Remote operations
Marc Prempain
7 May 2024
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With the world slowly but surely recognizing the need for a collective push toward sustainable mobility solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining wider adoption. This surge in EV ownership parallels an escalating demand for widespread charging infrastructure. By the end of 2022, the global count of public charging stations reached 2.7 million, with over 900,000 newly installed that year alone.
Companies in charge of the installation of electric charging stations have to take into consideration several factors before equipping a specific location with charging amenities.
Not every private garage or public place is suitable for an electric vehicle charging station. The installation company has to conduct inspections to evaluate the conditions: the size of the garage, the electric power of the electric meter, and so on. Usually, it requires the dispatch of the agent which drags additional logistics preoccupations: ensuring that the client is present, the address is correct, and that the agent took the most optimized route in order not to waste time and gasoline on commuting.
Technical feasibility is about comprehensive evaluation of the site’s electrical infrastructure to determine its compatibility with the requirements of the charging station. After the inspection, the agent will need to save the information displayed on the electricity meter whether it is by taking a picture or by taking a video of it. The overall examination includes examining the voltage, power availability, and capacity of the electrical grid in the vicinity. Electric charging stations imply adding more electric loads, so the objective is to verify that the infrastructure can handle it without causing disruptions or overloading the system.
In case an upgrade or modification is needed, the agent requires a tool that can help register it. Potential improvements may include augmenting the power supply, installing additional circuitry, or upgrading transformers to accommodate the increased power demand. If the adjustments are not well executed, it may influence the safety and reliability of the new charging station.
Without compliance with local regulations, zoning constraints, and industry standards, an electric company cannot install an EV station. Different regions, municipalities, and jurisdictions have specific regulations governing the installation of EV charging stations. These regulations often dictate aspects such as the location of charging stations, safety standards, environmental considerations, and accessibility requirements.
Companies need to have well-documented proof that the installation process respects all the necessary norms.
How can companies address those challenges effectively without compromising the quality of customer service and the precision of the installation process? Clearly, the first steps revolting around the examination of the location lay the foundation for the smooth installation of the station. That is why the company’s agent would rather take several trips to the customer to ensure that the inspection is done correctly. However, such an approach requires extra time and resources associated with traveling on-site.
The speed and accuracy are also the question of what digital tools the company uses. If Excel spreadsheets are the go-to solution or if it is good old paper documents, the risk of lost data and errors increases. How does the agent capture images? With their professional mobile phone and then store the images and videos in the gallery without any tags or labels? At the end of the day, after numerous visits, the phone gallery must look like an incomprehensive mix of media files. Impossible to search for a specific file. Impossible to assign a team member to it. Difficult to share via email due to the limit in size.
This is where remote visual support comes in handy. This solution employs real-time video calls and asynchronous reporting powered by a collaborative interface to transform the conventional methods of site evaluation for EV charging station installations.
With the help of remote visual support, the agent from the EV charging company gains a firsthand view of the location, such as a garage or parking where the charging station is intended to be installed. It takes just a few clicks to get connected to the customer.
During the real-time call, the agent can navigate the site virtually, capturing snapshots, annotating them, leaving comments, and making notes directly on the visuals. These annotations and comments serve as valuable documentation for evaluation and future reference, ensuring a detailed and accurate record of the site’s suitability for the installation.
Moreover, another pivotal capability of remote visual support lies in its ability to record these live inspections. Every interaction, annotation, and snapshot taken during the video call is securely stored in an archive as well as the video recording of the whole session. This repository of recorded inspections becomes an invaluable resource for the company’s experts, enabling them to review the diagnostic results comprehensively and make informed decisions without the need for physical presence at the site. This not only saves time but also allows for a more meticulous evaluation, enhancing the overall accuracy of the assessment. There is no need to rely on the pictures and videos stored in the phone’s gallery.
Without traveling to the customer’s location, the agent, through the live video call, prompts the customer to show the electric meter or relevant electrical components. By requesting the customer to display these crucial elements and capturing pictures of them, all essential data of electrical infrastructure is collected and stored alongside other inspection records.
One of the most compelling ways in which remote visual support satisfies the stringent demands of regulatory compliance is through the comprehensive documentation it provides. During remote inspection sessions conducted via live video calls, installation companies meticulously capture the state of the facility before the installation of an EV charging station.
The ability to document the pre-installation state of the site serves as a proactive step toward compliance, enabling companies to conduct the installation process while ensuring adherence to all relevant guidelines.
Moreover, in the event of any disputes or discrepancies regarding compliance with regulations, these video recordings serve as a robust asset. They stand as indisputable evidence, showcasing the diligent assessment performed in accordance with requirements. As a result, this transparency helps build a trustworthy reputation of the company and increases its customers’ loyalty.
In conclusion, the integration of remote visual support technology into the verification process for electric vehicle charging station installations offers a myriad of benefits that redefine efficiency and elevate customer satisfaction.
The cost and time efficiency achieved through remote assessments underscores their value by minimizing unnecessary site visits, thereby optimizing resources and expediting the verification process. This efficiency translates into tangible savings in travel expenses and personnel costs, significantly streamlining operations for installation companies while giving the ability to serve more customers.
These inspections minimize errors, ensuring meticulous assessments and informed decision-making, ultimately contributing to the successful identification of potential challenges or requirements.
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