Archive for Industry Sectors

Asset Management in Industrial Machinery and M2M Smart Condition Monitoring

With M2M wireless data radios, industries are replacing traditional SCADA and electronic meters with condition based monitoring systems that are able to track data and flow, cause triggers based on data and algorithms, and protect industrial asset management for machinery.

Advanced Algorithms in Industrial Asset Management Monitoring

The trick of course is developing algorithms that are very specific within the enterprise applications software.  For instance, when it comes to water plants and wastewater management, the plant will use smart meters and software applications that monitor the treatment and sewage systems in valve controls for flow, master meter controls, and chemical injections.  But sustainability is also an issue as one needs to monitor those industrial assets for rotation, wear and tear, and maintenance.   This is where the importance of asset management in industrial environments is so important.

Industrial Asset Management Solutions NextGen Global Executive SearchWhether you are an electric utility, mining company, automotive manufacturer, semiconductor manufacturer, chemical plant, or manufacturer or end user of large industrial machinery including motors, rotors, turbines, compressors, pumps, processors, filters, or any number of industrial machines, the lack of proper asset monitoring and asset management protection can be very costly.

Industrial machinery can have all sorts of issues to track including environmental, health and safety regulations, vibration, corrosion, strength, displacement, and process interruptions.

As our society moves toward less workers and more automation, a cost effective means of combining monitoring, triggering, maintenance, and detection of potential faults and failures is by developing enterprise level asset management software applications.

The machine to machine networks in asset management also need to have M2M2P applications so that decision makers can not only know about changes and causes but render immediate solutions no matter where the decision maker is physically located.    These M2M wireless data radios also need to be secure on their own private spectrum with a secure network and not tied into the public networks.   With the growing computer and mobile network hackers and terrorism threats, every industrial manufacturer needs to be concerned about asset monitoring and asset management.

Intelligent Condition Monitoring  in Enterprise Asset Management

Intelligent condition monitoring must be in real-time which requires algorithms that analyze data and trigger actions as well as provide early warning of impending or potential problems and hazards.    These systems also aid in scheduling of employees and management reporting/decision making to lower cost in asset management and business operations.

Enterprise M2M Software for Industrial Machinery Asset Management and Condition Monitoring NextGen Global Executive SearchWith smart power distribution and power management, utility companies, cold storage and food processing facilities, and smart energy vendors are able to conduct field trials for embedded and standalone enterprise asset management software applications.

Field trails are necessary to develop and make changes to the algorithms in condition monitoring, scheduling, and industrial machinery asset management protection.

The use of smart meters, smart power, and enterprise asset management applications carried over secure M2M wireless networks are used in a variety of industrial settings including:

  • Agriculture – moisture and temperature sensors, pump power usage
  • Energy & Utilities – asset management, condition monitoring DMS, SSA, SCADA, EMS, AMR, AMI
  • Environmental – monitoring volcanic, seismic, hazardous materials, fugitive emissions
  • Smart Home – smart meter, smart HAN, Mobile device M2M2P apps
  • Oil & Gas –asset management and monitoring temp, pump and flow lines, tank levels, ESD, cathodic protection
  • Industrial – asset management and monitoring vibration, stress, cycling, performance
  • Solar & Wind –condition monitoring, alarms, productivity

Maintenance now means that entire production lines can avoid shutdowns with early warning self-assessment.  And condition monitoring and data triggers protect the components in industrial machinery asset management so that they produce better and have a longer life span, cutting down the expenditure of unnecessary capital investments.

Future Trends in Asset Management Protection

The aerospace and defense industry has long used M2M based asset management monitoring applications.  The new applications the 21st century industries need are secure networks, the ability to track data and monitor, cause triggers/actions, make predictive analysis and decisions, and be tied directly into overall business operations IT.    Based on traditional data, a company already knows which critical systems and components need to be part of asset management condition monitoring.

Power distribution and power management systems in smart grids require a load of new smart meters, sensors, and devices.  These complexities and new regulations means that the old way of asset management will not work as reliability and performance of the assets become the most important factors in capital expenditures.

In many ways, asset management condition monitoring and asset protection are like what NextGen Global Executive Search has done in retained search.  And that is the enterprise application must be performance based to determine the health and performance of specific assets as a function of system condition monitoring for asset management systems.

 

Managed Services for Enterprise expands rapidly into Mobile Cloud Computing, SaaS

Many IT, managed services, and hosted services vendors are changing their business strategy to mobile cloud computing – and for a very good reason.  Their customers who are in digital media, healthcare, hospitality, distribution, and financial services; or have needs for procurement/ordering, field force or sales force automation now demand lower cost and mobility.

