FreeWave launches IoT-enabled Satellite Proof of Concept program for high-capacity, smart connectivity in remote locations
BOULDER, CO April 18, 2024 – In its latest move in advancing industrial digital transformation, IIoT data solutions innovator FreeWave Technologies is launching a satellite solutions proof of concept (PoC). The PoC includes expert white-glove support and up to five complementary satellite devices for remote industrial operators looking to explore the cost benefits of leveraging satellite for backhaul or primary connectivity*. FreeWave’s Satellite (PoC) enables companies to access enhanced data-driven analytics in its FreeWave Insights™ data platform, while also reducing operational costs and increasing productivity by utilizing powerful and reliable Internet of Things Satellite (IoToS) technology. The limited-time PoC offer allows qualified users to select up to five ORBCOMM ST9100 or ST6100 units for their implementation. *Eligibility requires that users purchase FreeWave’s network optimization (set-up and activation) and enroll in a one-year ISATDATAPRO plan per device provided by Viasat. “FreeWave is truly excited for this opportunity to collaborate with its customers, giving their organizations the ability to unlock growth with satellite-connected remote IoT solutions at an affordable cost,” said Mike Tate, FreeWave’s COO and SVP of global sales and marketing. “With this offer, we will assist these customers and organizations to gain the actionable insight into the data they need to drive informed business decisions, reducing overall costs while improving productivity across the board.” FreeWave Technologies is an authorized global reseller of ORBCOMM devices and a Viasat ELEVATE program Wholesale Connectivity Partner. About FreeWave Technologies Based in Boulder, Colo., FreeWave Technologies is an IIoT data solutions provider that believes data unlocks true business transformation for those operating in the hardest-to-reach places on earth. For more than 30 years, the company has equipped remote industrial operators with edge intelligent radios and solutions – manufactured in the United States – to optimize the extreme edge of their operations. Today, FreeWave integrates its powerful Insights™ data platform, data visualization through a single pane of glass, remote monitoring at the edge, and turnkey connectivity – including satellite – to create an intuitive path from operational data to extraordinary decision-making for business transformation at scale. Visit www.freewave.com to get started. Media contact:Sue MooreFreeWave [email protected]
Introducing the FreeWave FGR3-IO series: Revolutionizing Industrial IoT connectivity for enhanced remote operations
BOULDER, CO April 15, 2024 – FreeWave Technologies, a pioneering leader in industrial IoT solutions, proudly announces the launch of its latest enhancement, the FGR3-IO. Designed to meet the evolving needs of industrial operations and remote network operators, the FGR3-IO promises to elevate the capabilities of 900 MHz remote IoT connect and control networks to unparalleled levels. Key features of the FGR3-IO include: Enhanced Connectivity: Equipped with advanced communication protocols the FGR3-IO delivers robust and reliable connectivity, enabling seamless data transmission over long distances in challenging environments. Expanded I/O Capabilities: With an expandable array of input/output options, including analog and digital inputs, relay outputs, and RS-485 serial communication, the FGR3-IO provides greater flexibility and scalability to accommodate diverse industrial applications. Advanced Security: Built-in encryption and authentication mechanisms ensure secure data transmission, protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive information from cyber threats and unauthorized access. Remote Monitoring and Control: The FGR3-IO empowers operators with real-time monitoring and control capabilities, enabling remote management of assets, processes, and equipment with unparalleled ease and precision. Seamless Integration: Designed for seamless integration with existing infrastructure and third-party systems, the FGR3-IO simplifies deployment and minimizes downtime, accelerating time-to-value and maximizing ROI. “We are thrilled to introduce the FGR3-IO, the latest addition to our comprehensive portfolio of industrial IoT solutions,” said Sue Moore, VP of Marketing at FreeWave. “With its popular features and unmatched scalability, the FGR3-IO is poised to expand industrial network capabilities, allowing organizations to unlock new levels of efficiency, productivity, and profitability.” Ideal for industrial operations, utilities, oil and gas, agriculture, and other remote network applications, the FGR3-IO offers a versatile and cost-effective solution to address the evolving demands of the digital age. For more information about the FGR3-IO and how it can transform your remote IoT connect and control networks, visit FreeWave.com or contact us at 1 866.923.6168. About FreeWave TechnologiesFreeWave is a leading provider of innovative industrial IoT solutions, dedicated to empowering organizations with cutting-edge technologies to optimize operations, enhance productivity, and drive sustainable growth. With a proven track record of delivering reliable and scalable solutions, FreeWave is committed to helping customers thrive in the digital era. Media contact:Sue MooreFreeWave [email protected] FGR3-IO FGR3-IO-IOE Downloaded images subject to copyright.
