Pilot Program Update – July 2025
An inside look at FlareHalo’s pilot program progress, including field deployments, user feedback, and lessons learned from real-world testing.
Pilot Program Overview
Since launching our pilot program in early 2025, we’ve been working closely with a select group of early adopters to test FlareHalo’s water monitoring solutions in real-world conditions. This update shares our progress, challenges, and the valuable insights we’ve gained from field deployments across Australia.
Current Pilot Participants
Wallop Water Partnership
Our primary pilot partner, Wallop Water, has been instrumental in testing FlareHalo systems across their agricultural and industrial client base:
- Deployment sites: 12 active monitoring locations
- Geographic coverage: Western Australia, South Australia, and Victoria
- Use cases: Livestock watering, irrigation monitoring, and emergency water supply
- Duration: 6+ months of continuous operation
Additional Pilot Partners
We’ve expanded our pilot program to include diverse use cases:
- Regional event organizers: Testing hydration station monitoring
- Construction companies: Evaluating portable toilet sensor systems
- Rural property owners: Validating fire water tank monitoring
- Utility contractors: Assessing compliance monitoring capabilities
Field Deployment Results
System Reliability
Our pilot deployments have demonstrated exceptional reliability in challenging environments:
- Uptime performance: 99.7% average system availability across all sites
- Environmental resilience: Systems operating in temperatures from -5°C to 45°C
- Weather resistance: Successful operation through storms, dust, and extreme heat
- Power efficiency: Battery life exceeding 18 months in most applications
Data Accuracy and Quality
Real-world testing has validated our measurement accuracy:
- Tank level accuracy: ±1% precision across various tank sizes and configurations
- Pulse detection: 100% reliability in detecting water meter pulses
- Data consistency: Stable readings with minimal drift over time
- Environmental compensation: Accurate measurements regardless of weather conditions
Communication Performance
Our long-range connectivity has proven robust in remote locations:
- Coverage success: 95% of sites achieving reliable LTE-M connectivity
- Data transmission: 99.9% successful data upload rate
- Network resilience: Automatic fallback and retry mechanisms working effectively
- Remote configuration: Successful OTA updates across all pilot sites
User Feedback and Insights
What’s Working Well
Pilot participants have highlighted several strengths:
- Ease of installation: Simple setup process requiring minimal technical expertise
- Reliable operation: Consistent performance without regular maintenance
- Clear data presentation: Intuitive dashboards and alert systems
- Responsive support: Quick resolution of any issues or questions
Areas for Improvement
Valuable feedback has identified opportunities for enhancement:
- Mobile app features: Additional functionality for field staff
- Integration capabilities: Better connection with existing farm management systems
- Custom alert thresholds: More flexible notification settings
- Data export options: Additional formats for analysis and reporting
Unexpected Benefits
Pilot participants have discovered unanticipated advantages:
- Operational insights: Better understanding of water usage patterns
- Cost savings: Reduced water waste and optimized delivery schedules
- Peace of mind: Confidence in water availability during critical periods
- Compliance support: Easier meeting of regulatory reporting requirements
Technical Achievements
Hardware Performance
Our rugged design has exceeded expectations:
- IP68 certification: Proven water and dust resistance in field conditions
- Vandal resistance: Successful operation in public access areas
- Longevity: No hardware failures across 6+ months of continuous operation
- Maintenance requirements: Minimal intervention needed beyond initial setup
Software Development
Continuous improvement based on pilot feedback:
- Dashboard enhancements: Improved user interface and data visualization
- Alert system refinement: More intelligent and actionable notifications
- Mobile optimization: Better performance on smartphones and tablets
- API development: Robust interfaces for system integration
System Integration
Successful connections with existing infrastructure:
- SCADA compatibility: Integration with industrial control systems
- Cloud platform connectivity: Reliable data transmission to cloud services
- Third-party sensors: Compatibility with existing monitoring equipment
- Data export capabilities: Seamless integration with reporting systems
Lessons Learned
Installation and Setup
Key insights for successful deployment:
- Site preparation: Importance of proper mounting and power considerations
- Network planning: Careful assessment of cellular coverage requirements
- User training: Value of comprehensive onboarding and documentation
- Testing procedures: Need for thorough validation before full deployment
Operational Considerations
Important factors for ongoing success:
- Alert management: Balancing notification frequency with user preferences
