Geolocation via LoRaWAN
Networking Construction Site Equipment with LoRaWAN
Savings potential, analysis functions, further implementation possibilities – Nicolas Lemaire and Stephane Sisse provide insights into the LoRAWAN project at Bouygues Construction Matériel.
INTERVIEW WITH NICOLAS LEMAIRE AND STEPHANE SISSE
1. What is the objective of Bouygues Construction Matériel with the integration of LoRaWAN sensors?
Lemaire: A large number of employees and devices or machines are involved in the implementation of construction projects. Large amounts of electricity, water and construction materials are consumed and the complexity of construction sites makes it difficult to monitor the condition and location of machines. Bouygues Construction Matériel wanted to develop a solution that would bring transparency to all logistical operations, protect equipment from theft, and also facilitate maintenance.
2. When did the technology consortium start the LoRaWAN project?
Lemaire: Initial discussions with all three partners began in 2019, followed by the proof of concept. The project then officially started in June 2020. The launch followed at the beginning of 2021. Around 3,000 sensors are currently already installed and a total of 10,000 sensors are to be integrated by the end of 2021.
3. What advantages does the solution generate and what potential savings do you see?
Sisse: The solution brings significant operational and financial benefits. Overall, around 5 to 10 percent in maintenance costs are saved annually. First, the invoicing process is greatly simplified as all information – equipment input and output, as well as rates of utilization – is captured across all construction sites. Resources are identified more efficiently, since unused construction site equipment can immediately be ready for use.
Lemaire: Furthermore, the operating time and maintenance intervals of the devices and machines are precisely documented. This results in the targeted use of all machinery.
Once the 1st phase of the 20,000 connected equipments is finalized, there will be about 70 connected devices per construction site on average. It can go up to 300 for large project.
The next challenge will be to connect the next 50,000 smaller devices. A device can last up to 10 years. We are targeting a minimum 5 year battery life for the device, so we only have to change the battery once. The efficient and exact overview of the total inventory minimizes the stock in the depot and thus also reduces inventory costs. Real-time management ensures fast decision-making processes. All information is up-to-date and immediately available. The work of the personnel involved is thus streamlined and valuable working time is freed up for other tasks.
Sisse: Based on analysis and monitoring, a real-time inventory of all equipment – whether it is being used onsite or is still in storage at one of the sites – is possible. This is a small revolution for operational teams. By networking construction sites and providing on-site visibility, the performance of the entire sector is significantly optimized.
4. How is the solution designed?
Sisse: The solution can be used both indoors and outdoors. The sensors used last for several years. This means that the investment pays off in the long term. The multimodal concept allows easy adaptation and configuration for a wide range of use cases. Integrating devices in isolated and sometimes challenging environments is also guaranteed by the wide range of technologies. For example, LoRaWAN technology offers the advantage of energy autonomy over several years. At the same time, bidirectional communication and high penetration capability in buildings as well as in basements is realized.
What product features and performance do the multi-technology trackers have?
Sisse: The multi-technology trackers are based on ultra- low power consumption and are extremely versatile. The tracker is equipped with embedded sensors – GPS, low-power GPS, Wi-Fi sniffer, BLE and LoRaWAN TDoA geolocation technology. The device offers multiple modes of operation and enables seamless object tracking, activity rate monitoring and proximity detection. Geo-zone detection allows the device to be divided into specific zones. Position reports can be received during the start and end events of a movement. The compact and rugged form factor can withstand the harsh environmental conditions of a construction site.
5. The IoT platform is a fundamental pillar of the project. Please describe the features of this platform.
Lemaire: The developers of the IoT platform, employees of Omniscient, have years of expertise in the construction industry. The main goal of the platform: To map the entire ecosystem of a construction site. This impacts overall productivity. This includes digital fleet management – small equipment operated manually as well as cranes weighing tons. With just one click, workers can navigate a virtual map.
The location of each piece of equipment is visualized in real time. The real-time collection of geolocation and activity data from engines allow us to monitor construction processes in real-time. The Omniscient platform provides a ready to use dashboard for project managers that give them real-time insights on their project, help them identify bottlenecks in the process and make the right decision to ensure their projets stay on schedule. It can also be used to control equipment configurations on-site.
Sisse: However, the most important key feature and innovation of the solution is its tremendous adaptability. This is because the combination of different geolocation technologies allows GPS to be used in an open environment and Wi-Fi sniffing to be used between buildings. BLE is used to scan the environment and to detect other small devices that are also tagged with BLE.
You explained the functions of the IoT platform in an interesting way. Can you explain the analysis functions?
Lemaire: The algorithms developed in-house enable and simplify numerous analysis functions. For example, the data collected by the sensors is used to accurately calculate and evaluate performance indicators for fleet management. These include the number of turnarounds, equipment utilization, inventory by technical basis, and inventory by location and by number of billable days.
Lastly, a question about your future visions: What other prospects and implementation possibilities do you see for wireless IoT technologies in the construction industry?
Lemaire: The cooperation between our three companies offers further potential. There is a wide range of possibilities for additional solutions that can increase efficiency. These include measuring machine productivity, optimizing transport routes, and increasing the safety of personnel. Let's take the example of occupational safety. Installed sensors can zone specific areas and monitor them in real time. Thus, personnel can be warned via the back-end system if they are about to enter restricted areas or if the occupancy rate of personnel in that area is too high. The latter concept is particularly essential for social distancing measures and is currently all the more in demand. The configurable warnings offer additional options for action and safety measures for personnel deployment on construction sites.