At 10 locations across three states over a limited timeframe, SISO Air representatives have been holding their "SISO Air Tour-Fall 2023."

The company holds these events to provide current and prospective customers an opportunity to see firsthand what's available in the latest in drone technology.

The tour recently made a stop Oct. 18, 2023, at Thompson Tractor's facility in Opelika, Ala.

The tours combine the expertise of SISO Air, Sitech South and the local Caterpillar dealers. SISO Air is the drone division of Sitech South and works with customers across the country who have a need for drone technology, including engineering, construction and military use with the goal of complete sales, support and training, regardless of what the application may be.

SISO Air representatives said that some of the technology it presents may seem complex and maybe a "a bit of a mountain to overcome," but, it added, the company has a support team that can educate and explain-and-train from the ground up. According to the company, whether a contractor is just getting started or is a seasoned expert, it has resources and tools to provide the educational level requested or required — from novice to expert.

SISO Air works with approximately a dozen manufacturers for its hardware/software/accessories offerings. If taking on a new line, SISO Air requires the drone or software manufacturer to come in and train their staff on all aspects of the product and support from top-to-bottom.

"We don't want our customers to have to rely on someone else's 800 number for support," said SISO Air's Layne Meylain. "We are the first and often the final line of support for the products we sell. We know every product we sell intimately. With each drone manufacturer we represent, we get an inside look and education of the inner workings of the products and then we present that information to our end user customers. SISO Air serves as an extension of the manufacturer. That's what sets us apart.

"Our staffing is from an engineering, surveying and technology background," he added. "Not only can we teach this technology, but because of our collective backgrounds, we can also show our customers how to integrate drone technology into their work. We understand what the construction companies are doing and what they're hoping to get out of their drone. We can show how to maximize the benefit of drone technology and how to achieve the desired deliverables. All our staffers are Part 107 pilots and are certified and licensed by the FAA to fly drones. We provide a complete hands-on training where there is absolutely no guesswork with what we do."

"Quantifying the exact savings by using drones on job sites varies from site to site," added SISO Air's Joseph Johnson. "But in the long run, universally, there is a savings for every site, especially where machine control technology is being used."

The demonstrations highlighted the aspects of drones removing human error in site prep work, while at the same time, inserting more safety precautions.

"SISO Air is simply de-mystifying the process of drone work which makes this literally obtainable for everyone," Meylain said. "We don't send out drones and a video. A new customer can expect an in-person demonstration and live support going forward." CEG

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