FreeWave Joins Viasat ELEVATE Partner Program To Provide One-Stop IIoT Solutions
ELEVATE membership will support the IoT providers’ global growth across range of industries including energy, agriculture, utilities, and mining. CARLSBAD., Calif., December 14, 2023 – Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced FreeWave Technologies, an industry Internet of Things solution manufacturer, has joined its ELEVATE program. ELEVATE is a growth program, ecosystem and marketplace for ambitious IoT solution providers, connectivity wholesalers, enablers and OEMs who want to work with Viasat to use its network and footprint to scale. As an ELEVATE partner, FreeWave will offer an ecosystem of IoT data-driven network solutions – helping customers to connect, visualize and future-proof remote operations. As part of the program FreeWave will have new access to Viasat’s global L-band network to provide Internet of Things (IoT) and satellite connectivity services. This will enhance the company’s ability to deliver robust IoT solutions in challenging environments where demanding performance and exceptional support are crucial for its customers’ network productivity and revenue. FreeWave, headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, is a global IoT full-solution manufacturer specializing in edge computing devices and applications, providing data brokering, visualizations, and analytics through its FreeWave Insights™ Platform as a Service for remote networks. As part of the program, FreeWave will gain access to Viasat’s broader partner network, creating opportunities to collaborate on additional niche data-connected solutions for its customers. ELEVATE’s marketplace will help the company attract new customers in locations without reliable connectivity, or those which have mission-critical connectivity needs. For customers, it gives access to a broad choice of satellite connectivity and IoT solutions developed by a range of providers to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of their businesses. Simon Hawkins, Vice President, Enterprise Commercial & Innovation at Viasat said “ELEVATE is the go-to destination for satellite IoT innovation. It’s a one-stop-shop that helps our partners easily leverage the latest technology to meet some of the greatest challenges the planet faces today. By combining forces, we will accelerate the development of IoT solutions to meet our clients’ mission-critical requirements across diverse industries.” “Through partnerships with forward-thinking companies like FreeWave, they can rely on our highly reliable L-band network to deliver groundbreaking solutions at speed. That means more industries will be able to benefit from the wide-ranging benefits offered by industrial IoT.” Michael Tate, Chief Operating Officer and SVP Sales and Marketing, FreeWave, said “We are optimistic for the future opportunities that becoming an ELEVATE partner brings to our customers. Viasat’s cutting-edge satellite connectivity ensures our customers’ remote networks consistently deliver critical data, empowering them to make better-informed business decisions.” “This collaboration opens new avenues for us to innovate and further develop customer-centric solutions, expand our IoT footprint and benefit IoT solutions that span industries bringing customers data-driven decisions no matter where they are.” Viasat’s ELEVATE program is open to new entrants, disruptors and established brands of any size who have developed an innovative digital product or service and want to access the power of satellite enabled IoT solutions. Viasat provides dedicated technical guidance on how to integrate and support its highly reliable satellite services, go-to-market strategy planning and exposure to its distribution channel to enable access to new markets. Providers working across a diverse range of industries, including, but not limited to, agriculture, aid and NGOs, energy, exploration and leisure, media, mining, transport and utilities, as well as agnostic technology providers, will be considered for membership. Organisations join the ELEVATE program here. About Viasat Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people’s lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. On May 31, 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube. About FreeWave Technologies Based in Boulder, Colorado, for 30 years, FreeWave Technologies has connected the unconnected with a reliable ecosystem of edge intelligent radios and solutions – manufactured in the United States – to optimize the extreme edge of remote industrial operations. FreeWave has a legacy of solving thousands of customer challenges globally across multiple industries, FreeWave can help transform and future-proof an operation now. Visit to get started at: www.freewave.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, or YouTube Copyright © 2023 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat signal are registered trademarks in the U.S and in other countries to Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. FreeWave Contact PR Contact – Sue Moore, +1303 381 9213,[email protected] Viasat, Inc. Contacts PR Contact – Richard Jones, +44 7843 819611, [email protected] Paul Froelich/Peter Lopez, Investor Relations, +1 (760) 476-2633, [email protected]
