However, as someone currently involved in building a loft extension, my eyes have been opened to one or two similarities. I’ve discovered that there are some features worth exploring that provide valuable lessons to those working on or are interested in conducting digital transformation projects.

You get what you pay for

As I began my loft extension project, I quickly realised that meeting my family’s needs would come at a significant cost. Despite gathering multiple quotes and conducting thorough research, the outcome was always the same: if I needed space, I’d have to pay. 

Similarly, digital transformation projects often carry a substantial price tag. It involves not only the required expertise and skills but also the investment in technology, time, and emotional energy. In summary, change demands significant effort and financial resources if it’s going to be done right.

The value of craftsmanship

Throughout the extension, various tradespeople have come in and used their specialist skills to help me complete the project. They are not a multidisciplinary team in the truest sense, with each having their own specialised tasks and collaborating only on specific aspects of the project. However, the quality of the end product is wholly dependent on their craftsmanship and tools. Each tradesperson has demonstrated exceptional skill and their expertise has allowed them to complete their phases independently, efficiently and effectively. 

Likewise, successful digital transformation projects require a team of skilled professionals who have honed their craft over time. They need real experience in problem-solving across various scenarios and to have developed a repertoire of strategies to tackle complex challenges efficiently. Equally important is access to the right tools to support their work. Just as we don’t question a builder’s need for decent tools, cutting corners in digital transformation projects will often limit their long-term benefits. Prioritising quality over short-term cost savings is crucial.

The importance of decision making

Lastly, the construction of the extension has required a range of decisions to be made early on to ensure the right materials could be brought in. Thankfully, we’ve had  good builders and architects who planned things out and asked us how we wanted the layout, how we wanted it to look and how we would use the space. Once these decisions were finalised, the team could get underway and secure all the necessary materials. However, throughout the construction process a constant stream of smaller decisions had to be made: handle placements, light switch preferences, the option to upgrade to underfloor heating, and so on.

During this period, I noticed two things. First, progress accelerated when I could quickly provide answers to these questions. By checking in with the team twice a day, we created lines of communication that prevented a backlog of questions and allowed the project to proceed smoothly. Second, I noticed that, more often than not, the builder already had a good sense of what was needed but wanted confirmation to make sure he didn’t take things in the wrong direction. Cases where we weren’t in agreement were minimal. More often than not, decision making was about empowering the team by confirming things they needed to know and giving proper considerations to the things that genuinely make us different.

Again, this line of thinking can and should be applied to digital transformation projects. A well-thought-out plan that considers desired outcomes and future objectives can save time and money in the long run. But once the project has started, there is no substitute for agile working, effective communication, and making frequent small decisions rather than saving them for a significant event. Trusting and empowering a skilled team that understands the organisation’s needs is critical. While each organisation may have its unique aspects, most challenges are likely shared, enabling the team to use their expertise while also asking for specific insights to accommodate unique requirements.

While my loft extension has nearly been completed, digital transformation within organisations is a continuous process. Unlike a fixed program of work, digital transformation involves creating a mindset that is ready for the future and relentlessly focused on outcomes. 

From understanding the necessary investment to appreciating the significance of craftsmanship and decision making, these lessons can inform and guide our approach to successfully navigate the complex landscape of digital transformation. Remember, just like a house, your organisation is a unique structure, but the fundamental principles of transformation remain constant.

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Check out his panel discussion focusing on:

• enabling the golden record and what it means to your service.
• the impact of the Proptech and Plantech programmes and Planning for the Future.
• the technology challenges facing the market now and,
• what the future of digital building control may look like.

Speakers include: Robin Barber, Product Owner – Built Environment, Arcus Global; Heather Jones, Assistant Director Planning & Building Quality GCSP & 3CBC, LABC President 2022 & LABC Non Executive Director; and Phil Skill, owner of a highly successful consulting practice specialising in the implementation of digital solutions in Local Government.

https://youtu.be/v_EuJfifZ6w

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This virtual salon discusses the opportunities of PropTech in the UK, trends for investing and why PropTech is presently one of the fastest-growing investment sectors in the world. It is shaping slowly, but surely will be the largest asset class in the world.

