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The Internet of Things is set to continue to dominate conversations around technology and service delivery in the next few years as providers begin to standardise platforms - research from Berg Insight reveals...

According to a new research report from the M2M/IoT analyst firm Berg Insight, the global third party Internet of Things (IoT) platform market increased 36 percent to €610 million in 2015.

Growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.8 percent, revenues are forecasted to reach € 3.05 billion in 2021. There is a wide range of software platforms available, intended to reduce cost and development time for IoT solutions by offering standardised components that can be shared across many industry verticals to integrate devices, networks and applications.

Most IoT platforms available on the market today can be categorised as being a connectivity management platform, a device management platform or an application enablement platform, although there are many products that offer overlapping functionality or other unique features.

Many enterprises and organisations have already been involved in various machine-to-machine (M2M) deployments that have typically been characterised by customised solutions deployed within single industry verticals, or by one company, to improve existing business operations.

IoT puts more emphasis on integration of sensors, devices and information systems across industry verticals and organisations to transform operations and enable new business models. “IoT furthermore aims to facilitate a better understanding of complex systems through analytics based on data from diverse sources to assist decision making, improve products and enable entirely new services”, said André Malm, Senior Analyst, Berg Insight.

Whereas connectivity and device management platforms have already reached comparatively high adoption, the market for application enablement platforms (AEPs) is in an earlier phase. AEPs typically provide functionality such as data collection, data storage and analytics. Fully featured platforms also provide tools, frameworks and APIs for creating business applications featuring data management, event processing, automated tasks and data visualisation.

Many platforms also provide tools and ready-made libraries and UI frameworks that facilitate modelling and creation of interactive applications, workspaces and dashboards with little or no need for coding. “The AEP segment is seeing considerable activity in terms of acquisitions and new market entrants”, said Mr. Malm. After PTC acquired ThingWorx and Axeda, other major software and IT companies have followed.

Examples include Amazon that acquired 2lemetry, Autodesk that acquired SeeControl and Microsoft that acquired Solair.

Other leading IT companies that are extending their service offerings to include IoT platforms – often focusing on analytics and machine learning – include IBM, SAP and Oracle. “As a group, AEP vendors primarily face competition from system integrators and companies that develop similar functionality in-house”, concluded Mr. Malm.

 

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Kirona a leading field service mobilisation company, have announced it has been selected as a G-Cloud 8 Digital Framework supplier.

G-Cloud 8 is the latest version of the framework agreement from the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) which supports the UK Government’s policy to centrally manage the procurement of common goods and services through an integrated commercial function at the heart of government.

The G Cloud Framework can be used by organisations across the UK public sector including central government, local government, health, education, devolved administrations, emergency services, defence and not-for-profit organisations.

 

“We are delighted to have been awarded G-Cloud 8 supplier status by the Crown Commercial Service,” said Neil Harvey, CTO at Kirona. “This is testament to the strength of our offering and the quality of our team. The G-Cloud framework provides government organisations with the ideal marketplace to purchase high quality, cost-effective services. We are looking forward to new opportunities presented by the framework and to helping more government organisations improve their productivity and service.”

As a G-Cloud 8 Digital Marketplace approved supplier, Kirona will offer software as a service, including its Job Manager mobile application to enable delivery of data and services to field resources to carry out their job efficiently, eliminating paperwork, speed up job completion and support data capture on a range of platforms and devices. Kirona’s Xmbrace Dynamic Resource Scheduler provides intelligent appointments and dynamic scheduling of resources or assets.

 

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Find out more about Kirona in the Field Service Directory

 

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ClickSoftware, a leading provider of field service management solutions for the enterprise, recently announced that Aragon Research, a technology-focused research and advisory firm, has recognised the company as a 2016 Hot Vendor in the Internet of Things (IoT) category.

Each year, Aragon Research selects Hot Vendors -- across multiple industries -- that continue to push their respective fields' boundaries into new ways of experimenting with techniques and strategies to improve business. ClickSoftware was one of five selected in the category of IoT.

