As the demand for accurate, real-time data has grown, so too needs unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that can deliver it. Nowadays, there are more than 600 UAS operators in North America alone, and demand is expected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2025. To help meet this growing demand, companies of all sizes are developing their own unique UAS platforms to supply their own unique set of business needs. Here are some things you need to consider when choosing a UAS system for your company:
What features are important?
The features that make up a good Elbit UAS system depend on your military’s specific needs. For example, suppose you operate a large army’s workplace safety and security system. In that case, you’ll want a highly efficient, easy-to-use, and can deliver the right amount of data to support your specific mission. If, on the other hand, you are operating a small security troop, then weighing the importance of features can be more challenging. To help you make the right choice, consider the following:
Cost: This is an essential factor when choosing a UAS system for your company. The more expensive the system, the more data it can collect, store, and transmit. That said, it’s important to note that the more data you want to store, the more expensive it will be. And depending on how you wish to use the data that could be worth the price of admission.
Efficiency: You don’t have to have the best engine in the garage to get good results. Some of the best systems are those that are the least expensive to operate. The key here is finding a balance between the things that make a great system and things that aren’t so important to make a great system but are nice to have.
Are surveillance and analytics a must?
If you operate in a highly regulated industry like law enforcement or government, where there are tough rules and regulations regarding the use of drones, then being able to monitor operations from the air is essential. But for most other companies, having access to real-time, high-quality data is more important. That’s why it’s important to decide if you want to use your drone primarily for surveillance or for analytics.
If surveillance is a must, then being able to tie all that data together into an insightful, actionable report is important. But for many other companies, having access to real-time, high-quality data is more important. That’s why it’s important to decide if you want to use your drone primarily for surveillance or for analytics.
Research is key
If you choose to use a system that is new and untested by the market, there will likely be hiccups along the way. And that’s perfectly normal. That’s why you should carefully research your options and make sure you’re getting the system that best meets your needs.
First, try to get a sense of how your company functions by conducting a “silent” beta test. If everything works as planned, great! But if not, you can always go back to the drawing board and try something different next time.
Next, decide which metrics are most important to you by conducting market research. What are your top priorities? Which features would you like to have in a system? Start researching systems that best meet those needs and see if they catch your eye.
How much data do you need?
The number of sensors a system has is directly related to the amount of data it can collect and the quality of that data. This is another key consideration when choosing a UAS system for your company. There are a variety of sensors available that can help you gather information such as:
Altitude – altitude is the highest level of data a drone can reach. It’s important to note that higher altitudes don’t necessarily mean more miles flown. It just means more data to collect.
Speed – speed is the rate at which data is transferred between the plane and the sensor. Health and safety systems exchange data through sensors that monitor the movement and symptoms of a machine-induced illness. Repetitive motion sensors monitor the amount of muscle movement caused by daily tasks.
GPS – GPS is the gold standard in the industry and is still the most popular way to connect a drone to a controller. It’s able to track the movement of a single object or device, as well as its location.
Decide what data you’re looking for
When choosing a UAS system for your company, consider the types of data you want to collect. Are you more interested in weather data or flight data? Weather data may be more important to you than flight data. Similarly, if you operate an advertising or marketing agency, then you might want to look into buying feeds that are specifically designed to support that industry. Some companies will offer feeds in addition to operating one, which you can then choose to use for either business or personal purposes.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the right UAS system for your company, there are many factors you need to take into consideration. The most important one is likely to cost. The more expensive the system, the more data that can collect, stored, and transmit. While volume may be important, the quality of data is what ultimately makes or breaks a system.
That said, the cost is only one aspect of choosing the right UAS system. There are plenty of cheaper systems out there that can still deliver impressive results. But cheaper systems often fall short in one key area: data quality. Be sure to pick a top-notch system that delivers the right amount of data you need for your business.
