Commonwealth Bank's Equip report

15/10/2017

Downer forms the focus of a case study in the Commonwealth Bank’s latest Equip report, a publication designed to deliver exclusive insights into the trends shaping some of our key industries.

The latest issue, out today, focuses on the new generation of emerging technologies - from artificial intelligence, to electric vehicles, and the connecting of assets known as the Internet of Things.

The Downer case study centres on our leadership position in actively experimenting with emerging technologies. Our Group Manager for Technology and Innovation, Jeff Sharp, was interviewed by the Bank’s researchers, explaining that many of Downer’s innovations involve capturing rich streams of data to manage and protect large networks of assets.

"Drones have proved valuable for collecting data safely and cost-effectively. Downer is working with partners to replace people on dangerous surveys of assets such as bridges and telecommunication towers. We’re also working on trials utilising drones with thermal imaging cameras to detect water under roads, so we can see issues before they cause problems,” said Jeff.

Combining big data with artificial intelligence

Jeff says the real value of big data comes when it is combined with predictive analytics, often powered by artificial intelligent systems.

From service provider to trusted advisor

By drawing on our rich data stream, Downer not only helps to reduce costs today, it also generates insights that can be used to plan and manage assets more effectively in the future. It enables Downer to build deeper customer relationships, repositioning the Company from a maintenance service provider to a trusted partner.   

Jeff says customers particularly value the broad perspective we can offer, across multiple industries.

On partnering with tech giants Microsoft and Cisco:

“Together, we’re creating better operational technology. We’re developing augmented reality solutions, which overlay information on top of real surroundings and can be used for training purposes,” said Jeff.

The full report is available on the Commonwealth Bank’s website.