UKESNC winner 2013
ManagePlaces won the 2013 competition with their idea for a location based management tool.
By combining real-world sensor data with tasks and responsibilities, teams that have to work remotely can improve efficiency and save money. ManagePlaces has developed a software tool that stores organisations’ sensor and location data securely in the cloud, and processes and analyses the data to provide summarised dashboards that are available on the web, mobile or tablet. The system integrates sensor data with project tasks to deliver an optimised priority list that is based on your current location, creating a connection between remote workers, and delivering a real-time virtual operations room.
The thought behind the idea
Back in 2009, Georgios Michalakidis and Aaron Mason were two researchers at the University of Surrey who shared the same vision for combining efficiency metrics, location information and embedded device technology in integrated, easy to use systems to help improve business process efficiency.
Whilst working to improve the workflow management of conservation organisations and community care providers, they realised that other industries would benefit from being able to combine sensor analytics with required actions in one system. For instance, the same movement and noise sensors applied to the in-field monitoring of species activity could also help facilities managers to control air-conditioning units and lighting systems based on need.
Today, in the era of the Internet of Things (IoT) where technology is connected, communicating and self-learning, companies are producing large amounts of data on a daily basis. The ManagePlaces’ software platform automates the process of collecting location data from GPS devices (e.g. smartphones), readings and measurements from any sensor (e.g. energy monitors or health devices) and delivers real-time knowledge to all team members, wherever they are based. This is achieved dynamically and intuitively using ManagePlaces software.
Information is presented in real-time. A live mapping function dynamically captures task and sensor information, showing their exact location and status, so that customers are aware of the current situation at all times, and can analyse information about specific areas or hotspots.
Impact of the ESNC on the business
ManagePlaces won the UK arm of the European Satellite Navigation Competition in 2013. “The prize and recognition opened up doors that allowed us to expand the team and further invest in research and development,” says ManagePlaces Co-Founder, Georgios Michalakidis. “As a result of the publicity we gained from the competition, the European Space Agency (ESA) has approached us for a range of collaborative projects. The company now has additional offices in Harwell, Oxford and is heavily involved in development of the Internet of Things ecosystems.”
Business growth
A recent example of ManagePlaces’ IoT collaborations is a £1m demonstration project with Flexeye Ltd and University of Surrey, to develop accessible smartphone apps that track the location of campus students to ensure their safety by notifying acquaintances or security staff in a case of emergency. With the Intellectual Property developed, ManagePlaces is extending the technology application to organisations with lone workers operating in challenging environments, “silent alarm” Apps for safety and security in crowded areas, and for the health status tracking of post-operative patients during recovery and response to emerging medical incidents.