Inmarsat announces FreeWave as partner for global IoT
May 18, 2023 The agreement will see enterprise customers gain operational advantages through proven, reliable satellite connectivity services. Inmarsat, a world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, has announced FreeWave Technologies – a leading Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider – as a Distribution Partner for its L-band satellite IoT services. The partnership, signed at this week’s IoT Tech Expo in Santa Clara, California, will focus on the integration of Inmarsat’s IsatData Pro (IDP) service in FreeWave’s end-to-end IoT solutions, initially with standalone hardware terminals, with a view to integrating IDP core modules into IoT hardware and assets in the future. IDP is a two-way, real-time, non-IP messaging service that is used globally to connect mission-critical assets in remote locations where regular terrestrial connectivity is limited or non-existent. IDP is enabled by Inmarsat’s ELERA geostationary L-band satellite network, with ultra-reliable performance and robust network security. The agreement will provide FreeWave’s customers with reliable, cost-effective, and scalable connectivity solutions to meet their mission-critical IoT demands across global industries, including agriculture, oil and gas, and utilities. The new relationship will also support the IoT uses of businesses operating in the environmental tracking space – including earthquake and flooding monitoring firms. Jat Brainch, Steve Wulchin and Jeff Horton meet FreeWave at IoT Tech Expo in Santa Clara Jat Brainch, Chief Commercial and Digital Officer, Inmarsat, said: “We’re excited to be welcoming FreeWave as an Inmarsat Distribution Partner. FreeWave is an established name in the IoT market and we are looking forward to collaborating with them to build customer-centric solutions as we both look to grow our IoT footprint. “We are particularly focused on the positive sustainable outcomes we believe this partnership can provide FreeWave’s customers. After all, you cannot manage what you cannot measure, and we believe solutions that enable better automation and digitalization of the data capture process to collect granular, real-time results are increasingly essential to achieving our collective Net Zero goals in the future.” Jeff Horton, Chief Revenue Officer at FreeWave, said: “We are delighted to become an Inmarsat Distribution Partner. Inmarsat’s bi-directional IsatData Pro service is unique in the marketplace and perfectly suited to the needs of our customers. We look forward to working closely with the Inmarsat team over the coming months to grow our market share in the satellite IoT space.” “Sustainability is on the minds of all our clients. Now, being able to offer satellite connectivity that is suited for a myriad of applications will keep their remote devices providing the critical data they need to make better-informed business decisions. We are now able to give them trusted connectivity from Inmarsat that complements our comprehensive offer from data collection to a data platform serving data-driven insights for enhanced decision-making. We are truly excited for what’s still to come from this partnership.” Further information About Inmarsat Inmarsat delivers world leading, innovative, advanced and exceptionally reliable global, mobile communications across the world – in the air, at sea and on land – that are enabling a new generation of commercial, government and mission-critical services. Inmarsat is powering the digitalisation of the maritime industry, making operations more efficient and safer than ever before. It is driving a new era of inflight passenger services for aviation, while ensuring that aircraft can fly with maximum efficiency and safety. Furthermore, Inmarsat is enabling the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and enabling the next wave of world-changing technologies that will underpin the connected society and help build a sustainable future. And now Inmarsat is developing the first-of-its-kind, multi-dimensional communications network of the future, ORCHESTRA. In November 2021, Inmarsat and Viasat announced the planned combination of the two companies, to create a new leader in global communications. For further information, follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram. Press contact: [email protected] About FreeWave Based in Boulder, Colorado, for 30 years, FreeWave Technologies has connected the unconnected with a reliable ecosystem of edge intelligent radios and solutions – manufactured in the United States – to optimize the extreme edge of remote industrial operations. FreeWave has a legacy of solving thousands of customer challenges globally across multiple industries, FreeWave can help transform and future-proof an operation now. Visit to get started. For further information, follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube. Press contact: [email protected]
