The Role Of LoRaWAN and IoT In Optimizing Asset Management

The Role Of LoRaWAN and IoT In Optimizing Asset Management

The role of the Internet of Things (IoT) and LoRaWAN in asset management is truly limitless. This is proven by the

results asset tracking IoT solutions can bring to manufacturing companies and other businesses. By reducing the amount

of time an asset is non-operational, businesses can improve their bottom line. Asset management experts now play a vital

role in maintaining sufficient asset uptime. They are responsible for keeping track of an asset’s location, maintenance

history, asset optimization, smart financial decisions, business processes, and other important data. This information is

used to optimize the asset’s utilization and prevent downtime. With asset tracking IoT devices, this is much easier,

requires less human effort, can increase operational productivity, and reduce operational cost.

Advantages of LoRaWAN Network

LoRaWAN can be used to monitor environmental conditions in the stock. For example, businesses can use IoT-enabled

asset management sensors to track temperature, humidity, and air quality. This information can be used to improve the

efficiency of HVAC systems and prevent equipment failures or adjust conditions to be the most suitable for asset health.

???Long Range and Coverage: Its range, which may reach up to 15 kilometers in LOS, is unrivaled by any other

communication protocol, including Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and others.

???Low Power: LoRa delivers ultra-low power radios, making it ideal for devices that need to survive ten years or more

on a single charge.

???Low-cost Hardware: LoRaWAN infrastructure is more cost-efficient than other networks, together with its end-

device radios. Furthermore, various open-source versions of infrastructures such as gateways are being created, further

lowering expenses.

???High Capacity: A single LoRa gateway might link thousands of NB IoT devices and common applications.

???Cost: In comparison to a simple Wi-Fi connection, LoRaWAN is less time-consuming and can reduce the costs of a

service.

LoRaWAN asset management solutions can improve asset performance and uptime, lowering related operational costs

while strengthening asset value retention. Asset tracking software helps asset managers be proactive and collect data

analytics for enhanced monitoring maintenance of their IoT empowered assets, which translates into higher productivity

and profits. LoRaWAN asset management also enables asset managers to analyze the data on physical assets and use it

to make decisions about their business model. And since these analytics tools reduce operating costs, they can be a

good investment for businesses.

IoT-Based Asset Tracking Benefits

#1: Reduction of Operational Costs

Companies can use IoT management systems to improve their manufacturing supply chain. With this asset lifecycle

management technology, businesses can track individual items and optimize equipment efficiency. With the information

about asset status, asset details, existing location of items, overall equipment effectiveness, and possible asset failure,

managers can optimize production, reduce waste, enhance productivity, and increase revenue. For instance, an

automated warehouse inventory system can prevent the risk of going out of stock using predictive analytics.

IoT asset tracking system reduces overall maintenance costs. Asset tracking IoT platform also improves worker safety

and satisfaction, which can result in insurance savings. In addition, it provides actionable insights to improve processes.

With real-time data, these manufacturers can maximize their technological ROI and establish a proper regulatory

framework. That is why IoT sensors attached to assets can be a good fit for an asset manager to finally increase

operational efficiency and establish automatic tracking.

#2: Improved Visibility

By leveraging an IoT-based asset management central monitoring system, companies can monitor equipment

performance and device efficiency at all times. By analyzing this data, operators can improve maintenance schedules and

determine problem areas before they occur and affect the manufacturing unit. In addition to this, IoT-based asset tracing

provides real-time visibility into managing assets. By tracking asset performance, a maintenance manager can accurately

pinpoint critical areas for repair and calibration and create an asset tracking plan. Also, IoT enables effective asset

management. With IoT solutions, a manager can also identify areas of improvement in their operations cycle times.

#3: Improved Workflow

IoT can automate the inventory and transfer of assets along the supply chain. The technology helps prevent human

errors, allowing you to have improved asset management without an additional workforce. With connected devices,

you’ll be able to measure risks and predict maintenance needs. With the right IoT-based asset management, you can

also avoid major losses caused by missing assets. The system is also capable of measuring the condition of assets and

assessing it.

