BP eyes up Andronics’ innovative local technology

Derry-based asset management firm, Andronics have announced that BP are to conduct a large-scale pilot of UtilityEye, the innovative remote supply monitoring system developed by the local company.

Said to be the first system of its kind, UtilityEye enables remote monitoring of residential and commercial customer gas and oil tanks. The system monitors the customers’ tank levels, and reports these back via satellite as required, ensuring that the customer is never out of oil or gas.

The pilot follows BP’s satisfaction following an initial trial of the system, which confirmed the benefits that tank monitoring can bring to BP, their customers and the environment.

Graham Douglas, Process Consultant, BP said: “UtilityEye will revolutionise how we manage logistics. Accurate tank level information will facilitate delivery scheduling, resulting in reduced distribution costs and greater efficiency. Customers will benefit from improved service, with fewer disruptions for unnecessary deliveries, yet ensuring that they will not run out of fuel.”

The system is based on Little Low-Earth Orbit (LLEO) Satellite technology, which provides reliable, low-cost communication. Andronics Chairman, Robert Andrews, explained: “Many utilities are not aware of the recent advances in satellite technology, resulting in cost-effective, reliable, fast communications, regardless of location.

“We develop applications using the ORBCOMM and GlobalStar satellite constellations, both of which will be used in the BP pilot.”

Andronics’ UtilityEye products recently won the ‘Most Innovative Service’ category of the World Communication Awards. (CL)