As an area of national interest, the defence sector faces unique pressures to optimise their operations. As global military ops look to technology for modernisation, digital transformation is paramount to secure defence sector interests and take operations into the future.
The unique characteristics of IoT smart technologies connected via LPWAN zero-trust data networks like Orion, The Real-Time Data Network give them versatility that is a match for military assets and operating environments – whether complementing existing technologies or in the development and digitalisation of key assets and facilities. The current uptake of IoT for defence is at a relatively early stage – but Orion effectively addresses capability gaps, making smart technologies a source of untapped potential for digital transformation in defence.
Celebrating a year of going strong for defence
At this year’s DSEi event in September, the delegation from Smarter Technologies Group took the opportunity to catch up with clients, meet potential new partners and showcase their IoT military solutions. The event also marked one year since the team presented their defence sector strategy in response to MoD programmes and support functions, such as Business Modernisation for Support. This strategy was devised in direct response to the MoD’s need for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness from their systems.
At this year’s event, the team expanded their network among MoD and defence prime contractors. By addressing the unique challenges of the industry, smart technologies connect bases, assets, and personnel; improve security; and empower strategic immediate and long-term decision-making.
Smart solutions in action at HMNB Devonport
Over the past 12 months, Smarter Technologies Group have concluded a trial of their IoT smart technologies at HMNB Devonport, extended into HMNB Portsmouth, and upgraded their long-standing capability at RAF Brize Norton.
HMNB Devonport is the largest naval base in Western Europe and is a key location for the Royal Navy’s support operations, with a plethora of Government Furnished Equipment and maritime assets. Smarter Technologies Group deployed sensors, tags, and gateways throughout the facility to track these, tailored to meet MoD safety standards and approvals.
Orion, The Real-Time Data Network, provides extensive coverage, transmitting at short intervals to a cloud dashboard that is remotely accessible from anywhere at any time and providing full asset visibility across the 650-acre site. Locating and accounting for assets has traditionally been labour-intensive, time-consuming, and costly. Over the course of the trial, automated tracking saw a 66% efficiency saving over physical checks.
These data insights also formed the basis of performance records – and will feed into the ‘smart dockyard’ digital twin project.
By replicating (and innovating around) the IoT ecosystem within the base, data collection and analytics have the powerful potential to mitigate risk, save on costs, drive strategy and the execution of performance contracts, and enhance efficiencies.
Equipment monitoring and data analysis further remove the guesswork around performance and ROI of critical equipment. By knowing the status of assets at all times, there is real scope for optimised fleet management and task scheduling. Notifications around pre-programmable metrics allow issues to be resolved as they arise, while long-term analysis plays an important role in strategy, investment and remediation priorities.
With environmental benchmarks and safety being set by regulation, IoT smart technologies create a roadmap for sustainability through the digital transformation of utilities management. By tapping into data, a world of opportunity opens for scale and diversification within the base itself and within other establishments.
Matthew Margetts is a Director at Smarter Technologies. His background includes working for blue-chip companies such as AppNexus, AOL/ Verizon, and Microsoft in the UK, Far East and Australia.