IoT can also help improve employee well-being. A team that feels well supported will be less likely to be stressed about

managing small details. For example, smart GPS units can be used to monitor fleet vehicles and schedule maintenance,

reducing human error, and, at the same time, workers will have time to check some more important issues.

Another example of how IoT asset optimization technology can improve workflow in asset management is by

automating the monitoring of underutilized assets. Without automation, managers must manually check asset lifecycle all

the time. This can be costly and time-consuming, and an IoT-enabled asset management system will simplify these tasks.

Your staff can focus on higher-value assets while IoT helps you save both time and money. Managing and maintaining

assets is a complicated and time-consuming process. IoT technology is helping make this task more efficient since an

IoT device can generate data fast, sending it to excel sheets or to artificial intelligence analytical programs. IoT sensors

track the condition of all assets, including valuable assets or those with regulated status. IoT-based asset management

solutions are enabling preventive maintenance and full asset visibility, thereby increasing productivity and profits while

reducing costs.

Asset Management Solution: Key Considerations

Before implementing an IoT-enabled asset management solution such as LoRaWAN, there are a few key things to

consider:

???What will be the main physical device to be used? These devices need to be able to connect to the Internet and

communicate with the asset management software.

???What asset tracking IoT use cases will be implemented? There are many different options available, so it is important

to choose the ones that best fit your needs.

???What predictive maintenance features will be included? Predictive maintenance can help reduce downtime and

improve asset utilization.

By considering these factors before implementing an IoT-enabled asset management solution, you can ensure that it is

tailored to your specific needs and will be successful. Traditional asset management solutions don’t make the tracking

process any easier. The problem is that they don’t keep track of assets in real-time and their accuracy is poor. IoT asset

management uses embedded sensors to monitor assets in real-time and delivers complete information right to their

mobile devices. Using IoT technology in asset management combines data with intelligence, enabling companies to

streamline processes and eliminate theft and pilferage.

Ensuring IoT Security

IoT has become an increasingly popular technology for asset management and, while it is a valuable tool, it also brings

with it some security risks. Unsecured devices, known as shadow devices, are vulnerable to cyberattacks because they

don’t have authentication or authorization. Shadow devices are also vulnerable to malware infection and are part of

botnets. That is why you need to buy smart devices only from a trusted provider:

???Select devices have that world-recognized certification protocols.

???If choosing LoRaWAN asset management as the technology, chose a vendor through the LoRa Alliance, so the

products meet global standards.

???Select Carrier-Grade Gateways for Lowest Total Cost of Ownership.

Improving Efficiency

Asset management solutions can help improve the efficiency of any business or organization. By tracking assets,

businesses can ensure that they are always aware of their whereabouts and can take action if they are lost or stolen.

Additionally, by using IoT sensors and applications, businesses can keep better track of inventory levels and monitor the

movement of assets within a facility. This can help to improve overall efficiency and reduce costs.

One of the biggest benefits of IoT asset management is that it eliminates human intervention and allows the system to

automatically communicate data. It can also alert maintenance technicians to repair equipment that needs urgent

attention. Besides, the system can send a work order to a field engineer to check and repair the machine, reducing

downtime. In addition, the system will allow asset managers to reduce costs and increase productivity by eliminating

manual processes.

Cloud-Based IoT Technology For Added School Safet

The safety of students, teachers, and faculty members has become a priority nationwide, and IoT technology provides

ways that educational campuses can improve their security measures while addressing the unique difficulties of school

safety. For example, visitors, parents, staff, teachers, and students’ family members are all required to come on campus

for a multitude of reasons. With such a varied group of people entering the premises at different times, it’s a challenge to

keep note of every single visitor and their reasons for being on campus accurately. In addition, schools need to be easily

accessible for students and teachers, but still need to prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access. Let’s take a

look at a few cloud-based IoT technology options that can be introduced to school campuses to ensure students and

staff are safe.

What is Cloud-Based IoT Technology?

Cloud-based IoT technology is a means of accessing data, files, storage, software, and information in one place. Put

more simply, the cloud allows connected devices and systems to consolidate data and information in a more accessible

format. How does this help make schools safe? When it comes to safeguarding campuses, cloud-based systems allow

schools to quickly access security controls, system data, and view visitor information efficiently and effectively.

