New demonstration for aerospace and defence industry

The demonstration of the outdoor asset management concept at the Farnborough International Airshow will take place next week with Accenture and u-blox tracking the golf buggies and VIP courtesy cars used by the event organisers to transport people around.

The idea utilises data visualisation to provide a clear dashboard of insights based on data collected from connected devices in the vehicles. This will bring to life the potential for a variety of asset management solutions across the aerospace and defence industry, which has materials, tooling, equipment, workforce and aircrafts moving regularly between indoor locations and vast outdoor spaces.

This demonstration utilises GPS outdoor positioning technology and the local cellular network to transmit data. Developed by u-blox, a global leader in wireless and positioning modules and chips, the connected devices – which will be fitted to approximately 60 vehicles – will communicate data every 30 seconds to an Accenture platform.

Real-time analytics will be applied, and presented in an easy-to-understand dashboard format on a web-based application, developed by Accenture Mobility, part of Accenture Digital, which can be viewed in the Accenture VIP Chalet at the Airshow. The data collected can be used for day-to-day operational purposes and will allow post-event insights to be gathered for future events.

Aircraft manufacturers and airlines work on a huge scale, where aircrafts are regularly moved, parts are often needed and contractors unfamiliar with sites must locate assets, some of these technologies can solve these real business challenges.

The demonstration will include a number of elements:

•    Zoning Capabilities: If buggies or VIP courtesy cars enter or exit a designated zoned area, alerts can be sent to key team members to advise them of this, allowing action to be taken if necessary

•    Vehicle Location: Vehicles will be tracked in real-time and viewable on a hi-definition map of the event site

•    Vehicle Utilisation: This will include the level of vehicle downtime, as well as data on when vehicles are needed, which can by analysed to provide predictive capabilities on how to prepare for future events

•    Wide Range Tracking: In addition to being placed on vehicles travelling around the event site, some connected devices will also be placed on shuttle buses from London to the Farnborough International Airshow, demonstrating the ability to track assets further afield, in addition to areas that are more restricted.

•    Distance Travelled: Being tracked in real time, this information could also be collated and used to inform servicing schedules for vehicles.

Tony Milbourn, Vice President Corporate Strategy at u-blox said, that it will highlight how communications and positioning technologies can drive some fundamental change in the industry. “We’re able to apply our deep experience in these core technologies to show how we can solve real business challenges, not only in the aerospace and defence industry, but across any other industry that relies on tight control of moving assets.”

The demonstration will be available to view in the Accenture VIP Chalet, located in the Flightline Corporate Hospitality area adjacent to the main runway at FIA, on Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th July.