Utilities
Uninterrupted, Unbreakable Communications in the Utilities Sector
Keeping Utility Workers Connected at Scale, at any Time with a Reliable, Comprehensive Private Network Solution
Workers in the utilities sector operate across large distances, often in fleets to undertake contracted jobs. From water companies to large-scale electricity providers, through to gas companies, the utilities sector is comprised of many roles, all with one unified need: a network that can keep up with scaled communication requirements in various operating environments, Australia-wide.
CSE Crosscom have the necessary expertise to set up these technically complex, large-scale networks with offices in all major cities of Australia.
Why is a Reliable Network and Supporting Communication Solution Crucial in the Utilities Sector?
Across the utility sector, workers are faced with many risks. Some of these risks are unique to one occupation, whereas others are common among all. Some of the most prevalent shared risks include the following:
Networks, Radio and GPS in Utilities Crisis Management
Working with water, electricity, or a combustible, such as gas, can be unpredictable. If a crisis emerges, having a network and supporting technology that enables coordination and effective communication will result in better management outcomes.
In Australia, for example, bushfire season puts utilities workers on high alert, as they are often called out alongside emergency services workers to respond to distress calls where electrical or gas infrastructure needs tending to.
In such scenarios, being able to talk across groups via reliable, instant radio communications and GPS allows for effective management, as well as ensuring the safety of their people.
Radio Communications in Confined Spaces
Depending on the requirements of a contracted job, utilities workers may find themselves working in constricted spaces. Because of capacity limitations, there may only be a small number of workers in this space at a given time – or if working underground there may be an individual monitoring at the surface whilst another conducts installation, maintenance or inspection works.
Being able to communicate clearly when entering situations such as underground operations is critical to ensuring that a worker can check in with a co-worker and provide updates on the status of a job or notify others should anything go wrong.
Network Reliability When Travelling to Remote Locations
Workers in the utilities sector travel considerable distances when contracted to perform jobs. Particularly in scenarios where works are in remote locations, having network coverage is essential. This coverage can be guaranteed on a private network, or via a cellular backup if an effective network solution is implemented.
Lone Workers and Safety Monitoring Systems
Even if the most stringent of safety protocols are taken, workers are never 100% protected from the risks that working alone can pose. The best investment that an employer can make for their utilities workers is in technology that does not falter and caters to emergency or man down scenarios.
A lone worker safety monitoring system is commonly requested from CSE Crosscom’s utilities sector clients – and it is easy to understand why. The technology is specially configured to detect when a worker is in danger – even if they are unable to indicate it themselves.
Engage an Expert at any or all Stages of Project Development – CSE Crosscom’s Solution Design Caters to all Scenarios
Across the Utilities sector, CSE Crosscom can provide an end-to-end network implementation service, including consulting, scoping assessment of current networks and new network design, supplying of products to be hosted on the network and maintenance or training services to educate internal staff – enabling independent operation.
Consulting and Scoping
Having worked alongside numerous reputable utilities companies, our team have developed an understanding of the industry that enables us to curate business solutions that cater to individual needs.
At the scoping stage, a CSE Crosscom consultant (or consultants) take the time to review the company and its current network to identify shortfalls – or where improvements would be best implemented. With this information in hand, we move comfortably into the new network design phase.
New Network Design
When designing a new network, we further preliminary findings from scoping and put together a timeline for project development – using phases to indicate milestones in the network implementation.
Having offices in almost every state of Australia, CSE Crosscom are one of the only companies in the nation with the reach, capability, and experience to implement the unique and large-scale networks required in the utilities sector.
Maintenance and Training
Managing teams of people across regional and metropolitan areas, CSE Crosscom is proud to provide a service that includes centralised dispatch – meaning companies can manage entire teams from a single location.
Working across diverse fleets in mission critical situations requires sufficient training. For this reason, CSE Crosscom also offer training to the telecommunications teams of a utilities client to ensure they are prepared to best utilise the network and its capabilities.
Supporting Products
To support the implementation of a wide area network (WAN), CSE Crosscom recommends the use of quality supporting products that are available to purchase through a representative. In addition to the implementation of a wide area network, commonly purchased products / solutions include:
- Two Way Radios, namely DMR Radios because they are cost-effective, have more features, functionalities, and integration capabilities – and are the most flexible and scalable in the market. When you are installing large networks, other options are comparatively cost prohibitive.
- Dispatch Console Applications
- GPS Locations applications
- Voice recording applications
- Features within these – man down, lone worker
- Routers
- Repeaters
- Emerging technologies
