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Introduction to Connected Operations

SensorUp’s Connected Operations module bridges the critical gap between emission management and follow-up field service actions. It enables a seamless flow of information, allowing operators to review detections from various sources (flyovers, drones, CMS) within the emission management system and initiate actions like an OGI inspection, which then flows directly to field personnel using SensorUp Outpost, our mobile field application.
Connected Operations enhances responsiveness, improves data accuracy, and ensures regulatory compliance by creating a cohesive, automated workflow from initial detection to field verification and repair.

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The Challenge: Disconnected Detection and Field Action

Traditionally, acting on an emission detection often involves manual handoffs between office-based emission managers and field service teams:
  • Emission detected and analyzed in one system.
  • Separate communication (email, phone call) to request a field inspection.
  • Field data collected on paper or in a different mobile app.
  • Manual data entry back into the primary system.
This disconnected process can lead to delays, data entry errors, and difficulty tracking the status of follow-up actions, ultimately impacting the speed of emission mitigation.

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How Connected Operations Solves This

SensorUp Connected Operations streamlines this by:
  • Integrated Action Initiation: Directly create work orders (e.g., OGI inspection requests) from an emission event within the main platform.
  • Seamless Data Flow to Mobile: Work orders and relevant event details are automatically pushed to field operators via the SensorUp Outpost mobile app.
  • Standardized Field Data Capture: Field personnel use structured forms in Outpost to record findings, verify leaks, and document repairs, ensuring consistency (e.g., aligned with BCER, AER requirements).
  • Real-time Synchronization: Data captured in Outpost (including photos, annotations, and form submissions) syncs directly back to the emission event in the central platform.
  • Automated Event Updates: Actions in the field, like repairing a leak, can automatically update the emission event’s status and end date.

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The Connected Operations Workflow: OGI Inspection Example

Let’s walk through a typical workflow where an emission detection triggers an OGI inspection request, managed through Connected Operations and SensorUp Outpost.

1. Identify Need for Field Verification

Within the Emission Ops module, an air quality manager or operator reviews detections (from flyovers, drones, CMS, etc.).
  • If an emission event requires ground-level verification, the operator decides to initiate an OGI inspection.

2. Create Work Item

From the emission event details page:
  • The operator clicks an “Action” button and select a work item like “OGI Inspection.”
  • A dialog appears, often pre-populating relevant details from the emission observation (e.g., location, initial detection data).
  • Notification (Optional): The operator can enter email addresses in a “Send To” section to notify relevant stakeholders that an inspection has been requested.
    This action creates a new work item linked to the emission event.

3. Track Work Item Progress

Back in the emission event details on the main platform, a “Work Item” section appears.
  • This section allows office personnel to track the progress of the OGI inspection (e.g., “Assigned,” “In Progress,” “Completed”).

4. Field Operator Receives Task in SensorUp Outpost

The Work Item, along with associated emission event details, appears in the SensorUp Outpost mobile app for the assigned field technician.
  • The technician can review the task details and prepare for the site visit.

5. On-Site Data Capture with Outpost

At the site, the field operator uses SensorUp Outpost:
  • Site Check-in: Completes any required site check-in forms.
  • Record Leaks/Vents: If a leak is found during the OGI survey, the operator uses the ”+” button to record new leaks or verify existing ones.
  • Standardized Forms: Uses digital forms (e.g., designed to meet EPA, BCER or AER requirements) to document observations, leak details, component types, etc.
  • Capture Visual Evidence: Uses the camera feature within Outpost to take pictures or upload photos from their device. They can annotate these images directly in the app.

6. Complete & Submit Inspection Survey

Once the Work Itemis complete and all findings are documented (e.g., leaks identified, components checked):
  • The operator completes the Work Item in Outpost.
  • All data, including forms, photos, and annotations, is submitted and synchronizes back to the central SensorUp platform.

7. Review Field Data in Emission Event

Back in the main platform’s emission event details:
  • The Work Item status updates to “Completed.”
  • Office personnel can now review the newly collected data from the field, including detailed leak information, photos, and any findings from the inspection report.

8. Emission Event Auto-Update & Closure

  • Automatic Updates: If a leak is documented as repaired and verified in Outpost, this information syncs back. The emission event in the central platform can be configured to automatically update its end date based on the repair verification. This ensures accurate tracking of the event’s duration.
  • Event Closure: Once the leak is confirmed repaired and all necessary documentation is complete, the operator can confidently close the emission event, completing the workflow and maintaining a full audit trail for compliance.

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Key Benefits of Connected Operations

  • Improved Responsiveness: Faster transition from detection to field action.
  • Enhanced Data Accuracy: Standardized digital forms and direct data sync reduce manual entry errors.
  • Full Audit Trail: Complete, end-to-end record of detection, inspection, findings, and resolution.
  • Streamlined Compliance: Easier to demonstrate due diligence and adherence to regulatory requirements (e.g., LDAR programs).
  • Increased Efficiency: Automated workflows reduce manual handoffs and administrative burden.
  • Empowered Field Teams: SensorUp Outpost provides field operators with the information and tools they need to perform their tasks effectively.
By connecting detections directly to field inspections through a simple, automated workflow, SensorUp Connected Operations significantly improves responsiveness, data accuracy, and regulatory compliance.

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Next Steps

To learn more about leveraging Connected Operations and SensorUp Outpost:

Using SensorUp Outpost (Mobile App)

A detailed guide for field operators on using the Outpost app for various inspection types and data capture.

Connected Operations OGI Workflow

Learn about the end-to-end workflow for OGI inspections and field operations.