We hear from speakers including: Clive Crawford – Director, HEFDS / Founder, University Partnerships Programme; Leon Ifayemi, Founder and CEo of Proptech startup SPCE; and Former head of Media City in Salford, Jon Corner. 

Topics include:

• The Net Zero Built Environment;
• 5G and the Smart City; and
• The Investability of UK PropTech

Watch the virtual salon recording below.

https://youtu.be/3-SJhwoqucM

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Earlier this year the Building Regulations Advisory Committee and MHCLG published its policy paper providing greater clarity on the ‘golden thread’ policy, and the changes it will require of the industry. It outlines the high-level golden thread requirements and how digital standards will underpin implementation of the golden thread of information.

My first impressions are that of cautious optimism. It’s clear that the tragic event of Grenfell Tower has propelled changes forward that were previously put off due to time and money. But despite the market already evolving in response, the changes needed go deeper than legislation.

A change in building control, a change in the market

With the policies outlined, could we see a change in the market? I think the shift has already begun. Now, we’re more focused on creating quality data that has use for people of all professions in the sector, that spans a longer period of time and is more accurate. For one, I think that information on the materials used on the building, such as the cladding, would be the first thing many people buying a flat would request. Local authorities and building safety regulators will know that, and it’s in their interest to keep an accurate store of information on that. They are now compelled to do so in writing.

There is also a flipside to the plan, making everything transparent. Currently, there are people who could be stuck in flats with this dangerous cladding and won’t be able to sell them. It’s our current equivalent to the discovery of asbestos twenty years ago, and some of us will remember the fallout that ensued for buyers, sellers, inspectors and safety regulators alike.

When it comes to the data side of the coin, I can see a kind of ‘two-tier’ system developing, with the divide being over record management. Much better management will be seen from the developments checked by the buildings safety regulator. Local authorities, with continuous budget squeezes, can still be driven down on price and competition, and it could affect their ability to live up to the legislative requirements.

In ten years’ time, who knows what information could be important to people buying a property? With the help of a golden thread, you can go off and look at the wealth of information and draw worthwhile decisions from it. People may take more notice of what surveyors say now, because mortgages won’t happen if buildings are poorly constructed. People will want, and need, to look beyond the cosmetics – is that what the golden thread allows us to do? Quite possibly.

Tragedies like Grenfell have highlighted that we were looking for cheap ways to make cosmetic alterations to buildings quickly, and it is obvious that it was the wrong approach.

Beyond the data – a cultural shift is needed

We know that one of the golden thread’s principles has been outlined in the report as ‘cultural change’. I have long been promoting the idea that a strong commitment to cultural transformation is needed in order to make this work. I’m glad this is happening, in addition to the idea of good quality data in the system. Having the drive to implement simple things like mobile access to data can transform the way inspections are carried out, as well as live up to the golden thread principles by increasing the flow of information. Yes, these things take time and a certain level of investment, but you can’t put a price on safety, or on quality. We all know the consequences of cutting corners.

Organisations have historically been resistant to change due to time-based or financial challenges. Now, with the new legislation, you have no choice but to comply. The technology is ready. Some local authorities are ready. But the cultural change needed, for many of them, is something that will take longer to fix.

It’s not only attitudes at the top, either. A lot of building inspectors are former tradesmen without digital experience and may find adapting to new tools a challenge, but they have priceless skills that are useful in inspection. Marrying the two is where we will see the most success.

What the future holds

There is potential for real change, and creating a golden thread of information will create a source of truth that will be invaluable in the future. In the past, we had asbestos, then we had cladding. Who knows what future problems will be solved by refining the way our information flows?

In ten years this will be a useful tool, and there’s no doubt that a wealth of information will assist with future new builds. However, there is the big challenge to deal with the amount of data cleansing needed to address the buildings already standing. They were built long before any commitment to free-flowing data or digitally enhanced building inspections. Who is going to go back and retrospectively deal with all of that?

The expectation of an individual, whether it be local authority building inspectors, or someone who is buying a new property, will become more important. A single source of accurate information is needed, but without an attitude shift and systemic, cultural change, the technical commitments won’t be successful. Everyone needs to participate in order to make it truly work.

Originally posted here

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The simple answer is: because we can. We’re using the opportunity new technology has given us to promote our message in a new, more accessible and engaging way.

