CONSTRUCTION SITE MOBILE OPERATION SUPPORT

The ESPRIT project COSMOS has developed a system integrating software and hardware modules to support the business processes and workflow operations of construction or other companies, which operate in places where it is difficult or impossible to establish wired communications. The system consists of an Application Server able to operate in wireless environments, a Satellite & Wireless Network Infrastructure and a Mobile Middleware Platform for monitoring and management the different networks.

The prototype was tested by two construction companies (Coopsette in Italy and Aktor in Greece) over a period of six months.

The prototype applications were Supply Material Services, Control Technical Drawing and Manage Equipment.

The benefits of the system are seen as:

  • enhanced communications;
  • cost reduction of various operations;
  • better co-ordination of activities;
  • prompt response to emergencies;
  • more effective management of resources;
  • better monitoring and control of business units (e.g. sites)
  • improved working conditions;
  • enhanced reporting capabilities;
  • access to valuable company information;
  • effective implementation of the company Quality Assurance System

    The system components are
    i) a wireless LAN infrastructure (based on HIPERLAN, 2.4 GHz and DECT technologies);
    ii) a satellite WAN network;
    iii) communication middleware to operate on different networks;
    iv) an application server that supports off-line operations;
    v) a set of customisable applications to model the companies' business processes;
    vi) a set of off-the-shelf components (database, Web server, ....);

    The main innovative aspects of COSMOS are:

  • the use of satellite links not only for traditional data broadcast, but also for interactive IP applications and services support;
  • the use of wireless technology designed mainly for indoor use in an outdoor environment;
  • the use of interactive Internet-based applications from different kinds of devices.

    The COSMOS consortium has explored several possible scenarios for the exploitation of the COSMOS results. The scenarios are still confidential.