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eXemplar

Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project

Feasibility Study

Version <1.0>
Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

Revision History
Date Version Description Author
16/03/2018 1.0 Draft Feasibility Study <name>

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Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

Table of Contents
1. Introduction 4
1.1 Purpose 4
1.2 Scope 4
1.3 Definitions, Acronyms, and Abbreviations 4
1.4 References 4

2. Executive Summary 5

3. Goals and Objectives of the Proposed System 6


3.1 Goals of the Proposed System 6
3.2 Objectives of the Proposed System 6

4. Current System and Processes 7

5. Description of the Proposed System 8


5.1 System description 8
5.1.1 Operational environment and its characteristics 8
5.1.2 Proposed content / functionality 8
5.1.3 Software Implications 9
5.1.4 Major system components and the interconnections among these components 9
5.1.5 Communication requirements – including descriptions and maps 9
5.1.6 Interfaces to external systems or procedures 10
5.1.7 Dataflows (Inputs and Outputs) 10
5.1.8 Conformity and compatibility to applicable regulations and standards 10
5.1.9 Proposed geographic locations – including descriptions and maps 10
5.1.10 Deployment and operational risk factors 11
5.1.11 Quality and performance characteristics 11
5.1.12 Safety, security and privacy 11
5.1.13 Continuity of operations in emergencies 12
5.2 Issues 12
5.3 Assumptions and Constraints 12

6. Market Considerations 13

7. Market Strategy 13

8. Schedule 13

9. Financial Projections 14

10. Findings and Recommendations 15


10.1 Findings 15
10.2 Recommendations 15
10.2.1 The project is feasible 15
10.2.2 System’s Security to be ensured 15
10.2.3 Marketing and Financial analysis are required 15

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Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

Commercial in Confidence eXemplar Page 4 of 19


Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

Feasibility Study

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose
This document is a feasibility study of the Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project for the newly-established
company Rural Surveillance Services Pty Ltd (RSS).
1.2 Scope

This feasibility study appraises the viability of the Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project for Rural
Surveillance Services Pty Ltd (RSS) proving goals, objectives, general description of the proposed
system, assumptions, constrains and potential issues with findings and recommendations. The study
neither includes market considerations, market strategy, schedule or financial projections, nor the design
solutions or information about current systems and processes. Documents used to develop the study are
listed in the references.

1.3 Definitions, Acronyms, and Abbreviations

PIRSA Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia


RSS Rural Surveillance Services Ltd
FSS Fence Surveillance Service Ltd
ASX Australian Securities Exchange
OCC Operational Control Centre
LRU line replaceable unit
ALARMS Automatic Logistic and Reporting Management System
HUMS Health and Usage Monitoring System
FD/L Fault Detection/Location

1.4 References

RSS Business Scenario


7057.181 Document Register on MYUNI
Map & Picture: Wikimedia, url:
“https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/Dingo_fence_in_Australia.PNG”

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Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

2. Executive Summary

The project is aimed to ensure the protection integrity of 2,200 km long South Australian
portion of dingo exclusion fence by developing a fence inspection system. The proposed fence
surveillance system is completely automated with the use of autonomous inspection vehicles
called ‘Robots’. The operation need to be continuous throughout the year with 99%
availability. The system is required to operate in any adverse weather and topographical
conditions. The location of each robots may be monitored anytime by PIRSA and OCC with
respect to GPS coordinates and property topography. The service is expected to be scalable as
well as expandable.

Daily operations need to be planned by software based on the information provided by


property owners, operators or other stakeholders. The system is expected be able of detecting
size and location of holes very accurately and produce images making available to OCC.
There needs an uninterrupted communication facility between property owner and the OCC.
The system may produce daily report and send to property owners and PIRSA. It is expected
that there will be a comprehensive web-based training facility which will be used to provide
trainings and their assessment.

The operations will be supported by comprehensive three category maintenance program. The
system should be able to detect and report their maintenance needs to OCC. Maintenance
should be backed by timely supply of tools and parts with skilled technicians. The system will
generate reports of errors and defects itself if there are any. The maintenance need assessment
of the system is to be designed as automated. Sufficient backup robots for supporting the
emergency is proposed. The system is expected to be scalable and expandable up to 25 robots
in a fleet.