ClickSoftware develops software for use by the field service industry, to maximise productivity and improve customer service. Its software contains advanced decision-making algorithms that helps managers optimise business practices, complete more service calls per day, and arm field service professionals with the information they need to delight customers. Aragon Research recognised ClickSoftware, an early adopter of integrating IoT functionality into its platform, for its ability to go "beyond the current approach to field service" and traditional scheduling functionality.

 

"The rise of IoT is forcing change in business models, and the Field Service industry is no exception as the need to make all workers productive is the current business imperative," said Jim Lundy, founder and chief executive officer, Aragon Research. "ClickSoftware is innovating by leveraging IoT to deliver a solution that's truly impactful and helping solve some of the most sophisticated service challenges today."

"We are honoured to be recognised by Aragon Research as a Hot Vendor in the Internet of Things category for 2016," said Tom Heiser, chief executive officer, ClickSoftware. "Our inclusion in this report validates our commitment to providing the most advanced Field Service Management solutions on the market and demonstrates that our technology is instrumental in advancing the power of IoT in the field service industry."

 

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Find out more about ClickSoftware in the Field Service Directory here

 

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Aeromark, one of the UK’s leading Service Management Systems, has announced it has successfully completed a full integration of its Optimatics Service Management Software with Wolseley UK as part of its unique “Smarter Parts” module.

Optimatics offers a complete Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution specialising in the Domestic Heating, HVAC and Refrigeration Sectors, which covers everything from managing assets and planned service schedules through to dynamic real time scheduling and Engineer Mobile Apps on one simple to use web based software suite.

As the UK’s leading supplier of plumbing and heating products, Wolseley UK is spearheading the development of electronic solutions which redefine the customer experience - helping them to save time, money and hassle through more efficient management of their workflows.

Combined, the systems provide a transformational offering in supply chain optimisation both in terms of operational improvements and also cost savings.

 

On receipt of a service call, Aeromark’s new “Smarter Parts” module springs into action immediately, identifying the Asset and Serial number and matching common faults with previously ordered parts for the same model. It dynamically schedules the best Engineer to the Job based on their route and instantly sends all the relevant information to their mobile app. Once on site, the Engineer has instant access to the pertinent technical information using PartsArena from Infomill.

They can view exploded diagrams of the make and model, and easily identify and select the parts required by simply clicking the diagram’s hyperlinks. The Aeromark system then checks live stock levels at all Wolseley UK branches and customer vans in the vicinity in real time. Having carried out an automated approval process, the system orders the part for either immediate collection or delivery depending on the forecast travel time.

This seamless, end-to-end process removes a considerable number of unnecessary touch points, improves first time parts identification, cuts down on revisits and considerably improves the customer experience.

 

Roger Marks, MD of Aeromark said: “This integration enables Aeromark to provide a more powerful solution to some of the biggest challenges to field service operations – getting the right parts, to the right place, in the optimum time. We are now even able to forecast delivery times for the more obscure non- stock items and optimise dynamically whether the Engineer should collect or order for delivery based on daily workload and travel times”.

Jeremy Maxwell, Multichannel Director, Wolseley UK said: “We are leading the way in developing new digital workflow solutions for our customers which can dramatically improve their efficiency, drive down costs and improve their service levels. This partnership with Aeromark and Infomill has created a market-leading digital platform that could be used by many customers operating at scale in the heating, HVAC and refrigeration space. By delivering accurate real-time information direct to the engineer, enabling faster decision-making and processing of orders, and enabling this to happen on customers’ own systems we’ve made Wolseley UK even easier to do business with.“

Jonathan Ralphs, CEO of Infomill remarked: “Infomill are proud to be partnered with Aeromark and Wolseley UK. This ground-breaking integration will really boost efficiency and improve customer service.”

 

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Only one in ten companies (11 per cent) take total cost of ownership (TCO) into account when procuring vehicles, according to latest research.

Purchase price or lease cost ranked as the biggest consideration, selected by 64 per cent of companies, with vehicle reliability a priority for just a third (33 per cent), the study by fleet management specialist Fleet Operations revealed.

