American Security Today May 2017 Digital Magazine American Security Today May 2017 Digital Magazine | Page 48

Volume 12 May 2017 Edition 7 Reasons Utilities In- dustry Should be Em- ploying Drones The use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, in the electric utility industry is set to take off. There are many potential benefits of UAS in utility operations, such as maintenance and inspec- tions, accompanied by time and worker safety ben- efits. Simulyze, a leading provider of operational intelli- gence technology and applications that empower both federal agencies and commercial organiza- tions, has released a new infographic for utilities professionals. It features many benefits of using commercial drones to do the often-dangerous work of inspect- ing, maintaining and repairing power lines, trans- mission towers, wind turbines and solar panels. Key Points: • More cost-effective inspections • Increased worker safety • Increased data collection efficiency and re- duced time • Improved overall inspections, such as reach- ing previously inaccessible areas • More accurate, detailed data in comparison to that obtained by manned aircraft • A scaled-down environmental footprint, and • A better use of resources for an organization or business (Find out how Kevin Gallagher launched Simulyze with one goal in mind: Help the Department of Defense collect opera- tional intelligence. Courtesy of ABC7 WJLA and YouTube) “Utilities across the country are beginning to see the vast potential for drones to reduce costs, im- prove safety, increase reliability and more quick- ly analyze malfunctions,” said Kevin Gallagher, CEO of Simulyze. “While utilities currently conduct most mainte- nance operations by manual, visual inspection, many are now using drones for a number of ac- tivities traditionally performed by helicopters and third parties, such as maintenance, line inspec- tions and storm damage assessments.” 48