There are also few challenges associated with the projects. The project is designed assuming
that there will be uninterrupted communication facility with the stakeholders. Property owners
are supposed to have access to internet and phones. Operators are required to be skilled and
well trained. Due to the system’s exposer to the internet it is always subjected to higher degree
of risk of hacking and unauthorised access which need to be mitigated. Physical security of
the robots to be planned such that they can not be taken or withdrawn without authority or the
operation may not be affected beyond control.

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Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

Due to automation, the system may should be cost effective and efficient. The continuity and
availability of the service may ensure higher degree of protection integrity to the dingo
exclusion fences. It may reduce the requirement of labours and eliminate the adversity of
operation during difficult weather and topographical conditions.

The project appears to be viable technically whereas comprehensive market analysis,


development of market strategy and financial projection will be necessary before the project
to be undertaken.

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Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

3. Goals and Objectives of the Proposed System

3.1 Goals of the Proposed System

The goal of the project is to ensure the protection integrity of 2,200 km long South Australian
portion of dingo exclusion fence by developing a fence inspection system.

The goal of the company is to expand its operation to global market by operating in other
states and other countries over the time.

3.2 Objectives of the Proposed System

To ensure the protection integrity of the dingo exclusion fence, the fence inspection system
will be developed. The system will detect holes in the fence, determine their location and
extent, provide information to the maintained team to repair the fence which will be operated
under the contract to PIRSA. RSS will not sell its product but deliver the service only and they
shall operate, support and maintain this surveillance system.

After establishing itself via the service contract with PIRSA, RSS will develop further related
capabilities and sell their service to large property owners. The will provide cost effective,
comprehensive surveillance and inspection service reducing the labour cost of large property
owners. Gradually the company will start operations to other states. The company will be
floated publicly on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and start operations to other
countries.

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Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

4. Current System and Processes

Not used – not required for SOW 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001

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Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

5. Description of the Proposed System


5.1 System description

5.1.1 Operational environment and its characteristics

The system will inspect 2,200 km long South Australian portion of dingo exclusion fence by
introducing fully autonomous robots which will be located with reference to GPS coordinates
and the topology of the property will operate along a dirt track in hot, cold, dry, wet,
sometimes windy conditions at day and night all over the year. The robots will identify
location and size of holes and the activities will be remotely monitored from a single national
operations centre. It will provide daily reports to the property owner as well as PIRSA. The
system will cost less than a manual system. property owners will not need to allow additional
fixed infrastructure - the system will not need additional fixed infrastructure.

5.1.2 Proposed content / functionality


A maximum of 10 robots will be deployed at any one time which is expandable based on
demand. The system will detect holes in the fence and identify their locations in terms of GPS
coordinate and with relation to any permanent object in the property line.

Robots will be operated based on daily task plan including route planning developed with the
property owners. The operators will be able to navigate according to GPS coordinates, follow
a path and detect and avoid obstacles on the track. Though the robots are fully autonomous,
their speed may be regulated and able to be overridden in case of emergency.

The system will be able to do special tasking and capable of doing jobs in accordance with
requests in addition to scheduled inspections. It will be scalable to other customers and able
do other things apart from the dingo fence.

The robots will be made as line replaceable units (LRUs) and of standard tools, repair parts
and lubricants whenever possible. Spare will be available at the mobile robot maintenance
centre so that robots can be repaired shortly and can be used again immediately. Robots will
have an Automatic Logistic and Reporting Management System (ALARMS) - a robot can
detect its own faults. Every time the system computer is started, its Fault Detection/Location
(FD/L) system will check of all hardware and software and report will be generated if
something is not operational.

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Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

A temporary infrastructure on the property will be used for mobile robot maintenance centre.
Robots will have a Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) which enables to
automatically know the health such as fuel level, tyre pressure, temperature etc. of the robot
and how much it has been used. Maintenance is scheduled depending on the number of hours
used and robots drive themselves to the mobile robot maintenance centre - after a set number
of hours of use, or if a part is breaking down. The ALARMS + HUMS robots can predict
when they need maintenance and a message is automatically sent to the maintenance manager
that maintenance is needed, with two days’ notice.

