Case Study : Asset and Data Collection

The Problem

Older infrastructure did not provide the capability to easily monitor additional remote assets. A large financial investment was required to expand their hardwired telephone networks in remote areas. The monthly operational cost carried a significant weight and there were limitations to what information could be collected by their main site from certain locations.

The Solution

ONYX Engineering designed, built, and installed a network of cellular modems to replace the existing telephone line communications lines to all of their remote asset monitoring stations. PLC controllers were also installed and programmed in locations that did not previously have asset collection capability. New stations were brought online seamlessly and phased in so services would not be interrupted.

The Results

The cellular solution provided a substantial reduction in monthly operational costs in addition to a more cost-effective solution to accommodate future expansion. The solution allows for a more efficient response to hardware failures if they were to occur resulting in decreased time to repair. The cellular solution allowed the customer to bring on new systems quickly and with minimum planning and preparation. It also in some cases had the benefit of providing remote support capability where it previously required on-site assistance.