PwC has launched a dedicated drone specialists team in the UK to leverage this burgeoning technology and increase value from drone data for its clients. This initiative aligns with the findings from PwC’s ‘Clarity from Above’ report, highlighting drones’ potential to disrupt various industries and estimating a $127 billion global market for drone-enabled business services.
Harnessing the Potential of Drones
PwC foresees significant growth opportunities with the advancement of drone technology. Industries such as infrastructure, agriculture, and transport are earmarked as potential beneficiaries, with the UK team set to focus primarily on these areas. The team will initially comprise six full-time experts, with plans to expand, highlighting PwC’s commitment to expanding drone technology’s reach.
With specialist resources embedded within each major sector of PwC’s business, including assurance, tax, deals, and consulting, as well as sectors like power and utilities, national security, and construction, the firm’s approach is comprehensive and multi-faceted. More than 2,100 technologists currently support PwC’s vision to standardise drone data as part of regular client insights.
Vision from the Sky: Insights from Elaine Whyte
Elaine Whyte, PwC’s UK drones leader, brings extensive expertise from her 20-year career as an engineer in the RAF, where she witnessed firsthand the situational awareness an aerial perspective can provide. She posits that organisations have not yet fully integrated drone technology into strategic operations.
Whyte asserts, “We’re already seeing early adopters in large-scale projects using drone data to enhance insight into their investments.” This perspective is instrumental in allowing better site control and creating a definitive record of information. To harness drones’ disruptive potential, she emphasises the importance of having the right regulations in place.
The Government’s Role in Drone Integration
The UK government’s announcement of an upcoming drone bill is a pivotal step forward. Collaborations between PwC, the Civil Aviation Authority, and the Department for Transport are crucial in developing standards to regulate this emerging technology.
Drones offer a unique vantage point, capturing data from previously hard-to-reach locations with precision measuring just a few centimetres. This capability is transformative, as it aids businesses in managing costs, mitigating risks, and improving safety protocols across various operations.
The application of data analytics and machine learning processes to drone-captured data is expected to revolutionise insights for clients with extensive real estate portfolios, developmental landscapes or large structures needing rigorous monitoring.
Strategic Advantages Through Drone Deployment
The primary focus of PwC’s drone team will be on client asset maintenance and monitoring, capital project oversight, and strategic planning for integrating drone solutions. This proactive stance ensures clients receive comprehensive insights tailored to their operational needs.
Jon Andrews, Head of Technology and Investment at PwC, highlights, “Technology is central to our strategy. Our drones team exemplifies our commitment to help clients adapt to disruptive trends.” The synergy of cyber security, data analytics, and drone technology offers businesses a robust framework for future endeavours.
Pioneering Client Solutions with Drones
Already, client projects leveraging drone technology are underway, spearheaded by PwC’s Centre of Excellence team in Poland. The less restrictive regulatory environment there has allowed for pioneering developments in drone applications.
PwC’s Drone Powered Solutions team, established over four years ago, now encompasses approximately 50 specialists leading innovative projects. This team serves as a blueprint for the newly established UK team, aiming to replicate its success and insights.
Powerful New Business Perspectives
Through drone technology, businesses gain a powerful new perspective, offering a competitive edge in market analysis and operational efficiency. This technology’s ability to swiftly capture comprehensive data is a game-changer in strategic business operations.
The integration of drone data with existing management systems provides clients with actionable insights that enhance decision-making processes. Such advancements illustrate the potential for drones to become an integral component of business environments in the near future.
Regulatory Support and Future Outlook
As PwC continues collaborating on regulatory frameworks, the future for drones in business looks promising. The firm’s focus on setting industry standards ensures stakeholders can maximise drone technology’s potential while adhering to safety and operational regulations.
PwC’s strategic launch of its UK drone team marks a significant step towards embedding drone technology in various business sectors. As industries continue to recognise and adapt to the benefits of drones, PwC’s forward-thinking approach ensures its clients are well-positioned to harness this technology’s full potential.