Hybrid is the new way of working, giving people the flexibility to work from home or get out and about. We’re simply taking the concept a step further. We want to test what’s possible – will Dorset’s latest connectivity technology allow us to engage with other fabulous Digital Dorset supporters in a new way?

Here at Digital Dorset, we like to push the boundaries. First we had network events – we developed a new style of face-to-face meetings, giving them a zany, fun twist. Then we became the first local authority in the UK to have a digital podcast. Last year, just as people were getting bored with endless Teams meetings, we had an online Festival of the Future which brought back the buzz and attracted thousands.

And this year, we’re bringing you hybrid events at FutureFest21: not a series of events that are in life one week and online the next, but interactive events which are in life and online at the same time.

Each time we’ve used new tech to engage with and grow our audience, it’s worked. People have liked our events – inspiring projects, new ideas, experimental channels, great networking, laughter and biscuits. Each year we’ve pushed ourselves outside our comfort zone and people have come with us. If you don’t believe us, take a look at our official trailer!

Our events are not only testing the hybrid concept; they are also testing our 5G network. Government funding is enabling us to test 5G on small-scale trials for future of food, connected coast, innovation accelerator and so on. As it happens, we’re holding two of our events at trial sites – so we’re going to try using the network at those spots to broadcast to an online audience, thus providing additional evidence to inform the 5G trials.

But it’s not just about playing with new technology. We totally believe in the message and our role in engaging others.

We’re digital leaders, running and supporting digital programmes at Dorset Council and two of us have backgrounds in corporate communications. We are united by a belief that digital is the future for Dorset – and the more people get behind the idea, the brighter the future will be. Dorset has no motorways or big factories; rural Dorset has struggled economically, depending traditionally on agriculture, tourism and, more recently, advanced manufacturing. Our approach is to show people – inside Dorset and beyond – what’s already happening here, that Dorset is more digital than you might think. We want to inspire people with new ideas to demonstrate what could be. We want to make Dorset a great place to live, work and visit.

When social media started, communications professionals weren’t social media experts; they didn’t know how best to use it for their clients or corporations. They got good at it by trying, sometimes getting it wrong, sharing the successes and failures, learning and trying again. If Dorset is to be at the forefront of the digital revolution, we need to be prepared to try, reflect and try again. We’ll do our best, laugh (hopefully) at any bloopers and keep trying. Please come on board, join the festival, learn something new and laugh with us.

Originally posted here

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Smart connected transport includes driverless cars and vehicles – where 5G connectivity supports long range sensing, through to in vehicle signage – as well as sensing and connectivity. These applications create intelligence in the infrastructure such as connected traffic lights, smart street signs, smart lighting and smart parking to support our public transport services. 

The post-Covid transport challenge

The Coronavirus pandemic has radically changed the needs of passengers and road users and we will inevitably see further changes as lockdown and social distancing rules continue to ease.

Some modes of public transport, buses for example, are seeing customer numbers similar to that of pre-pandemic levels. As we move forward it will be paramount to support the public in rebuilding their confidence to safely navigate across public transport and we will need solutions that will encourage passengers to make that safe return. 

We need public transport systems that are more agile and able to cope with social distancing and crowd management, and a way of operating that supports health and safety and helps urban regions meet critical emissions targets. 

5G provides significantly faster, more efficient and reliable network coverage as well as the capability to host a greater number of devices. Cameras, sensors, and other connected smart devices will help the transport sector modernise and establish long-term solutions across all modes of transport.

Improving access by connecting transport

In early 2020, West Midlands 5G (WM5G) in partnership with West Midlands Metro, embarked on a mission to establish the UK’s first 5G connected tram with a use case trial to confirm proof of concept for live streaming high data rate sensor information from an operational tram.Trams collect a variety of valuable information including CCTV and vehicle operational performance and maintenance data, all of which is downloaded  manually outside the hours of operation. With connectivity onboard we were able to trial ways to safely transfer CCTV footage, while the service was in use. 

Alongside realising the UK’s very first 5G connected tram, the trial established the possibility for further product and service exploration that can make operations more insights-lead and efficient. 

