After researching alternatives, Canyon Runner found that many options were expensive, difficult to install, and unreliable. They chose Viam for its ability to integrate seamlessly with diverse hardware, including NMEA 2000 networks commonly used in boating, and to operate effectively in environments where an internet connection might not be guaranteed.
Viam’s platform enabled Canyon Runner to collect a wide range of data, including GPS location, weather conditions, water temperature, and boat performance. This information is accessible through a web interface that allows customers to monitor their boats in real-time.
Viam offered a key advantage with its ability to synchronize data even without online connectivity—crucial for boats at sea. Data is stored locally and updated once a connection is available, ensuring reliable access to critical information.
Viam’s plug-and-play flexibility allowed Canyon Runner to integrate their system with any boat’s NMEA backbone and other systems in just over two months, a process they initially thought would take years. This quick integration enabled them to efficiently gather data on hundreds of boats in their fleet.
Canyon Runner customers can easily install Viam-powered hardware on their boats without needing an electrician or voiding warranties. A user-friendly web application provides access to all data, ensuring easy management.
Canyon Runner’s new automated system has significantly scaled their operations, allowing them to streamline service delivery. The data Viam helped Canyon Runner to gather and display has allowed them to develop an entirely new service called “Marine Risk,” which allows boaters to monitor and avoid risks that could lead to catastrophic losses. They also plan to use Viam's AI capabilities for predictive maintenance, helping customers to preemptively repair their boats before breakdowns occur, and saving them time and money as a result.
