Smart Communities

How do Florida cities future-proof their investment?

by Roger Brook, Smart Solutions, MeterSYS

Sensors and advanced “smart” meters are becoming the centerpiece of a smart city. These devices can remotely measure, monitor and transmit important data on infrastructure, the environment and public services in near real-time. The growing number of sensors, smart meters and connectivity solutions are making it easier and more affordable to solve challenges in our communities.

Sensors and smart meters can be used to accurately detect water loss from pipes, water consumption per home, outdoor and indoor air quality conditions, levels of trash in waste bins, flooding concerns, wastewater overflow risks and many more use-cases.

The pandemic, along with an aging workforce, has many cities re-evaluating how to capture data without an onsite “truck roll.” While sensors have been available for many years, local public agencies have historically underinvested in sensors. They were often expensive, data was difficult to integrate with their systems, communication infrastructure was proprietary, which locked them into single vendors, and power and communication were not always reliable.

However, many developments have now made sensors a “need to have” for good governance and a good fit within operating budgets.

New wireless communication technologies have emerged as popular alternatives or supplements to traditional cellular and fiber networks. Open wireless technologies have been designed to cost-efficiently transmit sensor data securely over long ranges, consume less power (sensor batteries can last 5-10 years), perform well indoors and outdoors, support large numbers of sensors and service multiple vendors and sensor use cases.

CITIES CAN FUTURE-PROOF THEIR SENSOR INVESTMENTS

First, sensors usually need to connect with wireless technology because they are often not located near a wired connection. Choose an “open” wireless network that is not proprietary and will support multiple vendors and types of sensors. This type of network helps avoid expensive “vendor lock-in.”

Second, choose a technology and network provider that offers proven security and data privacy.

Third, choose technologies designed for your requirements. Do you need to transmit small data packets on a regular basis with occasional alerts (e.g., water pressure readings)? Or do you need to transmit large data such as images or video that require higher bandwidth? Those needs require different solutions to be cost-efficient.

Fourth, select a network that supports the scale-up to more sensors over the long term. Flexibility and growth are important when it is hard to predict the future.

Fifth, determine if you need a network that can perform well indoors and outdoors. Not all network technologies can do both.

Lastly, if possible, use a network operator that provides a self-service portal so your team can keep tabs on network and sensor performance.

Sensors are creating solutions in every aspect of our lives, from healthcare (think Fitbit) to smartphones (camera features) to our cars (the average car has 60-100 onboard sensors). Proper planning will make them vital to future city solutions as well.

Roger Brook is Technology Manager of MeterSYS and can be reached at roger.brook@metersys.com.

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