WM5G are now working with a range of SME’s who are using data, connectivity and sensing technology to develop services which make transport vehicles (bus, trams, trains) and transport stations safer and more accessible by the people living in and around our towns and cities. 

Developments include an AI system to better understand passenger feedback through any social or transport feedback forums creating continuous improvement feedback to operators. This same system can provide alerts if passengers are distressed, creating a fast response. Operators are able to respond to issues from carriage comfort to something more serious like anti-social or dangerous behaviour.

5G connected AI systems are also analysing anonymised CCTV footage to help improve passenger safety and accessibility. Identification of unclaimed bags, items trapped in doors, or simply letting staff know wheelchair access is required are all now feasible alerts.  

Monitoring road and rail infrastructure to detect defects or abnormalities on the road or on rail from the tracks to overhead lines are all services in development, creating exciting real-time monitoring services, avoiding expensive repairs or inconvenient closures.

Connectivity and sensing on board vehicles and on stations can also help inform passengers and operators to advise of congested services and walkways, providing choice in travel. 

New ways of marking waypoints and vehicles combined with superfast connection to a new mobile app will also help guide some of the 2 million partially sighted people in the UK, making independent travel a reality. 

Future is here

Creating better transport networks means creating better connections for communities through jobs and employment opportunities, helping local people and making businesses thrive. 5G connected smart technologies are already playing a role in making transport better and more accessible for everyone and is helping make our cities smarter, allowing more tailoring of service and interface to improve the experience. 

This will be critical in aiding transport providers and passengers make a safe return to a new, more agile and personalised transport system.

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Doing Digital Differently

The Greater Manchester Digital Blueprint was launched in February 2020 and is putting our residents at the heart of our plans, an inclusive approach that builds on our greatest asset as we work towards our ambition to be recognised as a world leading digital city-region. Our collective priority remains our people – a people strategy viewed through a digital lens. 

Reflecting on the five priorities and two enablers in the blueprint it’s clear the focus on innovation and pace has increased and we’ve worked hard to adapt and diversify. 

The Early Years App is a great example of this – a new, first of its kind application, truly transforming the way health and education information is delivered and shared in Greater Manchester, it digitises the paper-based assessments used to review a child’s development up to the age of 2.5 years, allowing parents and carers to efficiently complete assessments online and access their records. We know some residents experience challenges when, for example, they live in one Greater Manchester locality and their health services are in another – the app is one way we’re addressing this, with data readily available across boroughs. 

It’s freeing up valuable clinical time for health visiting teams and demonstrates just one of the ways we’re ensuring that everyone in Greater Manchester, whatever their age, location or situation, can benefit from the opportunities digital brings and supports regional ambitions around school readiness, ensuring our young people have the best start in life.

You could argue digitisation of paper-based services is an obvious example but our ‘people at the heart of what we do’ approach is also true of the less “obvious” examples too. As we strive for world class digital infrastructure, we’re keeping a significant focus on the benefit to our people. 

With work due to start on the roll out of the regions Local Full Fibre Network Programme just as the UK’s first national lockdown was announced, I was encouraged to read a recent report showing significant local economic benefit to date, with £11.8m of overall local economic value in the first year of delivery. The programme has also exceeded local employment targets, with 75% of the workforce behind delivery being based in Greater Manchester.

Our partner, Virgin Media O2 Business also made several bold social value investments and helped get the Greater Manchester Technology Fund off the ground with a significant financial donation. To date, the fund has helped over 3,527 digitally excluded young people with the technology and connectivity needed to continue their learning at home while schools and colleges closed. Staff at Virgin Media O2 Business have also been using volunteer days to support people across Greater Manchester.

Digital inclusion is another a good example. Recent figures from ONS show that 176,000 Greater Manchester residents have not accessed the internet at all in the last three months. More broadly, Ofcom figures suggest as many as 1.2m Greater Manchester residents might be digitally excluded in some way.

So, in May 2021 Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham announced ambitions for Greater Manchester to become one of the first city-regions in the world to equip all under-25s, over-75s and disabled people with the skills, connectivity and technology to get online.

Ensuring residents can get online, access public services and develop their digital skills will undoubtedly drive positive social and economic change for both residents and businesses and the action network will lead targeted action to combat digital exclusion within targeted groups. The action network must be led by people with lived experience within these target groups and it’ll also work closely with the existing Greater Manchester Digital Inclusion Taskforce.