VanZandt/Eagle Automation Joins FreeWave Technologies’ Partner Program to Expand IIoT Solutions to Energy and Industrial Markets
April 27, 2023 – Boulder, Colo. – FreeWave Technologies, Inc. today announced that VanZandt Controls/Eagle Automation, an industry leader in Valve Automation, Flow Measurement, Instrumentation and Controls, joined its solutions program as a value-added distributor. VanZandt/Eagle recently acquired Commercial Radio, Midland TX. Since 2003, Commercial Radio has become a trusted distributor of Industrial Communications products including wired, Wi-Fi, radio, microwave, cameras, solar, antennas and towers. This acquisition now provides VanZandt/Eagle the ability to offer FreeWave solutions in its 13 branch locations. FreeWave Technologies is widely known in the industry for its remote site connectivity, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and Edge computing solutions producing robust, rugged, and reliable connectivity options for remote industrial operations. “We look forward to serving VanZandt’s expansive customer base with FreeWave solutions that bring their data closer to them no matter when they need it or where they are,” said Steve Wulchin, FreeWave CEO and Chairman. “VanZandt is a proven leader in many industrial segments where we can align to bring the best solutions for remote data.” “FreeWave and VanZandt/Eagle have a tremendous opportunity to expand the industrial data-connected solutions market.” Don Maness, CEO of VanZandt commented. “We provide customers with intelligent field devices, controllers, and SCADA solutions. The addition of Freewave allows us to offer a complete and secure IIoT solution. We are excited to collaborate with a company that shares our vision and value of providing the best solutions to the market.” About FreeWave Technologies Based in Boulder, Colo., for 30 years, FreeWave Technologies has connected the unconnected with a reliable ecosystem of edge intelligent radios and solutions – manufactured in the United States – to optimize the razor’s edge of innovations for remote industrial operations. FreeWave has a legacy of solving thousands of customer challenges globally across multiple industries and can help transform and future-proof operations. About VanZandt/Eagle Automation Headquartered in Fort Worth, Tex., VanZandt Controls/Eagle Automation has over 200 employees across 13 branch locations serving Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Kansas, and Arkansas. The company is a Lifecycle Provider of products, solutions, and services to industrial customers. Key offerings are valve automation, flow measurement, instrumentation, and controls. “Faith, Family, Integrity and Diversity” are the core values of the company. The brand promise is “First to Quote, First to Deliver, Reliable Service.” This promise is supported by top tier product manufacturers, a highly skilled sales force, inventory in every branch location, vendor managed inventory solutions, a panel shop, board repair shop, valve production, four machine shops, and a branch service team.
FreeWave Leverages ORBCOMM’S Satellite IoT Technology
To Automate Remote Industrial Operations Drives efficiency, sustainability and compliance for FreeWave’s environmental IoT solutions Rochelle Park, NJ, March 13, 2023 – ORBCOMM Inc., a global provider of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, today announced that FreeWave® Technologies (FreeWave), a leader in industrial wireless technology, has selected ORBCOMM’s next-generation satellite technology to expand its environmental IoT solutions portfolio, which helps customers improve the efficiency, sustainability and compliance of their remote global industrial operations. FreeWave is using ORBCOMM’s feature-rich satellite terminal, which provides enhanced two-way communication speed, global coverage and low power consumption for monitoring a wide variety of environmental IoT applications, including farming and agricultural systems, water treatment and distribution, weather prediction, and tank-level management. Leveraging ORBCOMM’s latest satellite IoT technology, FreeWave can deliver uninterrupted visibility and control for sensors, equipment and machines anytime, anywhere for maximum reliability. With access to deep data insights, alert notifications and customizable reports, FreeWave can help its customers drive greater uptime, process and compliance automation as well as real-time performance management. ORBCOMM’s technology also helps FreeWave’s customers optimize their operations to reduce the environmental impact and make more sustainable business decisions. “ORBCOMM’s best-in-class satellite technology is integral to FreeWave’s environmental IoT solutions to ensure optimal reliability, global coverage and longevity for customers spanning the agriculture, oil & gas and natural resources industries, which expands our reach in these critical markets,” said Chris MacDonald, ORBCOMM’s Senior Vice President of North America Sales. “With ORBCOMM’s two-way satellite terminals, FreeWave’s