Managed Services for IT and Enterprise Data Centers

It’s all about managed services for their customers who prefer to downsize their IT departments and outsource these costs.  With the rapid growth of touch screen smart phones and Smart TVs, both commercial customer who are B2B and companies in the B2C market realize the generational change.  These smartphones and tablets are the most significant reason for the growth of mobile cloud computing for managed services IT vendors.

Managed Services via Mobile Cloud Computing

Managed Services Mobile Cloud Computing Enterprise IT SaaSWith mobile applications and cloud data centers, the potential revenue for managed services vendors has not been seen by the IT industry since the dotcom boom of the 90s.  And it promises to be an even larger market with unlimited growth.

Gartner research According to Gartner, the global cloud computing services market could reach $150 billion by 2014 and software-as-a-service (SaaS) revenue is expected to reach $22 billion by 2015 as more companies invest in cloud technology.  The growth in mobile devices brings about several challenges to data centers and managed services.

For managed services vendors, the processing time on the wireless network and has improved with advanced LTE networks like Verizon has and AT&T shortly.  Managed services vendors and enterprise hosted services vendors have to deal with the overabundance of users on wireless operator networks who clog the system with all sorts of streaming data (reducing the speed) and intermittence caused by RF interference in the network and gaps in coverage.

Mobile App Testing for Menu Driven Managed Services 

On top of all that is the smartphone battery life.  It amazes me how often I see mobile apps developed by enterprise data centers and IT managed services that fail to test BOTH the mobile device and app for power performance profiling. Functional UX, usability, and the OS be it Android or iOS or Windows needs to be tested.

Managed Services as a Commodity

The offloading of data and computer applications onto the cloud has become a commodity of services.  And it is in those managed services that the IT vendor with win large scale contracts.  It is now menu driven where email, CRM, supply chain, and data have to be secure, scaled, and managed from a price per menu point of view.    Regional data centers and SaaS are required to bring the content to reliable broadband and wireless operator networks.    The delivery of the applications have to have guaranteed Quality of Service using mobile cloud computing.   The SaaS side of managed services in the cloud is very attractive to IT managers in the leaner economy.

Smart Energy, Wireless Technologies, Trends to Wider Mobile Applications

For the last three years I have added executive search in Smart Energy as smart meters and remote M2M radios complement my executive search practice in Wireless Systems and Mobile Networks. When you look at the trend that 4G networks are all about “all IP networks” to a large degree, one can easily see where 5G networks using nano technology and cloud computing will benefit smart grids, end-users, R&E networks, and community networks on the mobile Internet through more cognitive applications –  both in radios and mobile apps.

Which brings us to the ultimate marriage between broadband carriers, mobile network operators, and utility providers. Certainly remote access to smart meters is preferred using mobile devices – especially the consumer market. The industrial market has heavily invested in moving from old SCADA type industrial control systems with printers and ethernet connections to wireless enabled Remote Monitoring and Alarm/Access Control. Making all of this work will require comutations that are more intutive and use distributed intelligence – as cognitive radio suggests.

Now for an excerpt from an excellent article by Christine Hertzog

Wireless ubiquitous networks are the communications foundation for the Smart Grid as well as the Internet of Things. Cellular, WiFi, WPAN and other communications technologies and protocols will enable electricity consuming and producing devices to be remotely monitored and managed, which in turn foster optimized awareness and use of resources. And in the best sense of recycling, many of the early lessons learned about Smart Grid deployments can and should be applied to projects focused in smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Here are a few observations:

1.The growth of wireless communications will stress existing bandwidth allocations of licensed versus unlicensed spectrum. The latest research is focused on cognitive radio technology, which is part of the nascent 5G or fifth generation of wireless technology, and it could help address spectrum stresses by dynamically allocating unused or underutilized licensed spectrum for temporary unlicensed applications.

Adrian Popescu, a leading researcher of the technology and professor based at Sweden’s Blekinge Institute of Technology, stated that “5G focuses on architectural and networking upgrades to 4G,and one of the key features is pervasive wireless computing and communications. Cognitive radiois a promising technology that helps 5G avoid spectrum constraints and thus achieve the vision ofubiquitous networks.”

The concept of cognitive radio is already actively practiced by drivers in major Chinese cities. Here, lane markings, akin to spectrum allocations, are merely suggestions for placement of vehicles, and driverse fluidly shift lanes to avoid congested intersections, sometimes straddling two lanes to create a newand temporary lane. This style of driving also elegantly illustrates the ideas of very decentralized and distributed intelligence, with each vehicle performing as an intelligent agent to optimize routing.

