Labege (France), Sydney, Sept. 19, 2016: Silicon Controls, a global leader in tank & cylinder monitoring devices (GASLOG), SIGFOX, the world’s leading provider of dedicated communications service for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Thinxtra, the exclusive SIGFOX network operator (SNO) for Australia & New Zealand, announced today a strategic partnership agreement under which Silicon Controls and Thinxtra will work to connect Silicon Control’s remote monitoring equipment to over 1 million tanks and cylinders via the SIGFOX network.
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.
SIGFOX said in a press statement that by delivering critical tank level & other operational data, remote monitoring of tanks and cylinders eliminated run-outs & emergency deliveries, and improved 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. It was expected to ultimately help oil and gas suppliers reduce the cost of distribution and evolve their customer services to improve loyalty and satisfaction.
“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, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Silicon Controls.
SIGFOX CEO Ludovic Le Moan said, “Thinxtra & 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 Limited, a NZX-listed high-tech leader in innovation of communications technology. The network roll out in Australia and New Zealand has commenced and was on track to meet its target of covering 85 per cent of the ANZ population with SIGFOX connectivity by the end of 2017.
Image Credit: SIGFOX/thinxtra/Silicon Controls