect data and keep it within their control by implementing industry-leading identity, security and compliance functionality to:

• Provide security and data privacy in the trusted Microsoft Cloud;

• Grant user access that allows only the levels of information required to do their jobs;

• Meet strict industry and governmental regulations for organizational and customer data privacy.

MULTI-TASKING CAPABILITIES

Windows OS is set apart from others by its multi-window and multi-tasking capability. Multi-tasking is most effective when multiple apps can be on the tablet screen at the same time, so Windows OS is designed to simultaneously perform multiple complex calculations in one computing cycle. Having sight of multiple windows at the same time allows more tasks to be performed at once, boosts efficiency. In addition, the introduction of high-definition hardware video output, such as Display port and HDMI port, allows Windows platform users to connect multiple external displays to mirror or expand their desktop workspace. Combining these features creates a powerful and versatile platform that greatly enhances user experiences and productivity across every working environment.

flexible, tailored solutions

Beyond Durabook’s own product range, Windows 10 Pro comes pre-installed on the world’s largest selection of business devices from leading manufacturers. These devices can meet the most exacting standards in performance, security, design and experience. For example, modern devices are cloud-ready and activate Windows 10 Pro features like longer battery life, fast WiFi, and better video conferencing for seamless functionality.

Windows-based tablets can run apps similar to those on PCs, making working and sharing files between the devices a seamless user experience. In addition, these tablets are renowned for their ‘Plug and Play’ capabilities. Whether in an office, manufacturing facility or in the field, the user can simply plug in expansion devices such as external monitors and detachable keyboards, to convert their device into a mini-PC system so they can perform their desired job function with ease.

More options are also presented to the enterprise regarding accessories, meaning greater cost flexibility. For example, users can customise R11 by installing different expansion modules suitable for unique field requirements. It features a host of integrated data-capture modules to retrieve and transmit information on the move. Optional features include RJ45, RFID reader, smart card reader, RFID reader and Magnet Strip Reader. This is just one example of how Durabook’s Windows-based devices can offer infinite possibilities in providing a total solution for every industry.

For more information: www.durabook.com/en/durabook-and-microsoft-windows-the-ultimate-partnership/

Further Reading:

• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-transformation
• Find out more about Durabook @ www.durabook.com/
• Read more about Durabook on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/all-about-durabook
• Learn more about Durabook and Microsoft Windows @ www.durabook.com/durabook-and-microsoft/
• Follow Durabook on Twitter @ twitter.com/Durabook
• Follow Durabook on LinkedIn @ www.linkedin.com/company/durabook/

The construction sector accounts for a significant amount of CO2 emissions worldwide, and is still far behind in the green transition. With all Volvo machines now available in ABAX Smart Connect, the digitalisation of the industry can accelerate and help reduce climate emissions - using technology that is already installed and ready for use.

CHEAPER SOLUTIONS OVER SUSTAINABLE

A new report conducted by Ramirent* in Sweden shows that cheap alternatives are often chosen in favour of sustainable solutions, even though the cheap alternatives rarely prove to be cost-saving. With the right sustainability measures, which can be easily implemented, climate emissions from the construction industry can be drastically reduced.

TOP FOUR LEADING HEAVY EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURES AVAILABLE

ABAX is a telematics company that has minimised the digital threshold for the construction industry. With ABAX Smart Connect, they have made it easier for fleet owners to be aware of their emissions. 

The top leading manufacturers** such as Catepillar, Hitachi and John Deere are already connected to ABAX Smart Connect. When Volvo now joins, the service will be available for a significant number of machine fleets worldwide. Through ABAX Smart Connect, construction companies receive ongoing status updates on their machines. In practice, this means greater control of unnecessary operating and service costs, and a daily status update on consumption and compilation of CO2 footprints. The technology is already installed in all Volvo machines, and the only thing required to use the digital tool is a connection to ABAX Smart Connect.

Volvo is a significant supplier of machines to the Scandinavian market. The opportunity to be able to connect to technology that is already installed in Volvo's machines will enable major gains for both the environment and costs. We must all take responsibility and take advantage of the development opportunities that exist, not least in an industry with a major impact on society. We want to inspire others in the industry to make a difference and expand their digital services, says Paul Walsh, CTO of ABAX.

According to the Paris Agreement, today's emissions of greenhouse gases will be reduced by 40 % by 2030. Emissions from the construction industry have a direct impact on how all of the individual countries will contribute to the common goal for the EU. A prominent method of improvement is digitisation.