Examples of IoT Technologies for School Safety

The benefits of using cloud-based technology range from increased efficiency to convenience. It is essential to research

and consider the different types of IoT technology for school safety and determine which products and systems offer the

greatest benefit. Because each school and campus faces unique security risks and vulnerabilities, not all cloud-based

technology will be necessary at every location.

#1: Wireless Smart Door Locks

Used for doors inside of buildings, wireless smart door locks help to manage visitor and staff access. Wireless smart

door locks can be used in a variety of locations, such as for a computer or science lab, library, staff offices, or certain

classrooms where access needs to be restricted. Through cloud-based software, the locks can be controlled remotely.

This ensures that whoever is in charge of granting entry access can unlock or lock doors no matter where they are.

Those who need daily access to doors equipped with smart locks can either use encrypted key cards or fobs or gain

access through a touchless mobile app. Another benefit of using wireless locks with your school door locking system is

that you can quickly deploy safety measures remotely in an emergency or lockdown.

#2: Integrated Access Control

Another IoT technology for school safety is integrated access control, an optimal system that provides data on access to

a school in real-time. Built on open standards, a cloud-accessed system can easily connect with other school security

systems. By implementing cloud-based access control and integrating across video, alarm, and identity provider

systems, schools have increased visibility on access control points of the school, making it easier to manage who comes

in and out of the building. Additionally, remote unlocking in the cloud allows administrators to open specific doors for

faculty, emergency personnel, or the police without having to be onsite.

Using integrated access control allows schools to be more proactive in preventing risk and more responsive when

incidents occur. Integrating access control and video security in the cloud facilitates more accurate identity checks and

visitor management and allows first responders to analyze relevant footage should an emergency occur.

#3: Visitor Management Systems

The easiest way to know who is entering a building is by using visitor management systems. This way, schools can keep

a log of additional people entering the premises besides students and faculty, facilitating authorization processes and

keeping a record of visitor information. Today’s more advanced IoT-connected visitor systems can facilitate school

safety through mobile check-ins and connect with access control for simplified, secure guest entry.

Having this information in the cloud helps if any emergency arises, as administrative teams can quickly audit visitor logs

and send information to first responders. It’s much more efficient to find the necessary information in an easily accessible

digital visitor log and takes the burden off a busy school receptionist.

A noise detection sensor works by using acoustic, vibration, or optical sensors to recognize sounds associated with

threats. When IoT noise detection sensors pick up a sound, transmitters are activated and send a message to the local

authorities and police. While no school wants to have these kinds of emergencies, being prepared and leveraging

technology can help facilitate a faster emergency response and lessen the impact on campus. Noise detection sensors

are a great way to inform security personnel and first responders as soon as an incident occurs, and, when integrated

with other security systems such as video cameras and access control, can help school security administrators take

necessary actions to safeguard students and faculty in an emergency.

#5: Automation Lockdown Systems

Every educational facility should be equipped with a school lockdown system in the event of shooting incidents or other

emergencies. In the latest versions of this technology, cloud-based lockdown systems include the ability to activate from

a smartphone application. This ensures authorized personnel can activate a lockdown no matter where they are, saving

time in critical situations. Additionally, many lockdown systems can also alert first responder teams and send updates,

such as door locations and live video, giving them the most up-to-date information and preventing miscommunications.

Look for automatic school lockdown systems with plans for different scenarios, as well as the ability to easily connect to

other IoT devices in the cloud.

IoT and School Safety

Paired with strong emergency preparedness plans and strategies, cloud-based IoT security technology can aid with

school safety, and give parents, students, and faculty greater peace of mind. By using technology that can be activated

with a click on a mobile device or on a cloud-based platform, schools can enhance their safety and security systems.

Cloud-based IoT technology continues to adapt as new challenges arise, and can help educational facilities stay ahead

of the latest risks and provide school safety. More awareness of the different types of technology available will increase

the number of schools that know and understand how they can apply these systems to their buildings, thus creating a

safer and more secure environment for both students and staff.

Why a Digital As-Built Is a Superior Deliverable in Construction

Let’s be blunt: digital as-builts trump paper ones.

