AUGUST 2020CIOAPPLICATIONS.COM9have been the work of experienced people combing the orchard. In fact, this is where equipment connectivity starts to make economic sense.Data helps builders construct a real-time picture of progressWhile many architects and engineers digitally design buildings and even manage construction projects this way, there is rarely a "closed loop," or digital feedback, for builders. Designers and builders could greatly benefit from real-time data related to the construction quality and tolerances accomplished after each day's work. As construction happened, a "data rover" inside the building could continuously collect data on progress after the last shift of the day and upload that information for engineers, architects and contractors. That data could inform the next day, week or phase of building. With this information, construction superintendents could optimize the next day's operations and zero in on any corrections to align the as-built situation with its plan. This could also benefit maintenance and future renovation. Imagine knowing the location, within a fraction of an inch, of conduits, HVAC and support structures in floors and walls before beginning a project."Closing the loop" when managing work sitesAs the size and complexity of a construction project grows, keeping tabs on the location and amount of material, equipment, people and progress becomes difficult. However, putting a digital plan into the hands of a construction manager or builder enables these professionals to schedule workers, stage equipment and order material days or even weeks in advance of need. Think of the value in combining site data with weather information to schedule the pouring of concrete floors, foundations or curb and gutter, in ideal time. With worksite management data at a construction manager's fingertips, the site boss can better route vehicles, schedule shifts, take equipment offline for maintenance and generally plan ahead. When conditions on the site change, knowing where different assets are (and what their status is)means managers can minimize problems and capitalize on optimal situations. The building process becomes more efficient, we believe in some cases this could compress the timeline for completing a project by 10 to 15 percent. Making this happen is simply a matter of "closing the loop" in terms of awareness about assets, conditions, and plans via the connectivity that comes from an outside-the-factory IoT solution.Electrification enables users of networked equipment to make quick, data-based decisionsThe electrification of many types of equipment is increasing due to environmental requirements and working conditions. This reduces operational costs. It is a requirement for many of these electric machines include digital electronics and software as well as several sensors. With a lot of sensors built in, it enables managers to use the data for more analytics and system information. This is why electrification is making it easier to have connected devices with plenty of information and limited additional cost. By hooking a system to the cloud, business owners can make many data-driven decisions and improvements. Of course, business owners also need tools that complement the use of sensor-enabled data. For example, a manager can use data collected from sensors to manage machine use, evaluate operator efficiency and even tune the machine online for maximum output or schedule maintenance.Trends, many of them are interrelated concerning use of IoT or digitalizationAutonomous navigation, electrification and digitalization are driving a connected world. The possibilities are far-reaching for cost reduction, sustainability efforts and safety; business owners and equipment makers owe it to their shareholders and customers to determine how to use and deploy data to create value now and into the future. Advanced AI-enabled spraying of an apple orchard.Quadruped robot maneuvering with its sensing equipment.
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