Farnek deploys remote IoT solution at select Aster facilities in UAE

Farnek has begun a pilot project at select Aster sites in the UAE with its remote monitoring system based on the Internet of Things (IoT).

Temperature changes and energy usage based on current-voltage will be recorded by sensors installed at certain Aster pharmacies and clinics, along with other data such as footfall. This data is then compiled by a remote administration system, which provides Farnek technicians with real-time readings.

Machine Learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) based analytical platform then process the data, creating timely alarms, analytical reports, and dashboards for day-to-day and predictive maintenance, forecasting, and planning.

Thresholds can then be set and benchmarked against similar facilities and assets, and if those criteria are breached, real-time notifications are provided to a 24/7 command center and technical teams, who can subsequently take appropriate action using mobility solutions. The platform also employs encryption algorithms to ensure that the data is protected with bank-level security.

“Introduction of the smart system at these select facilities will enable us to set a model for IoT enabled facilities management aimed at bringing in energy-efficient and effective management which would enhance a customer’s experience with Aster. With plans to extend the set-up to all Aster clinics, pharmacies and hospitals, the introduction is in alignment with Aster’s ESG goals,” said Hanie Abdul Sathar, Director of EuroHealth Systems – managing the project for Aster.

“The project highlights how we can provide practical business intelligence to our customers and as such add real value to our market proposition. Data about footfall can be extremely valuable to our clients. If they correlated footfall with revenue and product portfolio over regular periods and benchmarked that with other stores in different locations, it could initiate changes in stock ordering or opening times. It could also help managers plan their staffing requirements to cover heavy demand periods,” said Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek.

“This is an extremely exciting juncture for FM. It is where ML and AI come into play as we are harnessing big data from all participating Aster locations. That immediately gives us a valuable benchmark,” commented Kelvin Vargheese, Senior Director – Total Facilities Management, Farnek.

“With measurement thresholds agreed and set, if the temperature goes beyond a certain point, we know exactly where the problem is and a maintenance team can be dispatched to rectify the issue, unless the external variables are in question. This is the future of predictive facilities management,” he added.