Chiranthana Weraniyagoda, Product Head – Enterprise IoT of Dialog Enterprise, the corporate ICT solution arm of Dialog Axiata PLC, shares insights into the company’s mission to advance the adoption of IoT technology across the Sri Lankan economy while making it accessible to everyone, thereby improving digital inclusion. Chiranthana begins this interview by expounding on some of the exciting global trends and possibilities unleashed by advancements in IoT technology as the 4th Industrial Revolution progresses:
The potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) to revolutionize our lives and work is vast. Several global trends are taking shape, transforming the world at a rapid pace.
For instance, the advent of smart cities, where connected devices and analytics orchestrate more sustainable, efficient, and liveable environments. From utilities to transportation, parking, and traffic control, real-time management using inputs from connected devices and logical reasoning will become commonplace.
Accurate decision-making is crucial to business success, and industrial automation will become a dominant trend. As more businesses seek real-time information for better decision-making, IoT can automate and optimize various industrial processes, improving productivity and reducing costs by providing visibility into operations. For example, connected sensors can monitor machines and predict when maintenance is needed, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency.
With population growth comes the need for better logistics and transportation. IoT can optimize operations by tracking and monitoring shipments in real time, factoring in environmental variables such as temperature and humidity to ensure that perishables are not compromised in quality. This results in cost-efficient, time-optimized and value-conserving logistics operations.
IoT technology is also revolutionizing energy management. Rather than seeing consumption every month-end, smart energy meters can track and identify areas for improvement to prevent energy waste.
As resource scarcity becomes a growing concern, more and more agricultural institutions are adopting technology to sustain industry survival. IoT sensors can monitor soil conditions, water usage, and crop health, allowing for more efficient and sustainable farming practices. This can lead to higher yields, reduced waste, and a more sustainable food supply.
In healthcare, IoT can enable better and more personalized care. Connected wearables can monitor patients’ vital signs, track their medication, and provide real-time feedback to doctors, allowing for more proactive and targeted treatments.
How is Dialog Enterprise geared to bring the promises of the 4th Industrial Revolution – and unlock opportunities – for Sri Lankan enterprises of all sizes?
Dialog Enterprise offers a product portfolio initially developed in response to the challenges faced by Dialog Axiata Plc in managing its island-wide operation. These innovations, which once aided Dialog Axiata, are now available to Sri Lankan enterprises of all forms and sizes as solutions to unlock their potential and achieve 2x growth. Today, we see ourselves as a tech guide for local businesses, giving directions as needed to achieve their business objectives.
Our IoT solutions are not industry-specific and can be customized to meet most requirements of various industries. The core technology stack is designed with collaboration in mind, making it easy to integrate the IoT ecosystem with any existing system through an API, simplifying delivery and adoption. Dialog IoT solutions are simple and cost-effective, suitable for small SOHO customers to large-scale conglomerates governed by complex operational guidelines and sophistication. Furthermore, Dialog Enterprise has partnered with unique domain expert partners to strengthen the portfolio and rely on local device manufacturers to provide affordable solutions with minimal currency exposure to local businesses.
Can you take us through the services and solutions under your own IoT platform and how they meet the unique needs of different businesses?
The Dialog IoT product portfolio includes Dialog Smart Fleet which offers location-based services that cater to fleet and asset management needs. With real-time tracking, fuel consumption monitoring, surveillance and cargo condition monitoring tracking temperature and humidity, leaders of a business can make informed decisions on their feet. The solution also assists in managing driver and vehicle service and maintenance records, alerting when certain renewals are due. Using an AI/ML engine, the solution can plan and optimize delivery routes, adding value by reducing operational costs and managing carbon footprint and time.
Dialog Smart Seeker is an application that enables enterprises to manage their field staff more effectively. With live employee location tracking, businesses can plan field operations and implement health and safety guidelines. Additionally, value-added features such as geofencing, task assignment, and individual distance calculations help optimize the management of field staff.
IoT Automation is an end-to-end monitoring and automation solution that offers both ready-to-use and custom-built options. The ready-to-use solutions include generator, power, T&H, and ATM monitoring, while custom builds can bring multiple systems and connected devices to a single platform and create unique operational views for enterprises. The solutions work well with existing business operations, providing visibility to areas where automation is needed. Multiple dashboards and reporting capabilities create the right view for the management and operation teams.
For local industries, M-M Connectivity provides a worry-free solution for innovation without compromising on service and quality.
Can you share a few case studies on how Dialog Enterprise is helping enterprises transform with IoT?
Small businesses often lack the resources to explore new technologies on their own. That’s where Dialog Enterprise comes in, providing tech guidance and automating problem areas to help these businesses tackle day-to-day challenges. For pharmacies, retail shops, and small-scale manufacturing plants, energy consumption is a major challenge. Rising utility costs can eat into operational budgets, but our energy and generator monitoring solutions provide a real-time view of consumption patterns and power/fuel availability. This helps businesses take preventive measures to reduce costs while maintaining business continuity.
Location services are also crucial for auditing purposes, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, and trading enterprises. Tracking solutions enable fleet operations management, especially for rented vehicles and high-value goods. By monitoring mileage, fuel levels, temperature, and cargo status through a central monitoring view, businesses can better ensure accountability and control.
Our automation solutions have benefited a wide range of industries, from food manufacturing and supermarket chains to finance facilities and pharmaceuticals, as well as tea and rubber plantations in the agriculture sector. We serve over 5,000 enterprises through our IoT offerings, including large corporations like Heineken Lanka Ltd, MAG International, FedEx, Executive Premium, Trade Promoters, and SriLankan Airlines Cargo. By creating real time visibility and controls for traditional processors, we are committed to helping businesses of all forms and sizes improve production and efficiency to unlock better opportunities for themselves and safely navigate through this economic crisis.