Proof of Concept for Smarter Utility Asset Management
- nernst03
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
sUAS-based RFID technology for near real-time (nRT) asset tracking
Introduction
Utility operations face a common challenge: asset management in large, complex laydown yards. Spanning dozens of acres and containing thousands of near-identical assets, these sites are notoriously difficult to track with clipboards, spreadsheets, or outdated legacy apps. The result? Lost productivity, idle labor, and costly project delays.
Tactien is committed to bringing innovative solutions to the utility sector—not by selling technology, but by validating it. Our role is to introduce promising concepts, oversee pilot testing, and most importantly, provide an independent, data-driven analysis of whether these tools are worth scaling.
The Proof of Concept
The latest proof of concept introduces a combined RFID + UAS (drone) asset tracking system. The pilot is designed to show how tagged assets can be scanned and mapped from the air and the ground, with results displayed on a GIS dashboard in near real-time.
In a one-day demonstration, the process includes:
Tagging a sample set of assets in the yard.
Deploying UAS sweeps to detect and geolocate tagged assets.
Conducting manual spot checks to validate system accuracy.
Delivering a live map and dashboard of asset movements.
This process allows utilities to see, firsthand, how this commercially available technology can reduce search times, prevent reschedules, and create persistent records that extend beyond construction phases.
Independent ROI Analysis
What makes this approach unique is Tactien’s independence. We have no financial incentive from the solution provider – an international company the has been producing infrastructure marking products for decades. Instead, we remain focused solely on the customer’s best interest.
Tactien deliverables include a comprehensive ROI report, covering:
Operational KPIs (time saved locating assets, error reduction)
Financial KPIs (labor savings, avoided crane reschedules)
Scalability KPIs (effectiveness at full scale deployment)
Side-by-side financial comparison with traditional methods
Risk & sensitivity analysis to account for real-world variability
Qualitative crew feedback on usability and safety
The result is a clear, data-backed recommendation: whether to scale, how to scale, and what business value to expect.
Why This Matters
Utilities today are inundated with vendors claiming breakthrough technology. The challenge is not lack of innovation—it’s lack of objective validation. By bringing structured, independent assessments into the mix, utilities gain confidence that the solutions they adopt are both feasible and financially justified.
This proof of concept is not about promoting a product. It’s about proving whether the concept itself is viable. If the data supports it, utilities can scale with confidence. If not, they avoid wasted investments. Either way, the customer wins.
Call to Action
Tactien exists to bridge the gap between technology hype and operational reality. If your organization is considering new approaches to asset management—or wants to explore the potential of drone-enabled, RFID-based inventory tracking—reach out to our team. We’ll design a proof of concept, evaluate it objectively, and deliver an unbiased ROI analysis tailored to your operations.
Because at the end of the day, innovation only matters if it works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What qualifies Tactien to be my independent advisor?
Answer: Tactien’s team brings decades of combined aviation and infrastructure experience, having led some of the largest unmanned and manned operations across the national airspace to date. Our credibility comes from being practitioners first—we’ve learned the difference between claims on a spec sheet and actual operational performance (the hard way).
2. Why does independence matter in a Proof of Concept?
Answer: Many technology providers are incentivized to push adoption regardless of fit. Tactien’s independence ensures that our recommendations are unbiased, based solely on measurable ROI and operational feasibility for the utility.
3. What is the purpose of this Proof of Concept?
Answer: The pilot is designed to demonstrate how RFID combined with UAS can improve asset tracking efficiency, reduce lost productivity, and enhance visibility within utility laydown yards.
4. How does Tactien measure ROI in these projects?
Answer: We apply a structured framework that looks at operational KPIs (time savings, error reduction), financial KPIs (labor hours avoided, cost of delays prevented), and scalability KPIs (deployment efficiency, data integration readiness).
5. What happens if the technology doesn’t prove ROI?
Answer: That’s a win too. If the results do not support scaling, the utility avoids sunk costs and wasted investment. Our role is to deliver clarity, not to sell technology.
6. Will Tactien recommend scaling if results are positive?
Answer: Yes—if the data supports it. We provide a roadmap for how scaling could look, what financial impacts can be expected, and what risks must be managed. The decision always rests with the customer.
7. What does a one-day pilot project involve?
Answer: The process includes tagging sample assets, conducting drone sweeps for RFID detection, validating data accuracy with ground checks, and presenting results in a live dashboard—followed by ROI analysis and recommendations.
8. Does Tactien have any financial interest in the technology provider?
Answer: No. Tactien receives no commission, revenue share, or incentive from technology providers. Our only obligation is to deliver unbiased recommendations to the end-user.
9. How does this benefit my team in the field?
Answer: Crews save significant time locating assets, avoid costly delays, and gain better situational awareness through real-time dashboards that replace manual searching and paperwork. This is an OPEX savings solution.
10. How do I engage Tactien for a Proof of Concept?
Answer: Simply reach out to our team. We’ll work with you to scope a pilot tailored to your yard operations, oversee execution, and deliver an independent ROI analysis that helps you make the right decision for your organization.
11. Can Tactien’s services be tailored to my organization’s unique needs?
Answer: Absolutely. Every utility and infrastructure operation is different. We take the time to listen, understand your distinct challenges, and craft solutions—whether in CONOPS design, regulatory compliance, or training—that are customized for your organizational goals.