“Given the number of businesses that we talk to about the importance of using TCO, these findings were very surprising and suggest many companies may be incurring unnecessary fleet costs,” said Ross Jackson, CEO of Fleet Operations.

 

Although headline prices must be taken into account, TCO offers the most complete and meaningful evaluation for selecting fleet vehicles.[/quote] “Although headline prices must be taken into account, TCO offers the most complete and meaningful evaluation for selecting fleet vehicles. This calculation includes not only leasing and purchasing costs but all real-life costs over the period vehicles are retained – from depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance to interest, tax and employers NI.”

 

Almost half of the companies surveyed (46 per cent) said they were unaware of the correct formula for calculating TCO.

The study also found that more than a quarter (26 per cent) of companies have seen lease costs rise in the past 12 months. In spite of this revelation, more than a third (38 per cent) of those that lease vehicles do so using a solitary supplier.

“Lease costs can have a considerable influence on TCO but rising prices can be mitigated through competitive, multi-supplier, procurement practices,” Jackson added.

“Eye-catching deals on specific makes and models can lure companies, but a preferred sole supplier is unlikely to offer the best deals for all vehicles. Significant savings can be realised by searching the market for the best price on every vehicle. Although this can prove labour-intensive, it can be cost-effectively outsourced to a fleet management specialist.”

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IFS Applications 9 selected as the new finance and service contract management system for JLA’s growing business in an agreement valued at £1million

IFS, the global enterprise applications company, announces that JLA, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial and industrial laundry and catering equipment , will implement IFS Applications™ 9 for its entire operation.

IFS Applications 9 will provide JLA with an advanced system to manage its customer contracts by encompassing service contracts, rental and asset management, as well as full financials, purchasing, inventory, and production control in one centralised system. Once implemented, JLA will be able to control and improve the quality and efficiency of its service to clients.

 

James Greenman, JLA Chief Information Officer commented “IFS Applications 9 was selected because it not only meets JLA’s current needs, but it is agile enough to adapt to changing requirements, laying the foundations for a long-term strategic relationship. The project will begin immediately and is scheduled to go live in the second quarter of 2017”.

“It’s great to be working with such a customer-focused and growing company,” IFS UK Managing Director Paul Massey said. “Our work with JLA demonstrates our strength in helping service-centric firms effectively manage business and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

 

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More than 33% of transport industry professionals do not believe autonomous vehicles will work, according to findings published recently in the Microlise Transport Conference post event report.  

The statistics, covered in full in the dossier which has been released today, were captured during interactive voting on questions at what is now the largest road transport conference in Europe, attended by more than 1,000 delegates.

The report goes further than last year, by providing an in depth view of the road transport industry in 2016 on a range of key issues, with responses broken down by sector, age, job position and gender.

“We compile this report each year with the aim of delivering the most accurate reflection of the sentiment in the transport industry right now, across the key issues,” said Nadeem Raza, Chief Executive Officer, Microlise.

 

“The findings tell us that the industry is still not sold on the potential of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles – despite many experts predicting them on our roads in the not too distant future. It’s also interesting to note that industry support for leaving the EU aligns with last week’s referendum result.”

Despite a majority giving their support for a leave vote, when questioned about the EU, 43% said that they felt leaving would have a negative effect on the haulage industry.

Alongside a lack of faith in the EU and autonomous vehicles, the statistics also show that 84% believe the Government’s support for the transport industry is unchanged since the Conservatives came to power. More than 58% of delegates feel the situation in Calais has gotten worse in the last year.

“Standing at the podium I was struck by an audience defined by its reasonable views, moderate politics, inclusive attitudes and tenacious work ethic,” Conference Chair Quentin Willson commented as part of his foreword which is published in full in the report.

The date of next year’s Microlise Transport Conference has been announced as 17 May and it will again be held at The Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

To download the 2016 post conference report, which includes a recap of each session; statistics from the answers to questions put to delegates and analysis on the trends behind the numbers go to www.microlise.com/mtc2016report.  