Digital as-builts are living records of an asset’s as-built condition. They take shape over the course of a construction

project through real-time collection and sharing of as-built data. And they can be updated to document changes in the

asset management phase so they always reflect the asset as it exists.

'Digital as-builts mark a quantum leap in as-built accuracy and accessibility - helping stakeholders work more efficiently

during the construction process.' -Unearth LabsClick To Tweet

Digital as-builts mark a quantum leap in as-built accuracy and accessibility – helping stakeholders work more efficiently

during the construction process and supporting owners’ asset management after project turnover.

But digital as-built information is only actionable if it’s easily retrievable once it’s filed away. After all, construction teams

spend 13% of their working hours looking for project data. It’s clear that data is not always easy to track down.

This is where map-based as-builts come in. Geospatial as-builts provide invaluable spatial intelligence and enable

stakeholders – including owners – to more easily organize, access, and act on their data.

These digital, map-based records are catching on, and they bring contractors in line with where the industry and owners

are ultimately headed: digital twins.

Digital As-Builts: A Quantum Leap in Accuracy

Digital as-builts aren’t simply an electronic version of paper-based as-builts. They’re a different beast.

Real-time data collection and sharing

Digital as-builts are the result of a continuous process of gathering and sharing information in real time throughout

construction – rather than a task relegated to the end of a project like their paper counterparts.

While paper documentation entails delays and multiple, manual transfers of data from redline drawings to as-built plans,

digital as-builts provide much more accurate information.

And when all stakeholders can access up-to-date project data from anywhere at any time, it reduces rework and other

mistakes. Naturally, this saves time and money.

Thorough project documentation

Plus, digital as-builts aren’t solely focused on changes from a project’s original design – as paper ones historically have

been. Instead, they may include data that document aspects of a project whether they deviate from an original design or

not.

For example, the installation of a sewer line or underground power lines that is going according to plan may be

documented with a photo or as-built survey as proof of work and a record of the location before the infrastructure is

covered up.

This is priceless in the event of a dispute or future 811 calls.

In this way, a digital as-built is a complete record of a project that shows how an asset was constructed, and – thanks to

included GPS data – exactly where it is. Owners of underground infrastructure benefit from this visibility especially.

Essential for construction and beyond

When turned over at project completion, an accurate, comprehensive digital record provides even more value to an

owner later down the road. They can draw on that data to inform ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) and

future planning over the lifetime of the asset.

How do digital as-builts achieve this increased accuracy? Because of 5 essential characteristics.

5 Key Traits of Digital As-Builts

Several crucial attributes make digital as-builts vital information sources throughout construction and the rest of an

asset’s lifespan.

1. Cloud-based

Data captured for a digital as-built is securely shared in one place so that all stakeholders have access to it from

anywhere. Without the cloud, information can easily fall through the cracks – caught up in email and text chains, not

passed on quickly, or siloed in systems that don’t integrate.

2. Real-time

A digital as-built includes information on work that is happening as it is happening. When uploaded to the cloud,

stakeholders can access the latest project data at any given time.

3. Mobile

Digital as-built data documents a construction project, which means information is captured where construction is

actually occurring – the job site. The use of mobile devices makes the collection of field data possible.

4. Multi-dimensional

Digital as-builts create a context-rich record through different types of data. They might include written information in the

form of digital forms and documents, photos, video, GPS coordinates, geographic information systems (GIS), drone

imagery, and as-built surveys. Altogether, these data types provide a detailed representation of the built asset as it exists.

5. Location-based

A digital as-built documents a crucial aspect of an asset: its location. Data captured in the field may contain metadata

that includes GPS coordinates. For records without this metadata, making use of location information and mapping tools

through geographic information systems (GIS) provides literal visibility of the asset and related documentation.

This information ensures stakeholders and owners know exactly where an asset exists in the real world, making efficient

construction and asset management – especially of large-scale horizontal infrastructure – possible.

Ready to create your own digital as-built? Here’s what you’ll need.

Tools for Digital As-Builting

Construction technology improves data transparency and stakeholder collaboration during construction – thereby cutting

down on errors, project delays, and waste. And its utility is validated by the $100 million in funding within the

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act meant to increase its adoption.

