Forest Conservation
Background and challenges
In the heart of Africa’s diverse and expansive forests, our customer, an esteemed entity dedicated to rehabilitating degraded natural forest areas, conserving public forests, and enhancing forest cover, faced significant challenges in communication infrastructure. Particularly in remote forested regions where traditional means of communication were inadequate. The lack of reliable LTE coverage hindered effective communication among field personnel, jeopardising the efficiency and safety of field operations, necessitating a robust solution to bolster connectivity and coordination.
Ensuring safety in hazardous environments
To overcome these obstacles, they sought a comprehensive communication system that could ensure reliable connectivity and real-time coordination among its dispersed workforces. The customer chose their system integrator to implement a tailored communication solution featuring a 25-site Simoco DMR Tier III network, with around 400 subscribers operating across different operational areas within the forests. Including features such as voice communications, lone worker safety, man down detection, dispatcher positions and GPS location tracking.
Benefits
- GPS location tracking
The implementation of GPS location tracking functionality enabled FS to precisely monitor the whereabouts of field personnel in real-time. This capability significantly enhanced operational efficiency and safety, allowing for swift response to emergencies or incidents. - Voice communications
Simoco’s solution provided robust voice communication capabilities, facilitating seamless coordination and collaboration among dispersed teams operating
within the forested areas. This ensured that critical information could be relayed promptly, thereby optimising workflow and decision-making processes. - Man down detection
The system’s man down detection feature automatically alerted designated responders in the event of a user becoming incapacitated or unable to move. This proactive approach to safety ensured that prompt assistance could be rendered, potentially averting more severe consequences. - Lone worker support
The inclusion of lone worker support features offered an added layer of safety for field personnel operating in remote and potentially hazardous environments. In the event of an emergency or incapacitation, lone workers could quickly summon assistance, thereby mitigating risks and ensuring their well-being.
Achieving conservation excellence
With Simoco’s state-of-the-art communication infrastructure integrated into the their daily operations, the client experienced a transformative improvement in its communication capabilities. Staff are now equipped with robust tools to collaborate effectively and ensure the sustainable management of precious forest resources. The customer is able to overcome communication ‘not spots’, enhance operational efficiency, and ultimately progress with its mission of managing and expanding a sustainable forest for the benefit of present and future generations.
Why Simoco?
The system integrator, with a rich background of experience and expertise in implementing such systems, collaborated with the client to choose Simoco’s solution based on several compelling factors. These included Simoco’s established track record of successfully deploying systems for similar organisations globally, as well as Simoco’s commitment to open standards and its reputation for delivering reliable and resilient communication systems.
City of Victor Harbor Council
Background and Challenges
The City of Victor Harbor, situated 80 km south of Adelaide, faced a significant challenge in ensuring the safety of its employees working in remote areas with limited or no phone coverage. The council was relying on a single-site analogue radio system using Simoco SRM mobile radios on a trunking network primarily for voice communication. However, this system did not provide the necessary safety features required to manage emergencies efficiently.
The council was in search of a solution that could enhance safety without incurring ongoing costs. Lacking knowledge about the latest radio systems available in the market, the City of Victor Harbor collaborated with Simoco to explore different radio technologies. The primary goal was to upgrade their radio system with safety features provided by a digital radio system.
Solution
After careful consideration, the council selected Simoco DMR Tier III for its reliability and advanced safety features. The system’s ability to provide live tracking was a pivotal factor in the decision-making process. Simoco’s DMR Tier III not only offered near live GPS tracking but also included features such as lone worker and man down alerts. This upgrade allowed the council to address safety concerns effectively, especially for employees working in remote areas.
The Simoco Radio system was also capable of GPS tracking for assets, including trailers, integrated with vehicle tracking and portable radio tracking. This comprehensive solution enabled the council to have a unified system for tracking assets, people, and facilitating emergency responses.
Key aspects influencing the decision to choose Simoco
- No ongoing costs – The council appreciated the cost-effectiveness of the solution.
- Redundancy – The system offered redundancy, ensuring continuous communication even in challenging situations.
- Local support – The presence of local support was crucial for the council’s operational needs.
- After-sales support – The commitment to after-sales service and customer support played a significant role in the decision-making
process. - Cost-effective and reliable – Simoco’s solution was deemed the most cost-effective and reliable in the market.
- Australian ownership – The fact that Simoco was an Australian-owned company with local R&D support added to the appeal.
inquiry.
The new DMR Tier III system has proven not only to be reliable and resilient but is playing a major role in enhancing Work Health and Safety (WHS) for on-call and emergency works. This in line brings an efficient emergency response process and ensures the safety of our council staff throughout the day.Michael Ross – Operations Manager at City of Victor Harbor
Benefits
Live tracking
The system provided near live GPS tracking, enhancing real-time monitoring of personnel and assets.
Asset tracking
The inclusion of GPS tracking for assets like trailers ensured comprehensive asset management.
Lone worker and man down features
These safety features helped in monitoring and responding to emergency situations promptly.
Ruthless pre-emption feature
In emergency scenarios, users could communicate effectively, ensuring a swift and coordinated response.
Equipment deployed
- 2 x SDB680 50W bases
- 26 x SDM610 AC band radios and 6 SDP660 portables
- 1 x Velocity
- 4 desk bases
The successful implementation of Simoco’s solution not only addressed the safety concerns of the council but also provided a reliable and efficient communication infrastructure for day-to-day operations. The ongoing customer service and support further solidified the positive impact of the decision on the City of Victor Harbor.
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