The system will be supported by a comprehensive training subsystem. Web-based training will
be available to train maintainers and operators in all aspects of operations. The training will be
based on real world scenarios. It will be made interactive by introducing self-paced
instruction, duplicating performance characteristics and discussing capabilities and limitations
seen in the field. The system will be able to maintain training records for all staff and replay
training sessions to evaluate training.

5.1.3 Software Implications

The planning tools will not be manual, rather the planning tools will be software based and the
software will determine daily operations. Open software architecture will be used whenever
possible so that the development of different fleets for different markets can be supported.
Software based ALARMS, HUMS and FD/L system will enable the operators to receive,
process, format, store and retrieve maintenance data for each robot. It will let them know
where robots are and what they are doing, in real time. Software will provide a warning to the
operator if the system identifies a malfunction
The monitoring interface will have an image display function, including a pan and zoom
function. It will be capable to analyse images for defects (holes) automatically. It will provide
daily reports to the property owner.
The training subsystem will be web-based. It will maintain all types of training records of
trainees and trainers. It will be able to record and replay training sessions to evaluate trainings.

5.1.4 Major system components and the interconnections among these components
The major system component will consist of different individual unites which are
interconnected to each other. The field operation unit, maintenance unit, property owner and
monitoring unit (OCC and PIRSA) are the major components of the system.

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Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

5.1.5 Communication requirements – including descriptions and maps


The system will support communication via satellite capable of simultaneous uplink and
downlink for operational data like command and control the fleet, robot status as well as
internet and voice communication between the OCC and the property owners. It will enable to
provide daily reports to the property owners. All the data will be stored for minimum of seven
years.

As robots will be monitored remotely, real time information of each inspection robot’s
location will be available and PIRSA will know the state of each robot. The system will also
provide a warning to the operator if the system identifies a malfunction.

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Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

5.1.6 Interfaces to external systems or procedures


For simultaneous uplink and downlink connectivity for among the components of the system a
commercial satellite connection provider will be employed. Navigation and monitoring
through GPS will also require third party involvement commercially which will be arranged
by the company.

5.1.7 Dataflows (Inputs and Outputs)


The operators of the Operational Control Centre (OCC) need to know where robots are and
what they are doing, in real time. They require to receive, process, format, store and retrieve
maintenance data for each robot. Data from the property owners need to be conveyed to
operation and maintained team.

5.1.8 Conformity and compatibility to applicable regulations and standards


The system must comply with all relevant environmental standards. It will comply with all
work, health and safety (WHS) regulations. Also, the system itself comply with all system
safety regulations. Standard worldwide 110/220-volt 50/60 Hertz generators and commercial
power sources using an uninterruptable power supply will be ensured.

5.1.9 Proposed geographic locations – including descriptions and maps


The company is located in Adelaide and will be operating in South Australia in order to inspect 2,200
km long South Australian portion of dingo exclusion fence.

Map: Australian Dingo Exclusion fence Picture: A portion of Australian Dingo Exclusion
(Source: wikimedia.org) fence
(Source: wikimedia.org)

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Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

5.1.10 Deployment and operational risk factors


Identify any risk factors that could emerge from any deployment of the proposed system, and any risk factors that
may arise in operation. State if there are no such risks.

There are few risk factors associated with the operation of the system. The system should be
free from outer interference and safe against hacking. In case of emergency or the partial
failure of the system, the operators should be override the operation programs and activities of
the robots. Safety of the robots should be ensured so that those can not be take away by
anyone without authority.

5.1.11 Quality and performance characteristics


Identify quality attributes, such as reliability, accuracy, availability, effectiveness, efficiency, expandability,
flexibility, interoperability, maintainability, portability, reusability, supportability, survivability, and usability. If
applicable, state the required level of performance.
The system should be dependable and provide a robust service. It will produce accurate and
reliable report and present real time information of each inspection robot’s location. It should
detect holes in the fence of A4 size. The system need to be operated 24 hours per day, 7 days
per week with day and night vision. There should be 99% daily availability of the robots as
per their inspection planning. The system should be scalable and can be expanded up to a fleet
of a maximum of 25 robots.
The Fault Detection/Location (FD/L) will check all hardware and software every time the
system computer is started, and a report generated if something is not operational. In order to
ensure the quality, a schedule of monthly inspections will be agreed with PIRSA.
There should be three levels of maintenance such as daily system check at the start of
sessions, field maintenance for minor repairs on the property being inspected and base
maintenance which includes comprehensive work.