Further Reading:

• Read more about Service Innovation and Design @ www.fieldservicenews.com/service-innovation-and-design
• Read more about Sustainability on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/automation
• Read more about Volvo CE on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/topcon
• Find out more more about Volvo CE @ www.volvoce.com 
• Learn more about ABAX @ www.abax.com
• Follow ABAX on Twitter @ twitter.com/ABAXUK

A new report from Vimcar, the fleet management provider for SMEs, reveals that the majority of petrol and diesel fleet cars on the roads in the UK and Europe could be switched to electric vehicles.From analysis of over 67,000 company fleet vehicles, the findings take into account the average distance fleet vehicles are travelling, compared to the mileage range on electric vehicles.

87% of companies said that the mileage range of electric vehicles is the main concern when considering whether or not they should make the switch to electric. However, the data suggests that mileage range is only an imagined obstacle in fleet electrification and that despite popular beliefs, most companies are in fact able to use electric vehicles without impacting the level of fleet usage. Currently, only 3% of fleet vehicles are run on electric or hybrid engines.

DATA ANALYSIS FROM ACROSS THE UK AND EUROPE REVEALS THAT MAJORITY OF FLEETS CURRENTLY ON THE ROAD COULD BE REPLACED WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES WITH MINIMAL DISRUPTION TO PERFORMANCE

At a time when many businesses (96%) are beginning to increase their stock and delivery offerings in the run up to Christmas, there are calls for businesses to re-evaluate their current systems to ensure they are being as eco-friendly as possible in the process.

Sami Eric, UK Country Manager at Vimcar said: “With the recent discussions held at COP26, there is no hiding the fact that we all need to be doing more to reduce our carbon footprint. One of the biggest changes businesses can make is the switch from petrol or diesel vehicles, to electric or hybrid. Unfortunately, there is often negativity associated with electric vehicle usage, and the efficiency they have for longer journeys. However, this data proves these fears wrong and that, in fact, the majority of businesses could make the switch and continue to use their fleets in the same way as they are now.”

Eric added: “Charging an electric vehicle is usually cheaper than filling up at the pump, with recent reports claiming they are also £131 a month cheaper to run. Because electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, they break down less and are cheaper to maintain – and therefore come with lower insurance costs and a longer life span. On top of this, electric vehicles have a 0% road tax and Benefit in Kind rate, therefore using electric vehicles in a company fleet will incur fewer costs for both employers and employees. And if businesses can make these changes with minimal disruption to current performance, there’s even less reason not to consider replacing their petrol and diesel vehicles with electric or hybrid vehicles instead.”

Further Reading:

• Read more about Service Innovation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/service-innovation-and-design
• Read more about Fleet Management @ www.fieldservicenews.com/fleet-management
• Learn more about Sustainability @ www.fieldservicenews.com/sustainability
• Read more about Electric Vehicles @ www.fieldservicenews.com/electric-vehicles
• Learn more about Vimcar @ vimcar.co.uk
• Follow Vimcar on Twitter @ twitter.com/goVimcar

Mobile workforce using public Wi-Fi and unsecured home networks is a serious security hazard, warns cybersecurity expert.

The pandemic forced millions of workers to leave their offices and work remotely, creating new cybersecurity challenges for companies globally.

Cybercriminals took notice, causing companies to experience record-setting losses brought about by data breaches.

However, remote work is not a passing phenomenon - according to Gartner, 51% of knowledge workers will work remotely by 2022, which is a 24% increase when compared to 2019.

If remote work meant working from home at the beginning of the pandemic, it is now changing towards working from anywhere. Cybersecurity-wise, this means that an increasing number of workers will access their work networks through vulnerable networks, and additional security measures have to be put in place to mitigate the connected risks.

WFA: the dangers of public Wi-Fi and unsecured remote locations

The switch to home offices left managers dealing with several cybersecurity threats stemming from unsecured home devices and networks, as well as unprotected internet traffic.

When the majority of employees work from a single location, there is only a need to protect the main network - which is less demanding than protecting as many endpoints as there are employees.

The problem becomes even more evident once employees are not working from a fixed location like home but are, for example, traveling while working and have no choice but to use public internet access.

"Adapting to working from home was a challenge to cybersecurity personnel everywhere, but the growing trend of working from anywhere entails a new set of threats to consider," said Algirdas Sakys, Information Security Manager at NordLayer. "Working from anywhere usually means using unencrypted public Wi-Fi, which can lead to information being intercepted, malware being distributed. There is an array of ways in which hackers exploit unsecured public networks, and businesses have to adapt their cybersecurity strategies accordingly."

The Castle-and-moat approach to cybersecurity is no longer viable

Since every remote employee is a potential threat to the integrity of a given company's data, businesses are shifting their cybersecurity strategies away from the castle-and-moat approach. Now, network security solutions based on the Zero Trust principle are replacing traditional, static defense strategies.

