Communications
AutoMate can be configured to work around changing conditions.
Maximising performance from existing networks SEPURA’S AUTOMATE APPLICATION USES ENHANCED FEATURES TO KEEP WORKERS IN CONSTANT CONTACT AND IMPROVE ON-SITE SAFETY AND OPERATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE.
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mission-critical organisation will have a requirement for “always on” communications, permanently connecting key users on a highly resilient network. The radios used on site and in the field will be tough, proven devices, capable of providing clear, loud audio to users. This is crucial to staff safety, no matter what their working environment – whether they are the driver of a large vehicle, an explosives specialist, or desk-based staff in a busy control room. Such organisations will already actively manage their on-site communications; however, it is possible to add more advanced features dynamically to their existing radios. Sepura business development manager Doug Bowden has extensive experience developing solutions for mining companies. He outlines one of the key advantages of using a TETRA
system over a standard cellular solution: “Because single site networks are owned and controlled by user organisations, additional functions can be added to the platform based around operational requirements. “These can encompass more data services and applications than are usually considered part of the critical communications capability.” Sepura’s AutoMate application is one example of an intelligent app that can improve both safety and operations. Developed by the Australian team led by Bowden and designed specifically for Sepura’s customers in mining, the solution improves both operational performance and staff safety by enabling radio automation through geofencing and situational triggers. Sepura’s technical lead on the app, Ash Hunter, explains that “once a userdefined automation is triggered, the app
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executes routine and safety critical tasks to deliver fast results, reducing the risk of user error and safeguarding front-line teams who are able to focus on their critical tasks.” The Sepura team highlights that customers asked them for solutions to enhance their situational awareness across sites. “It is vital for control rooms to understand the location and status of their operational teams,” Bowden says. “By utilising automated alerts from within the application and sent over an existing TETRA network, situational awareness across the site is massively improved, without the need to invest in further communication infrastructure.” Alerts and notifications are fully configurable to match and enhance an organisation’s workflows. A flexible set of triggers and radio actions can support operations, and automations can