 

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Rugged computer designer and manufacturer, Getac, today announced the release of its second generation T800 fully rugged tablet -- the T800 8.1.

Its thin and ergonomic design allows greater productivity for mobile field workers and those operating in tight spaces and extreme environments.

It offers best-in-class battery and an optional hot-swappable SnapBack battery for potentially limitless life.

“Getac continues  to push the boundaries for mobile rugged devices and the Getac T800 fully rugged tablet does just that with its improved power efficiency, durability and security options,” says Chris Bye, President of Getac UK.

The new 8.1” touchscreen T800 includes an Intel® ATOM™x7 Quad Core processor, providing improved power efficiency as well as the best battery run-time performance in its class. The tablet also takes advantage of the advanced security solution that’s in-built in Windows 10.

Other features of the T800 include:

• 10 hours of battery life with an additional 10 hours using a hot-swappable SnapBack battery option.
• Additional SnapBack options include a 2-in- 1 SmartCard and RFID/NFC reader, or 2-in-1 SmartCard and magnetic stripe reader.
• Getac’s signature sunlight-readable LumiBond® 2.0 display and a 170-degree screen viewing angle that is large enough to comfortably view documents and complete data entry with minimal scrolling.
• A full HD webcam for video conferencing, an 8MP rear camera with LED flash for crisp images and video, and dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and optional 4G for reliable connectivity. Optional Discrete GPS provides high-performance location awareness.
• Other security features include: TPM 2.0 monitors and protects system start-ups to ensure the device is tamper-free before releasing control to the operating system, while BitLocker protects data at rest, in use and in transit. Multifactor authentication options, such as a SmartCard and RFID reader, work in tandem with Microsoft Windows 10 identity protection features, including Microsoft Passport and Credential Guard for additional protection.
• MIL-STD810G and IP65-certified to survive drops up to six feet, rain, dust, vibrations, shock and extreme temperatures from -14.5 to 50°C (operating temperature) and -40°C to 71°C (storage temperature).

 

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Check out our review of the Getac V110 rugged convertible here 

 

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ServicePower Technologies Plc a provider of workforce management software, recently announced the launch of ServicePower Unity, an integrated, cohesive mobile workforce management software product providing field service enterprises with the capability to manage the complete service cycle from entitlement and work order management, schedule and route optimisation, 3^rd party dispatch,  field mobility, claims processing and business intelligence, in a SaaS deployment.

ServicePower Unity combines all of the components of our mobile workforce management platform into a single, integrated SaaS offering, based on a per user license fee.

Unity provides all of the elements of ServiceScheduling’s real time, unlimited intra-day schedule optimisation, or Optimization on Demand^TM, with ServiceOperations and NEXUS FS^TM, enabling clients to manage, dispatch and adjudicate claims from their third party contractor networks, while providing the field service management functions to those same third party contractors needed to improve their own productivity and customer satisfaction rates.

 

All of this is combined with enterprise mobility for both the employed and contracted workforce, and robust operational and business intelligence, ServicePower Unity enables ServicePower to meet the needs of every member of the field service ecosystem, regardless of size or workforce model, in the cloud, for a single fee, while delivering a higher overall ROI than seemingly competing software.

Marne Martin, CEO, ServicePower, stated “This is an exciting launch for ServicePower.  Our mobile workforce management software platform has always provided intra-day route optimisation, contractor dispatch and claims management, enterprise mobility, business intelligence, and with the launch of NEXUS FS^TM and Optimisation on Demand^TM, new SaaS field service management software and optimisation as a service, we’ve delivered our platform on premise, hosted or as SaaS.  ServicePower Unity brings all of the components together, in a SaaS model, at a single low cost, such that any sized field organisation can take advantage of the same productivity tools, improving operations and the customer experience, while achieving real ROI on their investment  ServicePower continues to lead innovation in the field service management market, now offering the most complete, wholly configurable mobile workforce management software on the market, all as a true SaaS product.”