The optimization and coordination of resources and technologies are among the most significant challenges in effectively managing our cities. With SkylarkNet, the new GDS solution, Smart Cities can now access a flexible and scalable remote control system, designed to reduce operational costs and promote environmental sustainability.
We interviewed Daniele Fanton – Group IT Manager and D&D SW Manager at GDS – to better understand SkylarkNet’s unique features and the development process behind it.
- What are SkylarkNet’s main features?
SkylarkNet integrates all the necessary functionalities for managing Smart Cities, offering solutions ranging from street lighting to information displays and device maintenance in the field.
It allows for simple programming, such as dimming night lighting, while also supporting intelligent systems based on sensors to monitor traffic and automatically optimize energy consumption.
Another innovative aspect is the adoption of a microservices-based architecture, providing more flexibility compared to monolithic solutions. This approach allows for easier integration of new features and ensures continuous platform evolution.
Moreover, SkylarkNet includes an advanced support system that enables ticket submission with direct assistance from specialized technicians. These professionals do not provide standard responses like a typical helpdesk; they have an in-depth understanding of the product and can effectively intervene on-site. The assistance is not limited to frontend issues but ensures comprehensive technical support, guaranteeing the system’s overall functionality.
- How does SkylarkNet differentiate itself from other remote control solutions for Smart Cities available on the market?
In addition to adaptive lighting, which represents a significant innovation developed with cutting-edge technologies, SkylarkNet’s true strength lies in the extensive experience gained in the remote control sector. The platform is the result of nearly 10 years of evolution from the previous GDS Smart City management solution, which currently manages around 80,000 devices remotely. This background has enabled GDS to develop a highly reliable system that can autonomously respond to events, thanks to a continuous process of optimization and learning.
- What were the key steps in developing SkylarkNet and how did you involve experts and various users in the process?
Building on our experience, we involved a team of experts to thoroughly analyze SkylarkNet’s interface, taking into account the specific needs of various users—from technicians working on electrical systems to those responsible for monitoring energy consumption, and other professionals in the field. This process led us to completely redesign the user interface, with the goal of making it more intuitive and user-friendly. Together, we simplified all processes, always prioritizing ease of use.During the project, we involved our main clients, suppliers, and specialized companies. Once the platform was completed, we tested it with new technical team members, without providing them with any instructions, to verify if they could understand its functionality on their own. The result was positive: they quickly understood how to use the platform, despite having limited prior experience, which confirmed the effectiveness of the design and the developed graphical mockup.For the interface design, we created a working group involving all key stakeholders, aiming for the best possible outcome. We considered the needs of all user levels – not just the customer and those managing the system, but also mayors, maintenance personnel, and those responsible for installing lighting luminaires – so that everyone could benefit from the platform. Finally, we consulted industry experts to gather further insights and propose a consistent graphical style.
- Does SkylarkNet use or plan to implement machine learning and artificial intelligence to optimize the management of connected devices?
Yes, SkylarkNet already employs continuous learning approaches, and the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is a core part of its development. The learning process is essential because Smart City products and needs are constantly evolving. Therefore, the system must be continuously updated to respond appropriately to specific events. To this end, we have established a dedicated team focused solely on system analysis and training, working to enhance the response and predictive capabilities of connected devices. Regarding Artificial Intelligence, once Generative AI systems are integrated into SkylarkNet, the platform will allow users to interact in a more intuitive and direct manner. Thanks to its ability to analyze data and the knowledge it acquires, SkylarkNet will be able to autonomously process information and provide personalized solutions based on user requests, eliminating the need for manual analysis and data-based reports.
- What advantages does SkylarkNet offer in terms of energy efficiency, for example concerning adaptive lighting?
SkylarkNet offers several advantages in terms of energy efficiency, especially through adaptive lighting.
Initially, the platform provides essential features such as adaptive lighting based on traffic monitoring via cameras, device visualization and management through mapping, scenario creation and application, and control operations. Later, we will implement an advanced adaptive lighting function, which will automatically adjust brightness based on data from traffic-monitoring cameras. This approach not only ensures optimal real-time lighting but also helps reduce energy consumption by adapting the light intensity to real environmental needs.
- How scalable is SkylarkNet? Is it designed to handle expansions into different sectors beyond lighting and displays?
SkylarkNet is an open platform, designed to be extremely dynamic and scalable. Beyond the lighting and display sectors, we are evaluating its expansion into new areas, such as photovoltaics. In recent years, we have collaborated with students from local Technical Institutes specializing in electronics and mechatronics, asking for their feedback on the platform’s use. We showcase its features and gather ideas on how it could be leveraged. From these interactions, various proposals have emerged, including air pollution monitoring. Additionally, in line with sustainability goals, we are considering other potential future developments, such as water leakage monitoring.
- How does SkylarkNet manage the security of data it collects from and transmits to connected devices?
GDS is already ISO 27001 certified, the international standard for information security. We are currently preparing to obtain ISO 27002 certification, which will significantly influence the programming methods used by our developers. For this reason, we are already operating in compliance with ISO 27002 standards, thus anticipating the certification process.
- Does SkylarkNet offer the ability to perform predictive maintenance on connected devices? If yes, how does this process work?
Yes, predictive maintenance is closely linked to the use of machine learning. We collect a large amount of data to monitor the devices’ performance and analyze it to identify patterns and trends. Our goal is to teach the system how to interpret this information and extract the necessary data to predict maintenance needs. This process becomes increasingly precise as more experience is accumulated.
GDS has over 45 years of experience in manufacturing electronic equipment, coupled with 20 years of software development expertise. This combination gives us a strong competitive advantage: we have long been familiar with situations requiring maintenance interventions on connected devices, and our in-depth knowledge of the products enables us to plan effective and targeted actions in response to specific events.
- Which are the aspects of SkylarkNet you are most satisfied with and which are those you think still need improvement?
The technological transition has been a significant challenge, pushing us to acquire new skills and rethink processes that we had successfully managed for years. We were accustomed to operating in a certain way, but we had to set aside what we did well, recognizing the limits of those methods, to start from scratch and surpass them. Creating the mockup not only resulted in a functional product but also marked an important achievement in terms of user interface design, an aspect often overlooked by technicians who tend to focus on functionality rather than visual appeal. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence, already tested in the field, gives us confidence and drives us to continue in this innovative direction.
Would you like to receive more information about SkylarkNet and how it can optimize Smart City management? Contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
