As more and more companies adopt drone programs, it’s clear that these robust robotic companions are proving valuable in a variety of ways. If your company has decided to integrate an in-house drone program, you probably have a myriad of questions about setting the program up for success.
Not to worry! At Drone USA, our experts have helped countless clients develop an in-house drone program that is cost-effective and boosts productivity. Here are the four key steps we recommend every company take when launching an in-house drone program:
1. Create a Clear Plan
As with any new opportunity, your drone program should have a clear plan that goes from concept to implementation to opportunities to scale. Start by identifying how you will adopt drones into the workforce. Will they be deployed on one site or several? What will their primary and secondary functions be? Who will manage the drones on-site?
If you’re new to working with drones, it may be best to secure a consultant for the planning and early implementation stages. By partnering with an expert, you can avoid unforeseen challenges and lay a solid foundation for success.
2. Get Stakeholder Buy-In
Even if the program has already been approved in concept, it’s vital to identify key stakeholders and get their buy-in. Who would benefit the most from this new program: site managers? Safety and security teams? The C-suite?
It’s also important to identify what the benefits will be for each group. A site manager may be more interested in saving time, while HR might want to learn how drones can improve safety audits, and the C-suite may primarily be focused on the bottom line.
By knowing who will benefit from its success, you can identify your key stakeholders and work with them to ensure they support your drone program from its inception.
3. Start with Small Projects
There is nothing wrong with going for the low-hanging fruit first. Start with small drone projects that will give you a big win with teams and executives, and will show what your drone program can do. Use your drone for security sweeps, a bird’s- eye view of the site, or assistance with measurements. These simple tasks will build confidence in the drone program and will pave the way for larger and more complex opportunities.
4. Grow your Fleet Gradually
Getting a fleet of drones up and running is costly and complicated. Instead, plan to start small and scale gradually. Launch with one or two drones and track their cost and time-saving value for 2-3 months. From there you can gradually implement bigger projects and add more drones to the fleet.
There is no question that drones are here to stay. Whether you choose to use drones for agriculture, security, mapping, or more, you must understand how to best implement these powerful workers. Our four simple steps can help ensure the success of your drone program from the start and can give you an advantage over competitors who aren’t using drones to their full potential.
However you choose to use drones, we can help. Our experts offer full-service consulting to ensure you get the right drones and develop the best possible plan for success. If you’re ready to boost your business with drones, drop us a line and we’ll discuss the (endless) possibilities.