customers can seamlessly monitor and control their industrial assets from anywhere in the world, enabling precise and efficient management of their operations with an immediate ROI.” “We are excited to partner with ORBCOMM and leverage their high-performance satellite IoT technology to transform the extreme edge of our customers’ industrial operations into a connected part of their enterprise,” said Mike Tate, COO and Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing with FreeWave Technologies. “By incorporating ORBCOMM’s devices into our industrial IoT applications, we can bring exponential efficiency and productivity gains to our customers and help them preserve essential natural resources such as food, air, energy and water to create a more sustainable world for generations to come.” To schedule an appointment to meet with ORBCOMM or FreeWave on-site at Satellite 2023 from March 13-16, 2023 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, please click here for ORBCOMM and contact Jeff Horton for FreeWave. About ORBCOMM Inc. ORBCOMM is a pioneer in IoT technology, empowering customers with insight to make data-driven decisions that help them optimize their operations, maximize profitability and build a more sustainable future. With 30 years of experience and the most comprehensive solution portfolio in the industry, ORBCOMM enables the management of over a million assets worldwide for a diverse customer base spanning transportation, supply chain, heavy equipment, maritime, natural resources and government. For more information about how ORBCOMM is driving the evolution of industry through the power of data, visit www.orbcomm.com. About FreeWave Technologies Based in Boulder, Colo., for 30 years, FreeWave Technologies have connected the unconnected with a reliable ecosystem of edge intelligent radios and solutions – manufactured in the United States – to optimize the extreme edge of remote industrial operations. FreeWave has a legacy of solving thousands of customer challenges globally across multiple industries. FreeWave can help transform and future-proof an operation now. Visit www.freewave.com to get started.
FreeWave’s Steve Wulchin Returns as CEO
On January 9, 2023, Steve Wulchin returned as CEO of FreeWave Technologies. Steve served as the company’s CEO from founding — as one of its co-founders —until 2014. An experienced business leader, Wulchin will succeed Kirk Byles and assume responsibilities immediately. Mr. Byles has left the company to pursue other opportunities. As the chairman, co-founder, and former CEO of FreeWave, Steve has been intimately involved since its inception three decades ago. Steve’s vision has always been to create a great company with great products and amazing people who are driven to provide superior solutions and service to our customers. “Steve’s leadership will propel FreeWave forward into the vision set for its IoT-enabled success and next phase of growth.” said Bob Dimicco, FreeWave board member. Wulchin holds an MBA from the University of Texas and a BS in Commerce from the University of Virginia. His passion for both the wireless industry and FreeWave’s evolution as an intelligent edge solutions provider played a pivotal role in the company’s success to date. “FreeWave is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the cloud-enabled data opportunities available in the IoT space.” said Nazila Alasti, board member. “With Steve at the helm I’m excited to see what the team can do to bring that vision to fruition.”
FreeWave Joins Rural Cloud Initiative
BOULDER, COLO. (November 9, 2022) — FreeWave® Technologies, a leader in industrial wireless technology, today announced a partnership with Trilogy Networks to join its Rural Cloud Initiative (RCI), a unique coalition of over 70 network, technology and applications providers advancing the digital transformation of America’s rural areas. FreeWave joins RCI’s innovation partners in creating the technology and software solutions that will bring the power of cloud computing to local digital clients. Through these partnerships, rural communities will gain access to market-leading edge solutions delivered to them by trusted local partners, enhancing their business operations while improving local economies. RCI will support live networks with true edge compute platforms, where real end-to-end solutions can be delivered for specific use cases within rural industries, precision agriculture, automated food processing, efficient energy production, telemedicine and industrial automation. “We look forward to collaborating with Trilogy and RCI partners in bringing the digital revolution to rural markets,” said Kirk Byles, FreeWave CEO. “This opportunity is directly aligned with our long-standing mission of continuing to innovate for the sustainable future of our rural communities, leveraging our leading capabilities in edge computing and IoT cloud initiative. It is imperative that we figure out how to provide limitless connectivity with wireless, WiFi and affordable satellite solutions – the single-pane of glass visualizations of data