That has interesting implications for the Smart Grid and the larger IoT because it could enable applications that need infrequent transmissions of data that may range from just a few data bits toindicate a change to status to bulkier video communications regarding perimeter intrusions or camera-based inspections of remote sites.
Click here to view the rest of the article from The Energy Collective.

Future of Enterprise Mobility in Secure Mobile Devices

NextGen Global Executive Search recruits engineers developing secure mobile apps for defense systems using enterprise mobilityEnterprise mobility used in ruggedized mobile device, including smartphones and tablets are becoming the secure platform of choice for military, public safety, and commercial industrial workforces.  While JTRS mobile handsets have evolved over time, secure mobile apps and enterprise data is becoming an absolute necessity.  When it comes to tablets, they are still in the infancy stage.

The security of the data  mobile apps, user experience, display, and RF fingerprinting have a good 2-3 years more development before they can be used even on a trial basis, especially by the Department of Defense.  General Dynamics, for instance, has partnered with several companies in this initiative, as well as a number of secure mobile apps vendors are developing as fast as they can, including CoolFire Solutions, Good Technology, Motorola Mobility, and others.

The DOD has dozens of secure terrestrial- and satellite-based mobile computing platforms, but commercial alternatives are definitely more versatile in terms of real-world compatibility and application support, by far much cheaper, and faster to deploy.

enterprise mobility in C4ISR from NextGen Global Executive SearchThree years ago it was easier to hire qualified engineers to design and develop secure mobile applications and the packaging design of ruggedized secure handsets.  But with more complex enterprise needs, the education bubble (we don’t produce American born engineers -  by and large required for DoD security clearance) and the commercial growth of Android and iOS now used in tablets taking so many of those remaining engineers, it has become a tough road for defense contractors and their subcontractors.

Within our mobile devices, enterprise mobility, and aerospace/defense retained executive search practices, we’ve had to enlarge our staff just to meet the demands of clients’ key staffing needs. From mobile apps development to UX, UI, and product management, identifying and recruiting qualified talent that can gain security clearances has simply become an overwhelming task for Human Resources and corporate internal recruiters.    And since NextGen only performs retained search, we are often called upon when all other recruiting attempts and contingency forms have failed to produce.

Many companies and their vendors – from defense to public safety are still refining requirements and developing the strategy for secure smartphones and tablets.  This is due to so many enterprise applications being very complex and the UI design even trickier.  Several things must be considered when approaching the strategy of enterprise mobility and ruggedized secure mobile devices including:

 

  • enterprise mobility in public safetyForm factor design; feature, customization, configuration
  • Designing packaging, Out Of Box Experience (OOBE), usability test and OOBE test of the packaging.
  • User Setup, Installation – user setup procedure design; user setup procedure test; developing user documentations including quick start guide and users guide
  • Reverse Logistics – return and RMI process; return swap pool size analysis
  • Customer Support – developing support model and process; support staff training material development
  • UI Design, Usability testing – UI and skin concept design; UI usability evaluation and testing throughout the design process
  • Device Test, Certification – functional test, field test, GCF compliance test, usability test, and battery life

Combine that with environmental concerns, dealing with legacy application not designed for touch screens, and the wireless network speed required for large amounts of secure data, and it is a challenge.  The next 3 to 5 years will be very challenging in user interface design. The interfaces must have greater efficiency, be more secure from foreign government hacking, and include reduced redundancy.

Mobile OS – User Interface – Apps – Browser | Who Becomes Dominant?

Funny how the chipset and memory (hardware and RFIC guys) cannot keep up with the mobile OS.  Apple iOS really started the whole smartphone craze with superb User Interface, sharp display,  and user friendly menus.  In addition, they had a deep market of Apple developers with a very sturdy iOS platform for developing mobile applications.  For awhile, Windows was basically out of the game while Google was steadily refining and improving their mobile OS – Android.  Symbian and Palm may be in India and Europe, but as a mobile OS they are on a rapid decline.

Now every handset manufacturer is looking to churn out pure touch screen phones and thin paper like folding smartphones with better user experience and features that can keep up with both business users and consumer demands for all three major mobile OS platforms – iOS, Android, and Windows.

Mobile OS  - Strategy and Issues

iOS 6 Mobile Apps Browser UX UI NextGen Global Executive Search

The major issue for any mobile OS and mobile apps is still battery life, or rather the poor performance of the battery used to power these mobile devices.  And the new features of Android 5 (Jelly Bean), iOS 6, and Windows 8 Mobile  makes it necessary for the next Steve Jobs (please announce yourself) to make a revolutionary battery that can keep up with the features.