- Data interpretation: Helping users understand and act on monitoring data
- Maintenance planning: Proactive approach to system health and updates
- Support processes: Efficient resolution of technical issues and questions
Business Model Validation
Confirmation of market needs and value proposition:
- Customer pain points: Validation of water monitoring challenges
- Value perception: Clear understanding of ROI and benefits
- Pricing sensitivity: Insights into customer willingness to pay
- Feature priorities: Guidance on product development roadmap
Pilot Program Expansion
New Applications
Based on pilot success, we’re exploring additional use cases:
- Aquaculture monitoring: Water quality and level monitoring for fish farms
- Mining operations: Remote water infrastructure in mining environments
- Emergency services: Critical water monitoring for firefighting and disaster response
- Urban applications: Smart city water management and leak detection
Geographic Expansion
Extending pilot program to new regions:
- Northern Australia: Testing in tropical and monsoon conditions
- Tasmania: Validation in cooler, wetter environments
- International markets: Initial testing in New Zealand and Pacific Islands
- Urban deployments: City-based applications and infrastructure monitoring
Technology Enhancements
Development priorities based on pilot feedback:
- Advanced analytics: Machine learning for predictive maintenance
- Multi-sensor integration: Comprehensive environmental monitoring
- Edge computing: Local data processing for faster response times
- Blockchain integration: Secure, transparent data management
Customer Success Stories
Livestock Operation Transformation
A 5,000-hectare cattle station implemented FlareHalo monitoring across 8 remote watering points:
- Eliminated stock water shortages through proactive monitoring
- Reduced labor costs by 60% for water checking duties
- Improved animal welfare with reliable water access
- Enhanced property value through better infrastructure management
Event Management Innovation
A regional festival organizer used FlareHalo to manage 15 hydration stations:
- Reduced water waste by 40% through data-driven ordering
- Eliminated dehydration incidents with proactive monitoring
- Saved $8,000 in logistics and emergency delivery costs
- Improved sustainability credentials for sponsors and community
Construction Site Efficiency
A major construction project deployed FlareHalo for portable toilet monitoring:
- Optimized service schedules based on real usage data
- Improved worker satisfaction with better facility management
- Reduced environmental impact through efficient waste management
- Enhanced safety compliance with proper sanitation monitoring
Next Steps
Pilot Program Continuation
Ongoing activities and planned expansions:
- Extended deployments: Continuing current pilot partnerships
- New participant recruitment: Adding diverse use cases and industries
- Performance monitoring: Continuous evaluation and improvement
- Feedback integration: Incorporating insights into product development
Product Development
Roadmap priorities based on pilot learnings:
- Feature enhancements: Implementing requested improvements
- Integration development: Building connections with popular systems
- Mobile app expansion: Adding functionality for field users
- Analytics platform: Advanced reporting and insights capabilities
Commercial Preparation
Getting ready for broader market launch:
- Manufacturing scale-up: Preparing for increased production volumes
- Support infrastructure: Building customer service and technical support
- Channel development: Establishing sales and distribution partnerships
- Documentation completion: Finalizing user guides and technical specifications
Get Involved
Join the Pilot Program
We’re still accepting applications for pilot program participation:
- Eligibility: Organizations with remote water monitoring needs
- Commitment: 6-12 months of testing and feedback
- Benefits: Early access to technology and discounted pricing
- Requirements: Willingness to provide feedback and share experiences
Stay Updated
Follow our progress and learn from pilot experiences:
- Regular updates: Monthly progress reports and insights
- Case studies: Detailed success stories and lessons learned
- Technical deep-dives: Engineering insights and development updates
- Community engagement: Opportunities to connect with other users
Conclusion
The pilot program has been an invaluable experience, providing real-world validation of FlareHalo’s technology and revealing opportunities for improvement. We’re grateful to our pilot partners for their collaboration and feedback, and excited about the potential to help more organizations solve their water monitoring challenges.
The success of our pilot deployments confirms that there’s a real need for reliable, rugged water monitoring solutions that work in the field, not just in the lab. We’re committed to continuing our development based on these learnings and preparing for broader market availability.
Ready to join our pilot program or learn more about FlareHalo? Contact us to discuss your specific needs and how we can help you solve your water monitoring challenges.
FlareHalo — Built and tested in the real world, ready for yours.