and our data broker.” “Rural America, especially the agriculture industry is ripe to undergo a digital transformation, delivering enormous productivity and economic benefit”, said Nancy Shemwell, COO Trilogy Networks. “AgTech made simple – is the key – Trilogy’s FarmGrid™ is the answer. A digital agriculture platform, simplifying connectivity challenges, delivering, and supporting AgTech applications on a single platform allows the grower to see and utilize the data being gathered by a variety of IoT devices. FreeWave and their suite of applications put the power of the data in the grower’s hands – allowing him to augment his decision-making capabilities with truly actionable data.” About FreeWave Technologies: Based in Boulder, Colo., for nearly 30 years, FreeWave Technologies have connected the unconnected with a reliable ecosystem of edge intelligent radios and solutions – manufactured in the United States – to optimize the extreme edge of remote industrial operations. FreeWave has a legacy of solving thousands of customer challenges globally across multiple industries, FreeWave can help transform and future-proof an operation now. Visit freewave.com to get started. About Trilogy Trilogy is an established leader in the emerging Edge Compute ecosystem with the deployment of distributed Cloud installations across the United States. Trilogy recently founded the Rural Cloud Initiative, a coalition of network operators and technology providers committed to promoting and accelerating the digital transformation of rural America. In conjunction with network operators and edge innovation partners, Trilogy is utilizing its LinX™ virtual private network and ConEx service delivery platform to build a unified, distributed cloud capability on a single network fabric to cover 1.5 million square miles. To learn more, please visit www.ruralcloud.com or www.trilogynet.com.
Reinke And Freewave Technologies Announce Partnership To Optimize Collection Of Irrigation Data
(Deshler, Neb. – Oct. 26, 2022) – Reinke Manufacturing, a leader in precision irrigation equipment, and FreeWave® Technologies, a leader in industrial wireless connectivity, today announced a partnership to simplify data connectivity between irrigation systems and the cloud, making way for another best-in-class hardware line-up for Reinke’s ReinCloud-Ready® products. With years of agriculture experience between the two companies, Reinke and FreeWave will simplify how data is collected through FreeWave’s Fusion global wireless technology. This collaboration enables growers to access real-time event-based irrigation data over a robust radio network, giving them total control without worrying about connectivity gaps. FreeWave’s technology will deliver the data to Reinke’s ReinCloud® ag-data service. ReinCloud’s easy-to-use and customizable dashboard allows growers to organize data in a way that works for their operation. Data can be arranged by property, zone and equipment. ReinCloud will send notifications to a smart device based on insights from the field. Irrigation systems can be operated remotely from any place, at any time, while giving growers information on how operations are progressing. “Reinke is always looking for ways to improve how data is gathered for growers,” said Chris Roth, president of Reinke. “FreeWave is also committed to this process. The irrigation system can be operated remotely from any place, at any time, giving the growers freedom and time savings.” “Using technology can quickly change business models for the better. It’s great to see Reinke offering our data-connectivity solutions for growers. Together, we’re able to give them the ability to better focus on their fields and crops and have the data wherever they are, whenever they need it, to garner better yields,” said Kirk Byles, FreeWave CEO. “The ReinCloud Ready series of solutions is just the beginning of our partnership with Reinke.” About Reinke Manufacturing: With hundreds of dealers in more than 40 countries, Reinke Manufacturing is the world’s largest privately held manufacturer of center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems. Family-owned since 1954 and headquartered in Deshler, Neb., Reinke develops products and technology designed to increase agriculture production while providing labor savings and environmental efficiencies. Reinke is a continued leader in industry advancements as the first to incorporate GPS, satellite-based communications, and touchscreen panel capabilities into mechanized irrigation system management. Visit Reinke.com for more information on Reinke or to locate a dealership. About FreeWave Technologies: Based in Boulder, Colo., for nearly 30 years, FreeWave Technologies have connected the unconnected with a reliable ecosystem of edge intelligent radios and solutions – manufactured in the United States – to optimize the extreme edge of remote industrial operations. FreeWave has a legacy of solving thousands of customer challenges globally across multiple industries, FreeWave can help transform and future-proof an operation now. Visit freewave.com to get started.