There’s no silver bullet, but in Greater Manchester we’re taking a bottom-up, collective approach, working to identify and pull the levers that have impact, then finding ways to make them scale. Levers like our procurement, our voice with government, our industry relationships with companies that have a strong social ethos. It’s intensive and is just one example but is an important lighthouse project that shows there are diverse ways of making a difference.

Find out more on Greater Manchester’s Digital Blueprint https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/digital/ 

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We’ve been working on a range of initiatives contributing to our three digital objectives – improving outcomes for people; delivering cost savings in public service delivery and continuing to promote Newcastle as a testbed for tech innovation, growth, and economic development.

We wanted to put user centred design at the heart of our smart city and understand where innovation can add most value to people. That’s why we’re leading an exciting ‘City Listening’ project with local SME Wordnerds, and mining social media (Twitter and other platforms) using their advanced linguistics and AI tool to hear what people are saying about their experiences in the city. We’re using this data to influence and inform our backlog of transformation opportunities.   

Our work with our Innovation Partner, Urban Foresight, has seen Newcastle City Council supporting sustainable transport through increasing our corporate fleet electric vehicles by 140% and supporting a carbon reduction of 2,700 tonnes over seven years, improving business efficiency by developing an alpha model for the use of AI in parking enforcement activity, and improving customer experience through better data visualization of parking information. We’re now modelling the business case for smart parking, building on user needs and making sure we are continuing our “tech fed, not tech led” approach to transformation.        

We are building on our ambition to be the most attractive place to deploy connectivity and innovation which underpins any smart city. Going beyond just ‘barrier busting’, we’ve listened to suppliers to understand their needs, radically streamlined our wayleaves and property access processes, and drafted firmer commitments in planning policy and guidance. 

 As part of the North of Tyne Digital Infrastructure Programme we are about to procure full fibre connectivity to all public sector sites, laying strong foundations for further commercial deployment into our communities. This is in addition to supporting commercial fibre and 5G deployments already underway in the city by CityFibre, Openreach, EE and O2 among others. In partnership with Newcastle University’s Urban Observatory we’re also progressing a LoRaWan deployment of gully sensors to support flood prevention activities and understand the scope of potential operational efficiencies.   

In October we demonstrated our ongoing commitment to supporting digital skills development by launching a new free to access Learn My Way module as part of Get Online Week. November saw us partnering with Cisco to share the Newcastle story on an international stage at the Barcelona Smart Cities Expo, which was a fantastic experience and a great opportunity to make new contacts. In December, we hosted a Digital Leaders event focused on how ‘XR’ technology could be used for social good – something we’ll be looking to progress further in 2020 where there are clear user needs. 

In summary, 2020 is about impact and being able to demonstrate the improved outcomes for people in the city being driven by innovation and transformation. By continuing our strong track record of collaboration, and working with public, private and academic partners across the city, I’m confident that we can do this.

Jenny Nelson will be speaking about ‘Newcastle Innovation Partnership: Turning Good Ideas into Transformational Projects’ at her Insight Live talk on the 2nd of March. You can sign up to attend for free here.

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Building superfast internet connections; fibre to the premise and  fifth generation wireless communications technologies (5G) can create broader, more connected communities and economies across neighbourhoods, cities, countries and the world.

In December 2019, Sunderland City Council began rolling out 5G ready connectivity, via ultra-high-speed broadband connections, promising a faster and more reliable service and placing Sunderland at the forefront of digital transformation.

Part of a wider Smart City Vision, the council has already made huge leaps in accelerating connectivity and digital capabilities across the city with initiatives benefitting schools, community rooms, residents and visitors.

As we navigate unchartered waters in which the number of households living and working remotely intensifies and social isolation becomes more widespread, we take a look at the future benefits of next generation connectivity for individuals and groups across our smart city and beyond to connect, strengthen and unite people.

Bigger

5G has the capability to transform our lives, including giving us more capacity and connectivity for vast numbers of devices – and in particular expands our reach to new, exciting technologies including virtual reality (VR), the IoT, and artificial intelligence (AI).

With 5G, you can access new and improved experiences including instant access to cloud services, extensive cloud gaming, seamless video communication, augmented reality shopping and much more.