Construction tech tools are in part what you’ll use to create a digital record that provides data-rich visibility into a

project. These tools fall into two categories: software and devices.

As-built software

Cloud-based construction software is essential to producing a digital project record. All the field data can be organized,

viewed, and manipulated through project management software. Stakeholders need to be able to capture, share, and

view as-built data in the field in real-time, so intuitive mobile software, apps, and integrations are also critical for digital

as-builting.

Plenty of construction project management software options exist – Procore, Autodesk, and Bluebeam, to name just a

few. But to capitalize on location information, you’ll need Mobile GIS to visualize it.

As-built devices

To capture all of this information in the field, digital as-builts require the use of mobile devices. Teams can use

smartphones and tablets to take photos and videos and fill out any forms, such as permit or inspection documents.

These devices will simultaneously capture GPS data associated with those photos or forms, which will tie them to a

specific location.

Drones can provide high-resolution imagery that records progress on a construction site on a regular basis – excellent

information that conveys the as-built status of a project at a given time.

While smartphones and tablets capture GPS data, a data collector can contribute an even higher degree of location

accuracy. A digital record created with these tools will provide a trove of valuable data depicting the condition and the

location of an asset – great news for stakeholders during construction and for owners operating and maintaining their

assets after project handoff.

But if this data is squirreled away in countless file folders and people have to hunt for the information they need, how can

they put it to meaningful use? Isn’t there a better way to organize and visualize as-built documentation?

Fortunately, there is: digital maps.

Why You Should Map Your Digital As-Builts

A map is a more intuitive way to organize and view data – especially information about a physical object with a real-

world location. And when data is put into a visible, real-world context, stakeholders and owners can use it to support

decision-making during the construction phase and into the asset management phase.

A 2018 study found that construction workers spend up to 5.5 hours per week tracking down project information,

including revised drawings. Getting your data out of endless file folders and onto a map will help you avoid that fate.

Mobile GIS Creates A More Intuitive & Actionable As-Built

A recent study on GIS utilization for construction projects confirms that providing as-built information in GIS format is a

good move. It showed that 40% of contractors employed GIS in more than half of their projects to collect data on site

and to provide digital project information at turnover. It also showed that more than 50% of the GIS users identified

client satisfaction as an important benefit of GIS use.

A back-office GIS can format your information on a map. But it requires specialized training and can often be siloed

from the field or rely on hard-to-use apps.

Fortunately, there’s another way: intuitive Mobile GIS enables you to map your own as-built data right in the field in real

time. With Mobile GIS software on your smartphone or tablet, items you draw onto your map and the as-built

conditions you document are immediately displayed for stakeholders to see. They are saved in GIS format – which can

be exported for owner use at project closeout. Additionally, data collectors and laser scanning technology can be

integrated with Mobile GIS to contribute even more precise geospatial information related to an asset.

Digital Twins: The Next As-Built Frontier

Employing GIS and mapping your as-built information is a major step forward in construction data management. But

add 3D modeling, real-time updates via sensors, AI, and IoT, and you have the next phase of project visualization: the

digital twin.

What is a digital twin’s relationship with as-builts?

Digital twins can be built gradually over the course of construction, or a 3D model of a completed construction project

can be generated and populated with information to create a digital replica. Either way, digital as-built data feeds into the

model – providing accurate, multidimensional information that makes a digital twin a virtual replica. This relationship has

led to digital as-builts sometimes being characterized as a “starting point” for a digital twin. And digital twins have even

been referred to as “next-generation digital as-built drawings.”

Demand for GIS and Improved Visibility Will Only Increase

Being able to see construction project data – including as-built documentation – is key to more efficient construction and

future asset management.

Numbers bear it out: in a survey of GIS users in the construction industry, 80% of contractors reported that owners ask

for GIS in the final deliverable after completion of the project. And the digital twin industry is estimated to reach nearly

$36 billion by 2025 – up from $3.8 billion in early 2022.

It’s clear which way the construction industry is headed. As-built mapping that results in a rich, multidimensional digital

record that you can deliver to an owner in GIS format is a step in the right direction.