It is difficult to imagine that iOS 6 will be a disappointing mobile OS, but one wonders that without Steve Jobs if it will be rolled out too soon or missing features.  I mean above all Steve had the pulse of the market like no one else. Let’s look at what we do know.

Android mobile OS smart UX design NextGen Global Executive Search Google is making a very smart play.  First they acquired Motorola Mobility and with those contacts and knowledge under their belt, is now one of four major smartphone manufacturers and can use Android to expand their mobile OS in an additional brand to go along with their next generation Nexus.

And they are looking to compete directly with Apple’s iPad with a Google tablet.  Plus Jellybean will combine the features of a full touchscreen user interface, social networking past the widgets, video streaming, and mobile payments in their new mobile OS.

Windows 8 Mobile OS NextGen Global Executive SearchWindows 8 is a very interesting gamble.  The truth for the partnership between Intel and Microsoft is this is a make or break moment for both.  With live tile style apps and the faster mobile chipsets, then Microsoft as a viable mobile OS player may have it’s comeback.

If aspects of Windows 8 mobile OS is not quickly marketed as  a preferred mobile OS by the finicky USA based mobile operators and their consumers, chalk it up that Bill Gates retired too early and forgot to read the tea leaves that Steve Jobs clearly had written.  Is innovation a thing of the past for Microsoft?

The Pending Death of a Mobile OS

As for Blackberry as a viable mobile OS player, what can I say?  Dead!  Sorry guys, but even the government does not want to buy anything running your mobile OS anymore as Crackberry is losing ground primarily with their own customer base – see Crapberry and Deadberry? 

M2M2P possibly the Next Boom for the American Economy

M2M2P is the missing link for both consumers and business alike

M2M up to now has primarily been focused on vending machines, smart meters, and remote monitoring and access alarm controls (post SCADA). As the economy improves over the next 3-4 years allowing for private investments into 5G nano networks and the eventual marriage between the wireless operator, utility, and broadband carrier, the “human factor” of M2M2P focusing on user interface and user experience will change the way people manage their lives.

Yesterday Verizon announced a bigger move into M2M2P communications, especially for enterprise business customers (see Connected Planet interview http://bit.ly/ugu2zI)
A near-infinite number of IP addresses by the increasing use of IPv6 also means that mobile wallets, vehicles, and smart meters outside the home to security, energy, appliances, and medical devices inside the home – all can be managed by your smartphone or mobile tablet.

M2M2P is the missing link for both consumers and business alike and is more palatable to a growing economy (as reluctant taxpayers refuse more tax hikes and detest the idea of “cap and trade taxes”). For consumers, they will have the ability to manage heating, cooling, lights, appliances, and more according to their own comfort and budget. For business, M2M2P reduces production time, increases the lower cost of JIT inventories, and manages the transportation costs.

M2M2P without the over-regulation of cap and trade

M2M2P without the over-regulation of cap and trade means that the economy can grow in the 21st century according to the proven method that works – supply by business that meets the demand of consumers and businesses alike.

m2m2pImagine if you will how medical cost can be lowered, preventative diagnostics increased, and the communications between doctor and patient makes for better assessment and treatment methods.  Here is another good reason why M2M2P can be done more effectively by de-centralizing federally controlled healthcare and putting the control back to the patient-doctor relationship and states to allow for real competition among heath care insurers.

For enterprises, M2M2P means moving away from costly data centers to more efficient  mobile cloud computing and hybrid apps reduces capital expenditures and increases business efficiency  in predictive decisions based on synthesized data as well as workforce mobility.  As an executive recruiter, it still amazes me that most companies have still not embraced the reduction in facility cost and benefits resulting from telecommuting and/or allowing employees to work from home.  here is what M2M2P can do.  With Skype video, enterprise based private social networks, dropbox, and cloud computing, many positions from systems and software engineers to sales to marketing to finance do not require those additional facility, relocation, and benefits costs.

The other benefits of M2M2P are the ability to drive innovation for businesses – which is what has always made the USA the envy of the global community.  Personalization based on Web 3.0 serves businesses to better deliver according to consumers’ needs and preferences while at the same time driving companies to re-engineer their processes and business models. From being able to adjust orders and delivery to multi-functional kiosks to “click to chat” windows, using M2M2P, companies can better serve both B2B and B2C customers alike.

By combining the  growing list of  semantic web 3.0 technologies, Android and iOS and both public and private social network applications with 5G networks, M2M2P can be realized and spark a growth in the USA economy that we have not seen in more than a decade.  In order for this to happen, we MUST decentralize the federal government and unleash the might of the American spirit – which has always been driven by individual initiatives and business innovation without the obstruction of overburden regulations.