Unlocking Creativity within the Industrial Sector
Never content My friends and coworkers can attest that I live by the basic life philosophy: “never content.” I believe in pushing boundaries and resisting the status quo, both in business and leadership. As I see it, we have two options in this life: we can sit on our laurels and wait for change or take things into our own hands and innovate. Thanks to the industrial internet of things (IIoT), our opportunities for change and transformation are endless. The more willing we are to be free thinkers — expanding the territories of our respective industries, the larger the impact we’ll witness in the world around us. The key to true transformation Most people can agree that innovation is the key to success in the industrial sector. If we keep doing things the way we’ve always done them, we won’t have much of a world left in short order. My kids are now in their twenties, and quite frankly, they’re pissed at the environment the generations before them left behind. I understand their frustration; it’s no secret that we’re facing a global environmental crisis, and without positive change, things will only get worse. If we truly want to be a part of the solution, we have to think bigger. We must become free thinkers, willing to do more than what’s been done to actually see the kind of transformation we’re looking for. Today, IIoT helps us expand our thinking. We are only on the cusp of what edge computing and data analytics can do in remote areas. Data helps us make sound decisions. When you think about where our day-to-day information is generated and how it is analyzed, you can actually imagine a world where operational managers don’t have to walk the fields, manually check pressure gauges, or physically adjust pumps to gather intel. With the right technology in place, these tasks can all be automated, which means a natural skyrocket in productivity and efficiency for remote operations worldwide. This is truly exciting because it means a shift in the culture of business, environmentalism, and sustainability. When industrial leaders and remote operations managers are given more time and space to think, they can innovate on a whole new level. Where does this lead us? Straight to the intersection of modern technology and inventiveness, where we all have the opportunity to create a safer, stronger, and more innovative world. This is great news for the modern business owner because it means the opportunity to create stronger work models and a more efficient workflow, which naturally leads to greater employee retention and better cash flow. This is truly a win for all. The big picture As a whole, technology has provided extensive upgrades within the industrial sector over the last few decades, but in reality, until IIoT came around at a large scale, just within the last few years, we didn’t have the data needed to actually know or understand what was going on. Data is great, but intelligent insight into that data is even better. Now, thanks to the ever-expanding world of technology, we can analyze data intelligently and utilize it more effectively. With this type of smart equipment on the market, field workers can do things like monitor a banana plantation from formation all the way to the supermarket. Where before, we could only know that a banana was picked and on a boat to its next destination, we now have the technology and subsequent opportunities to see things, like product quality, faster and more clearly. Free thinking at an industrial level requires our willingness to try new things. It means creating and implementing out-of-the-box solutions to common problems. It means searching for new ways to perform basic tasks and habits. It means finding new solutions for life’s tried and true issues. Sure the modern farmer may be used to turning the same lever on and off every single day, but with the right technology in place, they don’t have to. Free thinking means moving beyond the status quo to see and receive a world filled with new possibilities. Over the next few years, we’re going to see billions of dollars spent on data processing and analysis solutions. The more we know, the more we can respond to real-life situations with confidence and precision. The current financial trends and predictions are important because they reveal that our world is ready for change. Now is the time to innovate. Think bigger A crucial part of our strategy at FreeWave is implementation without dictation. This means we fully empower our customers to be free thinkers within their own environments. We want you to have full control over the information you receive and how you use it. Our job is simply to make your life easier by deploying the technology you need — edge computing capabilities, wireless connectivity, sensor technology, and more to help you manage your operation from anywhere in the world. Our IIoT solutions are designed with a simple-to-use control panel (aka our single pane of glass dashboard) so that you can run your entire operation from a singular entry point. We are no strangers to the work of free-thinking here at FreeWave (it’s part of our name as well as our culture). In our own business model, we’ve had to expand our ideas and our identity as a leader in the tech space. For many years FreeWave rode its pedigree of building and selling narrowband radios without much thought toward innovation, but then, we recognized the need our customer base faced as they searched for help in understanding what IIoT could mean for their businesses. We could’ve stayed as we were and continued to do what we did best at the time, but instead, we chose to pivot and really dig into our customers’ needs and how we could best serve them. Now, our solutions include multi-radio edge computing solutions with gateways, edge data analytics and applications, and it all started with our team’s willingness to think bigger. Free