In the Zero Trust framework, the given network is protected by granting users and devices access to only those parts of the network that are essential to their task. In such a system, every user is authenticated before being allowed to access the needed data through an encrypted tunnel. Because of this, even if a device gets compromised, it can't cause network-wide damage.

Organizations that have Zero Trust-based system in place enhance their cybersecurity in three key areas: secure access, secure browsing, and increased cybersecurity training opportunities, added the NordLayer expert:

"First, a comprehensive security framework of this kind allows the remote employees to safely connect to the company network without putting the whole network at risk. Second, web browsing becomes considerably safer, allowing cybersecurity personnel to ensure employee browsing habits are not potentially harmful to the company. Finally, due to the automated nature of Zero Trust-based systems, managers gain more time to educate their personnel on best cybersecurity practices, which is crucial because defrauding humans is one of the chief enablers of successful cyberattacks."

Further Reading:

• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-transformation
• Read more about Cyber Security on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/cyber-security
• Read more about the impact of COVID-19 on FSN @ www.fieldservicenews.com/covid-19
• Find out more more about NordLayer @ nordlayer.com/
• Learn more about NordLayer @ twitter.com/NordLayer

Topcon Positioning has announced its MC-Max machine control solution.

Based on its MC-X machine control platform, and backed by Sitelink3D — the company’s real-time, cloud-based data management ecosystem — MC-Max is a scalable solution for mixed-fleet heavy equipment environments. It is designed to adapt to owners’ machine control and data integration needs as their fleets and workflows expand.

THE MC-MAX SOLUTION OFFERS FLEXIBLE MOUNTING SOLUTIONS, AS WELL AS OPTIONAL AUTOMATIC BLADE AND BUCKET CONTROL FOR A VARIETY OF MACHINES

The flexible service options include Realpoint, the Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) service, and Starpoint, a Precise Point Positioning (PPP) service. The different services have varying delivery methods, coverage, and reliable centimeter-level accuracy. Under a flexible subscription model, customers can purchase to suit their needs. Additionally, an RTK service supported by PPP, Skybridge, is available to maintain connectivity and productivity if the customer temporarily leaves RTK coverage.

MC-Max increases processing power, speed, accuracy, versatility and reliability; and can be installed on a full range of dozers and excavators, using the same basic modular components. Modern, redesigned user and product interfaces were developed based on real-world applications and customer feedback and provide a simplified and immersive user experience that allows operators to learn the system easily.

“With MC-Max, we’ve created a solution that is flexible and can continue to grow as a contractor’s needs and capabilities expand,” said Jamie Williamson, executive vice president, Topcon Positioning Group. “This new solution provides improved scalability and precision in the field and offers business owners real-time data integration, connectivity and resource management capabilities across their entire workflow.” The MC-Max solution offers flexible mounting solutions, as well as optional automatic blade and bucket control for a variety of machines. The system also provides a full battery of positioning technologies ranging from slope control to laser, multi-constellation GNSS, robotic total station and Millimeter GPS systems.

MC-Max provides project managers a real-time view of machine positions, activities and onsite progress, and is compatible with a wide range of site communications systems.

For more information on MC-Max and the MC-X Platform, visit www.topconpositioning.com/gb/

Further Reading:

• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-transformation
• Read more about Automation on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/automation
• Read more about Topcon on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/topcon
• Learn more about Fleet Technology @ www.fieldservicenews.com/fleet-technology
• Find out more more about Topcon Positioning @ www.topconpositioning.com
• Follow Topcon on Twitter @ twitter.com/topcon_today

The last two years were extremely difficult for the service industry—and not just because of the pandemic. While COVID-19 certainly played a role in exacerbating the issues, workforce labor shortages, complicated equipment, and increasingly reactive service were also challenges faced by many service providers.

And yet, according to the data analyzed in Aquant’s 2022 Service Intelligence Benchmark Report, there is another overarching theme to be found: the way organizations provide service today is not in tune with customer expectations. Six million tickets later, the report reveals some key observations about service performance from the customer’s perspective.

