BizSmart is a unique software tool that allows an organisation to make more effective use of workflow processes. It does this by providing access to the task list and performing a set of functions.
The satellite version BizSmart SAT will provide this functionality to users regardless of their geographic location and can serve as a much needed back-up to terrestrial networks.
Innovis is also targeting BizSmart SAT to satellite and internet service providers, so that they can build their own service offerings, based on the platform.
Maritime pilot
In a trial with Pacific & Atlantic, a Greek shipping company with 28 vessels, three Inmarsat C devices were placed aboard ships and connected to headquarters in Athens via the Internet. Implementation of a messaging protocol allowed users to query BizSmart services from Inmarsat C terminals, providing a bidirectional communication between ships and corporate information systems.
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The system can handle transmit information on ship position, departure and arrival times, even maintenance orders faster and more reliability than what was previously accomplished by phone and fax. |
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BizSmart SAT Messaging allows execution of a process with the submission of less messages (50% reduction) resulting in a considerable reduction in communication costs.
Construction pilot
DODONIS Ltd., a Greek company focused on the management and consulting of technical/construction projects. DODONIS is mainly specialised in construction of tunnels, which are usually located in mountainous areas where accessing telecommunications networks is very difficult.
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BizSmart SAT was particularly interesting to DODONIS which needs continuous communication with Worksites positioned far from headquarters. Although similar to the maritime requirement, DODONIS had some special requirements. Last minute proposals to change construction processes require acceptance and refusal exchanges, thus increasing the number of steps in the process and the amount of data. BizSmart SAT provides automatic feedback, speeding up reaction time and improving the decision making workflow. |
Communication links were established with Iridium and Inmarsat. The Inmarsat link allowed employment of the ESA Telecom supported project BGAN (see related links at the top-right of this page). A RBGAN satellite IP modem made the link between headquarters and the field.
The implementation of a messaging protocol allowed users to query BizSmart services from Iridium devices using short messages (Iridium Short Message Service), providing a bidirectional communication between worksite and corporate information systems.
The simplicity of the BizSmart SAT design was evident in that just two one-day training courses were needed to brief users in the use of satellite networks.
After completion of the trials, the DODONIS management team thought BizSmart SAT 'viable in a true working environment' and are deciding whether to use BizSmart SAT in future projects.
Health insurance pilot
Already a user of the non-satellite BizSmart, Mednet Hellas SA from Greece, manages care and acts as a third party administrator for insurance companies. The company is mainly involved in 'claims administration' and 'online coverage' for insured members' hospitalizations.
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With an eye to Aid to Disaster Relief, Mednet Hellas is especially concerned when disasters have destroyed traditional terrestrial based telecommunication networks. |
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As a back up to terrestrial networks, Mednet Hellas found the satellite based solution offered by Innovis extremely useful and thinks it meets their requirements.
According to representatives of Innovis, "ESA system engineering standards ensured that BizSmart SAT application is compliant to users requirements."
BizSmart SAT got its start during Round 3 of ESA Telecom's Start-up Projects Initiative. (see related links) "ESA's Start Up Projects initiative gave us the financial and technological opportunity to develop a product that can address a number of new and lucrative vertical markets and our status as a contractor of ESA gave us a substantial marketing advantage that will open commercial doors for a long time to come", states Argyrios Pantelis of Innovis and Project Manager of BizSmart SAT.
Norbert Huebner, Applications Engineer for ESA Telecom said, "The successes of the BizSmart SAT project exemplify the value which the Start-up Projects Initiative brings to growing European industry, especially since this project comes from Greece, one of our newest member states."
To read more about BizSmart SAT just click under related links at the top-right of this page.
All images ESA.
