Fully automatic

By Matt Nelson, AvaLAN Wireless Systems

Automation through wireless and information technology has the potential to generate important cost savings in the way we manage, maintain and run our infrastructure assets, says Matt Nelson.

How are new technologies and techniques affecting the development of new infrastructures in the US?
Matt Nelson. Newer technologies are always under development and always being introduced into the marketplace. The recent increase in demand for smart grid technologies has created a positive environment for entrepreneurs in the United States. These new technologies and techniques have the potential to affect US infrastructure in terms of cost, performance and functionality. Through the combination of information technology and wireless technology remote data collection and remote control of infrastructure systems are currently experiencing a revolutionary change. With these technologies more data can be collected and better decisions can be made in the management of any infrastructure system.

What influence have increasing regulatory, public and environmental pressures had on the way infrastructures are being rolled out? Why is there a concern?
MN. Recently increased federal spending for alternative energy and smart grid technologies has been a catalyst for increased activity in the United States infrastructure industry. However, with the increased federal spending there has also been increased regulatory restrictions. Many of the regulatory restrictions have the potential to slow the rollout of new technology that could greatly benefit both the industry and the consumers. Technology and technology companies typically move much faster than state, local and federal government organizations. Regarding environmental pressures, the current social and economic climate should enable improvements in US infrastructure. Most smart city and smart grid technologies are positioned to improve environmental conditions.

What recommendations would you make to companies looking to improve infrastructures, and where does your company fit into the picture?
MN. In the current economic environment many companies are looking for ways to improve their expense structure. It will be beneficial for all companies small and large, to investigate and determine whether or not infrastructure automation has the potential to generate cost savings. My company, AvaLAN Wireless Systems, has developed robust and reliable proprietary wireless technology that enables many of the new data collection and remote control applications. AvaLAN Wireless radio modules are in use today in a multitude of applications including: IP surveillance cameras, outdoor lighting control systems, irrigation and watershed management, SCADA, remote monitoring, remote control and wireless meters.

What differentiates your products from others in the industry?
MN. AvaLAN Wireless Systems has been building radio modules for outdoor, long range, robust and reliable connectivity for the past five years. Many wireless technologies that most people are familiar with were not designed for harsh outdoor environments or for the demanding a reliability of the many industrial applications. AvaLAN's wireless technology focuses on robustness and reliability first. Our products work where many other wireless technologies seem to fail. AvaLAN has also focused on Ethernet interface technologies to enable the connection of many different types of devices at the network's edge. AvaLAN believes that Ethernet technology is the interface and protocol of choice for all information technology and that is where AvaLAN has focused their industrial wireless technology products.

How do you see this sector developing over the next five to 10 years?
MN. Over the next five to 10 years smart cities and smart grid technology will be implemented and will transform the way US infrastructure is managed, maintained, and run. With all the data that is being collected, better efficiencies can be gained and determined. Resources will be better allocated and directed. Alternative energy will become increasingly more abundant and more available. Highways and roads will be modified to become more efficient. Waterways and water systems will become better utilized and improved. The potential of greatly improving US infrastructure has far reaching impact on the United States both today globally and tomorrow for future generations. 

Matt Nelson is the CEO and President of AvaLAN Wireless Systems. He has over 20 years of high-tech experience working for Avocent, Time Domain, Motorola and 3COM. Nelson holds a patent for wireless computing, a Bachelors degree in computer information systems and a Masters degree in business administration from Regis University.