Silicon Controls and Thinxtra to connect 1m oil & gas monitoring devices to Sigfox IoT network
Loic Barancourt, CEO, Thinxtra
Silicon Controls, a global provider of tank & cylinder monitoring devices (GASLOG™), Sigfox, a provider of dedicated communications service for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Thinxtra, the exclusive Sigfox network operator (SNO) for Australia & New Zealand, have announced a strategic partnership agreement.
As part of the agreement, Silicon Controls and Thinxtra will work together to connect Silicon Control’s next-generation remote monitoring equipment to over 1 million tanks and cylinders via the long-range, low-power Sigfox network.
Already working on opportunities in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America, the scope of the agreement includes the focused development of Silicon Controls’ IoT monitoring equipment, leveraging Sigfox’s connectivity solution and know-how, network expansion, development of joint go-to-market solutions and SLA-based operational support to customers.
By delivering critical tank level and other operational data, remote monitoring of tanks and cylinders eliminates run-outs and emergency deliveries and improves resource planning and route optimisation. The new monitoring technology resulting from this cooperation will address these specific needs of the oil and gas industries, driving down the cost of remote-monitoring equipment, reducing maintenance through extended battery life and lowering monthly communication fees.
Ludovic Le Moan, CEO, Sigfox
It is ultimately about helping oil and gas suppliers reduce the cost of distribution and evolve their customer services to improve loyalty and satisfaction, says the France-based network provider.
“This collaborative partnership is aimed at reducing the total cost of ownership of contents and usage monitoring, allowing our customers to monitor many more tanks and cylinders than current cellular solutions allow. Sigfox’s network availability today, its global business model, long battery life, equipment and data costs make it the logical first choice in Silicon Controls’ IoT monitoring strategy,” said Mike Neuman, CEO of Silicon Controls.
The majority of remote monitoring devices that will be connected to the IoT will require very simple, low-cost and low-power connectivity to transmit or receive data. In addition to meeting those requirements, Sigfox supports a guaranteed service level and competitive pricing, which underpins Silicon Controls’ solution. These advantages, packaged in a single global agreement, will allow Silicon Controls to offer end-to-end tank & cylinder monitoring solutions wherever the Sigfox network is available today and tomorrow.
“We are very excited about the potential of our strategic partnership and about being a partner of choice for Silicon Controls’ IoT device connectivity. With this agreement, we signal to the ANZ market that we are officially open for business,” Loic Barancourt, Thinxtra’s CEO commented.
Sigfox CEO, Ludovic Le Moan said: “Thinxtra and Silicon Controls’ strategic, global partnership demonstrates the seamless IoT connectivity that we provide via local Sigfox Network Operators to global companies like Silicon Controls, and their customers operating across Europe, Asia, the Americas and, of course, Australasia. Our local SNOs provide quick and simple access to global network services, support and pricing, as well as to their local network.”
Thinxtra was launched in 2015 and is backed by a consortium of strategic investors, including cornerstone investor Rakon Ltd, a NZX-listed high-tech leader in innovation of communications technology. The network roll-out in Australia and New Zealand has commenced and is on track to meet its target of covering 85% of the ANZ population with Sigfox connectivity by the end of 2017.
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