5.1.12 Safety, security and privacy

The robots should not able to be taken over by anyone without authority. It should be free
from outer interference and safe against hacking.
When at the maintenance centre, robots will shut down automatically; robots will indicate
they are in safe mode so that it can be maintained safely. There should be a daily system check
at the start of sessions. PIRSA will need to know the state of each robot to monitor the overall
system.
There are no privacy issues from the property owners.

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Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

5.1.13 Continuity of operations in emergencies


Identify any provisions for continuous operations (even if that is a partial operation) in the event of an emergency or
partial failure of one of the system components.
It need to be ensured that there are enough robots to meet the schedule (will have backup
robots and sufficient fuel). In case of emergency the RSS operators should be able to override
the inspection program or the functions of the robot.
The ALARMS + HUMS should enable the robots to predict when they need maintenance and
a message should be automatically sent to the maintenance manager at least two days before
the predicted maintenance.
The operators should be able to detect and avoid obstacles on the path of inspections. They
should also be able to regulate the speed when required due to an emergency.

5.2 Issues
Identify issues that will need to be considered during the development of the system, such as but not limited to
technological factors, system interfaces and security.

5.3 Assumptions and Constraints

State what you are assuming about the environment the proposed system will operate in and
what constraints apply to that system.
This section presents the assumptions or constraints that will affect the proposed system, such
as:
Technologies are assumed to be available for producing the robots and their operations. The
whole system is supposed to have a prolonged operational life. The system will be able to
interact with the other systems such as GPS, satellites, mobile phone networks etc. It is also
assumed that the system will can comply all legislative issues related to safety and
environment. Like most other similar systems this this system may be upgraded easily by
changing hardware, software and operating environment.
Required resources and information are assumed to be available to all the users. The system
will maintain its privacy and comply with security standards. The robots are assumed to be in
complete control of the operators who will be trained properly before the operation starts.

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Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

6. Market Considerations

Not used – not required for SOW 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001

7. Market Strategy

Not used – not required for SOW 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001

8. Schedule
Not used – not required for SOW 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001

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Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

9. Financial Projections

Not used – not required for SOW 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001

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Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

10. Findings and Recommendations

10.1 Findings
The proposed fence surveillance system will be automated which will use autonomous inspection
vehicles called ‘Robots’. The operation will be continuous with an availability 99%. The system is
expected to operate in any adverse weather and topographical conditions. The location of each robots
may be monitored anytime by PIRSA and OCC with respect to GPS coordinates and property
topography.

The operations will be planned by software based on the information provided by property owners
and operators. The system is expected be able to detect size and location of holes accurately and
produce image available to OCC.
There proposed an uninterrupted communication facility between property owner and the
OCC. The system may produce daily report and send to property owners and PIRSA.
It is expected that there will be a comprehensive web-based training facility which will be
used to provide trainings and their assessment.
The system appears to be cost effective and efficient. The continuity and availability of the
service may ensure higher degree of protection to the dingo exclusion fences. It may reduce
the requirement of labours and eliminate the adversity of operation during difficult weather
and topographical conditions. The maintenance need assessment of the system is also
automated. Sufficient backup robots for supporting the emergency is proposed. The system is
expected to be scalable and expandable up to 25 robots in a fleet.

10.2 Recommendations

10.2.1 The project is feasible


The project appears to be feasible for the company as it reduces the cost by automation. The robots
should be made such that it requires less maintenance over the time which may reduce the
maintenance costs.

10.2.2 System’s Security to be ensured


The security of robots, software and data should be very high. Though the robots will be operating
outdoors and along a long fence, the security of robots and unauthorised withdrawal should be
ensured by continuous monitoring. The data should be stored safely, and the system must be resistant
against hackers and unauthorised interruptions.

10.2.3 Marketing and Financial analysis are required

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Fence Surveillance Service (FSS) project Version: 1.0
Feasibility Study Date: 16-03-2018
Document identifier: 7057.181.00­G­PE5­001  BMS source: PCX 008 TPL

The project may be technically feasible, but the market strategy and financial projections need to be
analysed further before making the final decision of the project.

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