The conversation covers the evolution of drone technology in utilities, the impact of automation on utility inspections, challenges in data collection and asset accuracy, and the transformation in utility operations. It also explores the use of DJI Dock 3 in utility inspections and the mobile capability of the dock, as well as the challenges and insights in data collection for automation in utilities. The conversation covers the implementation of drone technology in utility operations, focusing on efficiency, cost reduction, and automation. It explores the use of drones for field data collection, mission support, storm response, and electric distribution inspections. The discussion also delves into the development of a hardware-agnostic remote pilot operation center and the growth of the UAS program through automation and efficiency.

Takeaways

• Automation in utility inspections
• Challenges in data collection and asset accuracy
• Transformation in utility operations Efficiency through automation
• Cost reduction through automation

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
• 05:24 Evolution of Drone Technology in Utilities
• 11:41 Use of DJI Dock 3 in Utility Inspections
• 16:45 Mobile Capability of DJI Dock 3
• 36:38 Field Data Collection
• 42:18 Drone Technology in Electric Distribution
• 47:36 Drone in the Box and Remote Operations in Texas
• 53:12 Drone Technology Development and Integration

The conversation covers a range of topics, including the challenges of podcast momentum, the use of dock technology for automation and data management, DJI's Flight Hub options, upcoming travel plans, and the evolution of drone technology. The discussion also highlights the comprehensive asset inspection and introduces an upcoming guest from Xcel Energy.

Takeaways

• Dock technology offers scalable automation and data management.
• DJI's Flight Hub provides cloud-based, on-prem, and all-in-one options for drone operations.

Chapters

• 00:00 Reconnecting and Reflecting
• 06:18 Expanding Dock Applications
• 14:51 Comparing DJI's Flight Hub Options
• 20:29 Holistic Asset View
• 26:26 Evolving Drone Technology
• 31:51 Upcoming Guest Introduction

Catching up with Kadin LaCoure to talk data, business operations, solar and wind energy projects, personal use of data, and fitness.

In this episode, Jared Westrem and Adam explore the latest capabilities of drone-in-a-box technology, its applications across industries like renewable energy, utilities, agriculture, and infrastructure, and how it is transforming safety, efficiency, and remote operations.

In this Tap Into Data episode, we reflect on our conversation with DDB Consultants on how their practical approach to digital strategy and process optimization is helping organizations work on the future. In the next episode, we build on that foundation by diving into DJI Dock 3 systems and exploring how fully automated, 24/7 drone-in-a-box operations can transform data collection and asset inspections.

Join Adam, Gurmeet, and Jared in this high‑energy Tap Into Data Studio session as they turn real-world business challenges into clear, actionable insights using modern data tools and practical storytelling.

Big week ahead and we couldn’t be more excited to finally share what we’ve been working on behind the scenes 🎙️🍻

We’re officially launching the all-new “Tap Into Data” podcast, where we dive into the stories, lessons, and about shaping data and technology.

Kicking things off with our first session featuring Gurmeet Mangat, bringing an awesome conversation you won’t want to miss, dropping on your favorite platforms later this week.

And because no good launch is complete without a little humility… here’s a brief blooper from recording the intro.

Stay tuned for plenty more, with lots of learning (and laughs) along the way.

Jared Westrem & Adam Chartrand, MBA

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