Herald
pioneer reporter
Farmers now have the opportunity to increase agricultural yields by monitoring crops using sensors and tracking tractors, combines and other agricultural equipment using Econet’s machine-to-machine (M2M) technology.
The M2M platform allows remote management of machines and other business assets, such as warehouse or office surveillance cameras, without human intervention by installing devices with global user identity modules on site.
Using this technology, farmers can install sensors in their fields and use their mobile phones to remotely monitor soil, water, light, humidity and temperature conditions.
When the censor is combined with a smart irrigation system, crops are only irrigated when they need to be watered, resulting in huge benefits for water use efficiency and increased yields.
With the advent of smart metering, Econet’s M2M technology can also be used to retrofit water billing systems, which will allow the country’s municipalities to digitize their processes.
For water utilities and transportation companies, smart meters offer multiple benefits, including leak detection, energy savings, demand forecasting, awareness campaigns, promotion of efficient appliances, and performance monitoring.
From a customer’s perspective, smart water meters can provide information about when and where water is being used, compare your own water usage with other customers, and quickly detect leaks.
Dr Jimmy Shindi, head of Econet’s Business Solutions (EBS) division, said the introduction of smart meters would be a huge milestone for local municipalities struggling to collect taxes that would impact operations.
“Not only will this ensure accurate billing of water consumption, but it will also speed up the transition to prepaid water solutions,” he said.
M2M technology has benefited many businesses that use data collected by connected devices to monitor inventory supply levels, energy usage, and equipment temperature, among others, to ensure service quality, improve operational efficiency, and save costs.
“We are securing machine 2 machine communication by eliminating human intervention with our technology, which helps businesses achieve greater efficiency and robust security,” added Dr. Shindi.
Dr. Shindi said that by moving to M2M, manufacturers can reduce costs, optimize and integrate processes, and gain complete visibility into their manufacturing processes.
“M2M technology uses advanced sensors and chips to monitor the overall state and performance of a machine. If vibration, temperature, pressure changes and other signs of mechanical failure are detected, the system automatically communicates this information to other connected devices, allowing workers to be more informed. Find and fix problems quickly.
“These technologies also help improve machine performance and productivity. Since M2M-connected equipment can detect warning signs and relay problems almost immediately, companies can perform all preventive maintenance tasks to preserve machine life and ensure efficient performance, “He says.
Globally, M2M technology has moved into the realm of passive tracking as well as container tracking.
Passive tracking refers to tracking stationery suppliers who sell on behalf of an organization, allowing companies to ensure they have enough stationery sales truck reps in all the spaces they need and maximize revenue.
On the other hand, container tracking becomes necessary when cargo is not limited to a specific truck and can be transferred from rail to road. In this case, it is crucial to ensure that the contents of the container remain safe despite changes in shipping methods.
Econet is Zimbabwe’s leading telecommunications and technology company, providing mobile services to more than 12 million connected customers. Since launching the service in 1998, the company has been the first to roll out 3G and 4G services nationwide. Recently, it became the first operator in the country to launch 5G services.