Key industry issues such as improving safety, avoiding downtime, accelerating knowledge transfer, and reducing carbon footprint, are the biggest drivers behind digital transformation in oil and gas. Key opportunities for Westbase.io partners include deploying Extended Reality smart glasses to frontline workers to support use cases such as remote assistance and digital workflows. Additionally private 5G is in growing demand, providing an efficient method to connect large areas, such as rigs, with high performance connectivity. Public cellular networks have also been a long-term go-to for connecting onshore pipelines for remote monitoring and management programmes.

Manufacturing and industrial environments are heavily focused on predictive maintenance and knowledge sharing programmes to address their key drivers of reduced downtime and increased productivity. Connecting assets to collate and share data about machines in real-time underpins this, meaning flexible, scalable connectivity is essential. Additionally, to support knowledge sharing, and ensure adherence to standard operating processes, smart glasses can provide frontline workers with access to the data they need when they need it, while keeping their hands free.

Delivering reliable and secure WiFi for field teams to connect to the Internet and centralised systems is still the single biggest driver for in-vehicle connectivity. Westbase.io partners can also help their customers to connect many other vehicle technologies though, supporting various industries such as utilities, roadside assistance, emergency services, and field services. From in-vehicle CCTV and asset tracking, to specialised technologies such as ANPR, the potential for 4G/5G solutions are increasing as organisations look for new ways to improve the security and efficiency of their field-based teams. Extended Reality can also support field teams who need to keep their heads up and hands free, while accessing the data they need.

Defence organisations are increasingly adopting connected technologies to improve operations in remote locations and advance their training programmes. For example, wireless connectivity such as 4G/5G is ideal for connecting remote bases or temporary locations where fixed line isn’t readily available. Extended Reality solutions such as smart glasses meanwhile can improve communication, education, and operations; from remote assistance to deliver live-saving telemedicine in the field, to providing training programme support for new recruits.

Mining is a dangerous and complex industry that needs reliable and efficient communications. The use of smart glasses is growing, providing hands-free assistance, remote expert guidance, and situational awareness for miners, allowing them to improve their safety and productivity. The deployment of wireless networks, such as private 5G, meanwhile can help to deliver ubiquitous connectivity across mining sites, modernising their infrastructure and helping to enable real-time data transmission.

Digital transformation is key to more efficient and sustainable operations in the marine industry, and is also contributing meaningfully to revenue growth and improved competitive strategy. For example, cost-effective yet reliable connectivity is critical to supporting workers, sensors and systems so they can operate unhindered. Smart glasses can also help to streamline operations, and reduce the need for excessive onboard personnel, by making it easier to support crew members remotely and equipping them with better access to the data they need.