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ATF Australia boosts sites’ security with IoT device, Microsoft Azure and Sigfox ubiquitous connectivity

Melbourne, May 29 2017 – Construction site theft in the sights of innovative cloud-connected PIR motion sensor solution

ATF Services is today launching a ground-breaking battery powered IoT wireless monitoring product – the ATF Intelligent Wireless Alarm – to tackle the rising problem of theft from construction sites that, if left unchecked, risks slowing the progress of the multibillion dollar sector.
ATF Services has developed into a multi-faceted site safety and technology services business now incorporating temporary fencing, solar surveillance technology, solar lighting and edge protection services divisions. It is now launching an Intelligent Wireless Alarm system that is cost efficient, scalable, long life on small battery, resilient and internationally deployable.

According to IBISworld, Australia’s construction sector is a $349 billion a year business – but one increasingly being targeted by criminals.
Tool theft from construction sites and vehicles is a global problem which is on the rise. A recent study revealed that 39 per cent of residential builders were affected by theft or vandalism at their building sites. Of those, two thirds had experienced more than one incident.
While 61 per cent experienced the theft of raw materials, 46 per cent had experienced the loss of small hand-held tools.  The cost of replacing tools or materials is only one part of the equation: without the gear to get the job done, customers’ projects get delayed and builders risk fines for delayed completion.

To combat the problem, ATF Services, working closely with Thinxtra (Sigfox connectivity), Microsoft ( Azure IoT platform), Genesys Electronics (device maker) and Two Bulls (digital consultancy), has developed the ATF Intelligent Wireless Alarm – a world-first IoT security device that provides wireless internet-connected monitoring for up to 12 months on just 4 AA batteries.

ATF Intelligent Wireless Alarm simple explanatory video

ATF is one of the first Australian innovative company to take advantage of Sigfox IoT network (operated by Thinxtra in Australia and New Zealand). This network allows for long range, low cost and low power consumption things to simply connect wirelessly to the internet (Cloud). Thinxtra CEO, Loic Barancourt mentioned: “Robyn’s vision to deliver ubiquitous IoT security solutions to ATF customers locally and globally was well matching Sigfox’s vision to provide a global network dedicated to connecting billions of things.”

“ATF’s early adoption of LPWAN technology in the IoT space provides a fantastic opportunity for the showcasing of technology capabilities by innovative Australian developers”, says Geoff Sizer, Genesys CEO and the leader of Engineers Australia’s Applied IoT Engineering Community. He added “the Sense Track Secure system sets a benchmark for the IoT commmunity of technology developers and adopters, and shows what can be done by those with the courage to overcome technical and commercials barriers to make it happen”.

The ATF Intelligent Wireless Alarm is backed by the ATF Cloud platform, which is hosted on Microsoft’s Azure and is designed on top of Microsoft’s Service Fabric for reliability and scalability to support millions of concurrently connected devices. The ATF Intelligent Wireless Alarm can also be controlled via a mobile app, which allows the device to be configured to the requirements of the environment.  Site managers can download an app to access automatic alerts which are sent via app notification and/or email if devices detect any unexpected activity such as movement or sound.

The ATF Intelligent Wireless Alarm is the first in a suite of IoT products by ATF designed to secure, track and monitor environments and equipment to help reduce the loss of assets, prevent vandalism and monitor productivity.  The solution is being offered as a value-added service to ATF clients through its specially formed division ATF Vision.
According to ATF Services CEO, Robin Mysell: “ATF Vision has developed leading edge affordable surveillance technology, delivering a valuable service for customers and generating a significant new stream of business for ATF Services.”

Brett Shoemaker, Cloud + Enterprise Business Group Leader at Microsoft Australia, said: “Microsoft Azure’s reach and resilience, along with the rich IoT platform and tools underpins this highly innovative security solution that can now be sold internationally to tackle a real and growing problem.
“ATF Services identified a major challenge facing its clients and has developed an intelligent, scalable and resilient solution that will deliver solid returns on investment by ensuring construction sites are secured and projects meet crucial deadlines.”


About ATF
ATF Services is Australia’s largest provider of temporary fencing and edge protection services to the residential, commercial, industrial and events sectors with an ANZ footprint incorporating more than 60 branches and servicing 5,000 regular clients.
ATF Vision have developed and commercialised a leading edge portable, remote, solar powered video surveillance technology. The Intelligent Wireless Alarm complements our existing technology.
More infos at www.atfservices.com.au


About Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is the leading platform and productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world, and its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
More infos at azure.microsoft.com


About Genesys Electronics
Genesys provides a complete electronic product and software development service from initial concept through to volume production. They have an industry-wide reputation for efficiently delivering high quality, innovative, state-of-the-art solutions that are commercially ready.
More infos at www.genesysdesign.com.au


About TwoBulls
Two Bulls is a leading software development firm focused on the development of disruptive digital products. Two Bulls is passionate about determining the future of the IoT landscape. Two Bulls has offices in New York, Berlin and Melbourne and works with a range of leading organisations and startups.
More infos at www.twobulls.com


About Thinxtra
Thinxtra is empowering the Internet of Things in Asia Pacific by deploying the world-leading Sigfox LPWA network as well as building a full eco-system of IoT solutions and services to enable the non-connected to connect, to increase productivity, accelerate decision making, improve quality of service and quality of life, and find more economical solutions to common problems. Sigfox is the world’s leading provider of connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT). The company has built a global network to connect billions of devices to the Internet while consuming as little energy as possible, as simply as possible.
Sigfox’s unique approach to device-to-cloud communications addresses the three greatest barriers to global IoT adoption: cost, energy consumption, and global scalability. Thinxtra’s Sigfox network currently covers 71% of the population in Australia and 89% of the population in New Zealand and will start deployment in Hong Kong by June 2017. It will cover 95% of the population of those countries by the end of 2017.
Thinxtra was founded by IoT and network experts who share a common passion for connecting things to improve business processes and people lives. It is backed by NZX-listed high-tech company Rakon Limited, which has a history of innovation in communications technology going back some 50 years.

For more information, contact:
Renald Gallis – VP Marketing and Ecosystem
[email protected] +61 404 894 960

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