DIGITAL DISRUPTION
Many devices and technologies we take for granted were once considered disruptive, but now they are part of everyday use.
D
isruptive innovations are
frequently completed using CCTV, reduc-
remains vital for utilities and construction
those technological advances
ing the need for workers to venture directly
contractors as more and more assets are
that fundamentally change a
into the system. Advances in renewables
located underground.
market or industry, often by
like solar PV and energy storage seem
displacing an existing tech-
poised to transform the electricity industry.
nology.
In the past we have seen a move away from manual records and from more destructive
In the information age, as industry be-
methods of determining asset locations,
While often met with initial resistance,
comes more data intensive, many disrup-
such as exploratory digging or potholing.
such technologies should be seen as
tive technologies take a digital form. In
Non-invasive surveying technologies like
transformative rather than destructive as
the report titled ‘Digital Disruption - Short
ground penetrating radar (GPR), sound-
they often increase productivity, resulting
fuse, big bang?’, consultancy firm Deloitte
ing technology, radio detection and elec-
in countless benefits and paving the way
suggests that many of the largest Austral-
tromagnetic induction have experienced
for further innovation. As technology
ian companies face a huge shake-up from
widespread adoption. Services like Dial
advances, routine tasks are made more
emerging digital technologies within the
Before You Dig (DBYD), which collate
efficient, freeing up more resources to
next three years. Digital disruption is driv-
information submitted by contractors
direct towards other efforts and further
ing the next wave of technological evolu-
and offer it freely, also play a pivotal role.
progress.
tion and the utility sector is no exception.
In the recent past, wireless technology
looks likely to involve augmented reality
fundamentally changed the nature of
Shaking up the utility locating sector
communications, and over the last cen-
One of many fields to have experienced
GIS data to visualise underground assets.
tury, machines have continued to replace
innovation is that of utility locating tech-
Solutions that display geographic asset
people. For instance, sewer inspections are
nology. Understanding underground assets
data as maps, text or as a 3D visualisa-
The next phase in the field’s development
20
FSB AUGUST 2015
overlays on mobile devices, which use
www.FieldServiceBusiness.com.au