With 5G we really can ‘think big’ with the facility for more people to connect at once, more downloads and massive network capacity.

Better

Even before the coronavirus crisis began, 5G was seen as the next dominant technology in global telecommunications.

Reaching people by email, smart phone and other remote means have a very important future.

Greater reliability and increased availability with higher performance and improved efficiency will empower new user experiences and connect new industries the world over.

Faster

Home working, learning and socialising; all of this is easier, smoother and more reliable with the super-speed connectivity gained from 5G as the improved wireless technology delivers higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds and ultra-low latency.

From the perspective of local and national government authorities,  faster connectivity opens up a world of opportunities to be able to better support our customers and communities and transform health, care and opportunities for enterprise.

Stronger

On a wider scale, potential transformations in driverless-car communications, business logistics, EdTech and healthcare, alongside quicker internet speeds (IoT), faster 5G smart phones and other revolutionary telecommunication activities; 5G has the potential to strengthen relationships, both on a personal and business level, as well as shape new ways to combat social isolation.

As a smart city, Sunderland’s growing capacity to use 5G has the potential to transform the lives of our people. Primarily providing greater connectivity between people and things, with higher data speeds and lower latency than ever before. This positively impacts many areas including infrastructure, support services entertainment  and even city centre safety.

The world as we know it is changing rapidly and without a doubt, as we emerge post-crisis, many things will have changed irreversibly. Such as new ways of working, changes in consumer habits and evolved methods of communicating.

Out of the current unprecedented crisis, 5G’s speed and application to communications will play an important role as we continue to shape forthcoming digital communications infrastructures.

Although the widespread implementation of 5G will take time, here in Sunderland we have already laid the foundations for a bigger, better, faster and stronger way forward in a digitally connected smart city for the future.

Stay up-to-date with our smart city agenda, activities and successes at www.sunderlandoursmartcity.com and follow us on Twitter @SunderlandUK #oursmartcity

Liz St Louis will be speaking about ‘Intelligence Driven Decision Making’ at her Insight Live talk on the 2nd of March. You can sign up to attend for free here.

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IoT has proven to be a unique defense against the viral spread, with smart cities helping to track data and keep citizens informed. Keep reading to learn about smart cities’ defense against pandemics, such as contactless payment, disease tracking, and more.

Disease tracking software

Technology makes tracking diseases in real-time possible, thanks to natural language processing and big data analysis. Disease tracking software is specifically designed to track outbreaks and spread — and it did during the early days of the novel coronavirus.

BlueDot, a private Canadian software company, was first to alert users of an unusual cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China, back in December 2019. The alert came 10 days before the WHO would share the news with the world. Smart cities of the future will invest heavily in this software to be alerted in real-time of threats and how viruses are spreading.

Telehealth software helps monitor citizens’ health from a safe distance. One smart city in Maryland has seized on the opportunity, offering telehealth services on their smart city platform. This has allowed them to track residents’ health and share resources easily.

 Internet connectivity available to all

Another feature of smart cities can offer free and reliable internet connectivity. This helps residents, regardless of age and wealth, get access to important information in real-time.

For example, New York City has an initiative called LinkNYC that replaces phone booths with free WiFi hotspots and charging stations. This helps citizens and visitors stay informed and connected throughout the city

Information kiosks can also come in handy to spread real-time information to citizens. Governments can update these instantly with the latest recommendations and display them in heavily trafficked areas or areas experiencing an enhanced threat to keep the public informed.

Contactless payment and autonomous delivery

During COVID-19, many stores and restaurants have shifted sales to a contact delivery system to protect consumers and workers alike. Contactless delivery has proven to help stop the spread, and technology such as virtual currencies make it possible.

Contactless delivery will be even more seamless with the rise of delivery drones and autonomous vehicles. So how do smart cities come into play?

In the future, cities that develop a plan to control autonomous delivery systems in and out of cities during a crisis will prioritize shipments based on need. This will get key supplies, such as medical equipment and medicine, delivered before nonessential goods.

Smart cities are changing the way we respond to emergencies such as COVID-19. In the future, we’ll be even better equipped to respond with real-time data and smart solutions.

Originally posted here

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