Our report measures data across:

• 76 organizations, including service divisions within OEMs and third-party service organizations across manufacturing, medical devices, capital equipment, HVAC, commercial appliances, and more
• More than 6 million work orders 
• More than 31,000 technicians
• $7 billion total in service costs
• An average of 3 years of service data per company

We analyzed:

• How service organizations and their workforce measure up against industry benchmarks
• Why hitting your KPIs rarely equates to outstanding customer experiences
• Why a missed First Time Fix (FTF) event leads to a spiraling negative impact
• How a workforce shortage has exacerbated the existing skills gap between the heroes (highest performers) and challengers (lowest performers) within each organization

Here's what we discovered:

• Service organizations suffer from a wide customer experience (CX) gap. First Time Fix (FTF) rates are one of the biggest contributors to CX gaps, or the difference between what customers expect and what your organization delivers. Our analysis shows that companies who measure FTF rates in 7-day or 14-day windows have artificially inflated FTF rates, and are setting the stage for a wide experience gap. That's the perfect setup for frustrating customer experiences. The moral of the story: a few metrics can’t provide the entire picture—and it’s time to look at experience as a whole.
• The knowledge gap between heroes and challenges is becoming more expensive. In 2021, service organizations faced even larger hiring challenges than in the past. This has left the industry with tens of thousands of unfilled jobs, and caused service costs to increase. 
  • The bottom quarter of the workforce costs organizations 84% more than the top quarter. That’s 4% higher than last year. 
  • The top 20% of the workforce (service heroes) has a 75% FTF rate. 
  • The bottom 20% of the workforce (service challengers) has a FTF rate of 59%.

• It’s possible to overcome these challenges. Your data tells a bigger story—if you know what to look for. Looking beyond your KPIs will help you tailor service for every customer, provide a better CX, upskill your team, and cut costs.

So what's next?

The future of the UK drone industry, one of Britain’s prime opportunities for growth, and many other UK-based manufacturing exporters, will be severely threatened once the UK’s eligibility for the EU’s CE accreditation regime expires at the end of December 2022.

Robert Garbett, one of the world’s leading advisors on drone technology and Founder and Chief Executive of Drone Major Group Limited, today warned the UK Government of the need to speed up post-Brexit accreditation and establish a clear pathway to United Kingdom Certified Assessed (UKCA) accreditation ahead of the fast-impending deadline. 

VITAL UK INDUSTRIES THAT INCREASINGLY RELY ON DRONE TECHNOLOGY ARE FACING UNCERTAINTY

If an alternative UKCA accreditation scheme is not in place in the next 12 months, UK UAS (Unmanned Air Systems) businesses – including drone manufacturers and operators – risk being unable to trade within the global marketplace in the absence of the necessary new international regulatory accreditation. 

This pressing issue, if not addressed with greater speed, will have serious consequences for many UK manufacturers looking to sell their products internationally. The issue is set to be tabled for discussion in the UK Parliament later this month.

Robert Garbett commented: “We must not sleepwalk into this urgent issue. It is essential that the UK takes a clear, committed and consistent approach to the development of CA accreditation, something which would have a significant impact on the aviation and drone industries, and will also impact many others. The UK currently has no system in place for the certification of aviation materials and also drones, and with all CE Certification no longer valid, firms will have to return to EU certification providers to re-certify, at a great cost both financially, and to the detriment of UK PLC. We now face a potential cliff edge threat which requires urgent attention.” 

This has huge implications for many vital UK industries that increasingly rely on drone technology, including energy, agriculture, construction and rail.

Prior to Brexit, the UK utilised the (European Conformity) CE mark which ensured full compliance of a product with all applicable European health, safety, performance and environmental requirements. Post-Brexit however, the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark is now required for goods and products being placed on the market in Great Britain and currently covers most goods which previously required the CE marking, known as ‘new approach’ goods.

From the end of this month (December 2021), the UK will have just 12 months remaining of the ‘transitional period’ to introduce and develop the requisite accreditations to ensure global compliancy of UK products before the upcoming deadline for full compliance on 1 January 2023.  

Commenting on the timeline for the accreditation, Robert Garbett continued: “It is essential that a clear roadmap is established for the UK’s accreditation. The process of implementation in itself is already highly complex and, as it stands, it will be very difficult for a certification scheme to be established with United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) in time for the December 2022 deadline, unless the current pace is speeded up.

“The UK’s departure from CE certification post-Brexit, has created an opportunity for the UK to develop an acceptable means of compliance in line with emerging international standards. It has the potential to allow the UK to look outwardly, facilitating a faster pace of innovation in a move away from the more prescriptive approach taken by the EU’s CE accreditation.

“We must get this right to leverage one of the UK’s biggest opportunities for growth in a technology where if we move fast, we could lead the world.” 

Further Reading:

• Read more about Parts, Pricing and Logistics @ www.fieldservicenews.com/parts-pricing-and-logistics
• Read more about the drone industry on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/drones
• Read more about the impact of Brexit in the service industry @ www.fieldservicenews.com/brexit
• Learn more about Drone Major Group @ dronemajor.net
• Follow Drone Major Group on LinkedIn @ www.linkedin.com/drone-accelerator/