Sigfox operator WND UK exceeds 90% coverage for secure sensor data network.

WND UK, the UK’s Sigfox Network Operator, has deployed the UK’s first wireless public network for secure sensor data, achieving over 90% population coverage in just 18 months.

The network uses Sigfox, a proven, low-power wide area network (LPWAN) technology, which is purpose built to provide low-cost connectivity and enable the use of cost-efficient silicon modules.

Sigfox is the world’s first dedicated low-power wide-area communications service for the Internet of Things (IoT). Harnessing ultra-narrow band technology, Sigfox provides basic connectivity to devices that do not require high throughput. This approach is ideally suited to the vast majority of IoT devices as it requires very little power – enabling devices to run for years on a single battery.

“Our Sigfox data sensor network is fully operational today,” said Tim Harris, chief executive, WND UK. “We now have over 130 channel partners and the list is growing by the day. These companies are using the network for real-world commercial applications – from metering to flood detection to legionella monitoring.”

“Sigfox has growing momentum worldwide,” said Luke Thomas from EBI, a WND UK Channel Partner. “If you want to deploy an IoT application, Sigfox is the logical choice. The other technologies we explored simply did not come close. WND UK’s network rollout has been extremely impressive. The Sigfox network is reliable and the technology is market leading. With thousands of active devices performing above expectation, our IoT deployments have been a huge success and award winning.’’

“We have pioneered the development of AMR, or automated meter reading, using Sigfox,” said Ian Rose, professional services director at PassivSystems. “As part of an ongoing deployment programme with a major utility, we’ve already delivered 3,000-meter readers for district heating installations, enabling accurate billing for residents. With 17,000 district heating networks in the UK connected to nearly half a million properties, the market opportunity is substantial.

“Most retrofit AMR devices use mobile GSM networks but achieving reliable signal connections can be problematic. Heat meters are often tucked away, located in a basement or in housing blocks with poor signal coverage. Using Sigfox is cheaper than using GSM networks and we get a higher level of coverage that offers better penetration within buildings. In addition to the improved reliability in signal for accurate billing, we can also collect data on the flow and return temperatures within a property to optimise performance of the heating system.”

“We’re continuing to strengthen the network by working with our customers to achieve deep in-building coverage where it’s required,” continued Tim Harris. “We will also be installing a further 500 repeaters during 2020, which will further enhance our coverage. The range of IoT applications is set for explosive growth and Sigfox is the natural, low-risk enabling technology.”

Firm says enhanced customer-focus contributed to strong figures.

IFS has announced its financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2019, revealing a 51 per cent business growth in its Field Service Management business.

“I am incredibly proud to lead the team that has delivered this impressive performance. Our employees clearly understand our focus, feel ownership of our progress, and stand united in a passion for our customers. Our differentiator is not that we talk about customer centricity, but that we commit to delivering customer value.” IFS Chief Executive Officer Darren Roos said. “The investments made last year into our product and partner enablement will benefit the company in the long-term and will have a positive impact for our customers – and our own business – in 2020 and beyond.”

The year the firm added notable brands to its roster across the five focus industries it serves, including SPIE, Rolls-Royce, Tietex, Revima, Resolute Mining, Primo and Cryostar. It also joined with PTC for product innovation, Acumatica for channel innovation and, in December, completed the acquisition of Astea International.

Leading tool hire company experienced a 56% reduction in overall risk year-over-year...

Brandon Hire Station, one of the U.K.’s biggest tool and plant hire companies, has significantly improved its drivers’ safety records after installing video telematics and analytics solutions from Lytx. Collisions and risky driving incidents fell by approximately 56% in one year, while following-distance events were down almost 75%.

Lytx^® is a leading global provider of machine vision and artificial intelligence-based video telematics, analytics, safety and productivity solutions. The company has also helped Brandon Hire Station to improve driver safety and use video evidence to make it simpler to resolve insurance claims in the event of an incident. Harnessing Lytx video, Brandon Hire Station can provide drivers with a video clip of exactly what went wrong during a risky event, which allows for a more productive and personalised conversation.

Over a twelve month period, Brandon Hire Station saw the following improvements:

• 56% reduction in overall risk frequency and severity

• 77% reduction in following distance <1 second
• 74% reduction in following distance 1-2 seconds
• 46% reduction in collisions
• 31% reduction in late responses
• 25% reduction in other distracted driving incidents

Increasing the safety of your field service workers

“Our drivers have responded brilliantly to the introduction of Lytx,” said Stuart Conway, fleet manager at Brandon Hire Station, and highly commended ‘Commercial Fleet Manager Of The Year’ at the 2019 Commercial Fleet News Awards. “Overwhelmingly, they saw it as investment in their safety and their future and in the safety of other road users too. I’d like to think the very strong results we’ve already achieved are only the beginning.”

As well as implementing its video and analytic capabilities, The Lytx Driver Safety Programme has delivered prescriptive and customised coaching insights to Brandon Hire Station’s fleet managers. Lytx leverages video, motion and engine control module (ECM) sensors to present a superior and accurate view of risk, with greater than 95% accuracy across more than 60 risky driving behaviours – helping to filter out the noise and helps fleets focus on what’s most important.

“One major factor in our decision was that Lytx reviews the 12-second clips captured and uploaded by the cameras, and only sends us what we need to see,” Conway said. “Some of the other systems send you 15 hours of footage a day and we simply don’t have the capacity to go through all of that.”

Brandon Hire’s safety improvements were recently recognised when the company was awarded Commercial Fleet News’ 2019 Most Improved Fleet. The company has also achieved silver accreditation from the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS), and is aiming to achieve gold accreditation soon.

Moving forward, Brandon Hire Station is looking to develop its driver training further, as the company fully implements Lytx’s best-in-class Driver Safety Programme.

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