M2M Markets
Recently the
market has developed quickly with low-cost high-functionality modems
widely available. There is an almost complete geographic coverage in Europe of fast data
access to mobile networks via GPRS and EDGE. We now see that the key
requirements for remote asset management are ultra low power
consumption and remote configuration and maintenance through
centralised management software. These features drive cost out of
deployment and running costs often associated with remote asset
management projects.
AMR (Automatic Meter Reading) and Smart Meters
|
"Driven
by new
regulation and a global energy crisis,it is estimated that utilities
will spend $1.6
billion on Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) technology for smart metering
and demand response in 2011. In
2012, there will be a total possible market of 276 million Home Area
Network (HAN) devices worldwide.
(OnWorld Research.)
Most of the revenues are expected to be generated from Home
Area
Networks, which are likely to be based on short range wireless
technologies. However, a remotely accessed smart meter connected over the
mobile data network is the key service enabling technology. Smart meters allow the energy
provider, and regulatory authorities, to offer usage based services,
and financial incentives, from an internet interface which is simple flexible and universally available.
|
AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location), vehicle tracking, and fleet management
|
Vehicle tracking was the original asset tracking market for first generation
GPS devices. The total world
market for asset tracking is projected to be over 35 million
subscribers by 2013 from an approximate installed based of 5 million in
2008. (ABI Research) The
market is now developing in two main ways, firstly higher functionality
edge devices and backend systems to integrate simple fleet management
into CRM applications (such as letting internet shoppers know where
their groceries are, monitoring coolers, door opening events, tyre
pressure and many other sensors to improve fuel efficiency and customer
responsiveness) and secondly, ultra low power devices for nomadic
assets such as containers and trailers that remain static for most of
the time but may suddenly require tracking after movement. The primary
driver in this second mass market is in-service cost, thus ruggedised
units with lifetimes in the field of several years are required, at a
price point typical of mass production rather than customised
development. Features such as motion detection and a rules engine in
the device that can originate communications only on specific stimuli
help reduce in-service cost. |
Security
|
The security market is a mature market with established
players and very high functionality at low cost is usually mandatory in this sector.
Traditional security alarm and building service providers have expanded
their portfolios to include remotely accessed cameras, door entry
systems, and all facilities monitoring applications. The market often
requires a rules based system with intelligence at the edge to reduce
in-service costs. For instance full motion video is very effective in
certain applications but can be a costly user of bandwidth. This market
also addresses a wide range of applications for remote and lone
workers including push-to-talk and auto initiated alarm on lack of
movement. Power usage management and the capability to alarm in low or
no power situations is often required. The mini-MT ™
from Enfora ®
is specifically designed to address the requirements of lone remote
workers. It is a robust, location aware, motion sensitive, full voice
and data communicator. It has programmable buttons and an integrated
rules engine that can be configured to provide a customised development
on off-the-shelf hardware to accelerate deployment. |
Medical
|
The medical sector is a diverse
market for remote machine to machine applications, with expensive asset
tracking requirements, patient monitoring and remote workers in
potentially dangerous situations. We put intelligence
at the edge of the network with smart rules based machines that ensure
bandwidth is used intelligently, features are actioned locally, and
most efficient use is made of centralised servers and databases. We
provide full over the air configuration using AT commands and
progammable features such as geofencing and location alerts
(over SMS or GPRS) for tracking or breadcrumb trials. Power usage
monitoring allows functionality to be tailored to the conditions, and
firmware upgrade over the air ensures in-service costs of upgrades are
kept to a minimum. |
