Speed is of the essence in running a business, not just in making important decisions but also in delivering timely service. People today value their time more than ever and see failing to deliver on schedule as disrespectful. After all, they went out of their way for the product or service, only to be let down in the end.
Maintaining a constant speed means minimizing disruption, for which a range of solutions exists. One example is rapid deployment facilities, temporary structures that serve a wide variety of needs from storage to field operations.
7 ways to use rapid deployment facilities
Here are some inventive ways businesses use these facilities to their advantage.
Remote Worksites
Gadgets and the elements don’t mix. Even those designed for use in outdoor environments can only resist the elements up to a point. Dirt and dust can accumulate quickly inside the laptop’s exhaust, preventing heat from escaping.
The majority of work may be done indoors, but some involves working out in the field. One type of work is exploration and research, such as those in the energy exploration and exploitation business. Searching for untapped oil and gas deposits or suitable locations for renewable energy production requires specialized equipment.
Companies operating in remote areas use military shelter systems for various purposes. They provide a conducive workplace outdoors and serve as living quarters for personnel. These shelters have everything necessary to maintain creature comforts like insulation, environmental control, and all-weather resilience.
Event & Festival Infrastructure
Holding festivals and other events outdoors has the advantage of attracting more people. The lack of walls and a roof is how outdoor events can yield attendance in the millions. This is good news for businesses that stand to earn from ticket sales and other sources of revenue, from event organizers to equipment rentals.
That said, outdoor events have no say on the weather. While event organizers are obligated to consider forecasts, it isn’t unusual for isolated showers to literally rain on the parade. In most cases, the show goes on. However, equipment safety becomes a concern (even if the gear is built for outdoor use).
Rapid deployment facilities provide adequate shelter from unpredictable weather. Several can be set up as performers’ lounges, command posts for event personnel, and equipment storage areas. As events can also be held in remote locations such as the mountains, their ruggedness makes them suitable.
Agriculture & Food Production
For farm owners, rapid deployment facilities (often referred to as agricultural tents) are a cost-effective means of setting up necessary facilities. For example:
- Farming equipment can be stored in a tent close to crops that are ready for harvest. That way, not only can they be harvested quickly, but the land can also be prepped for the next batch of crops.
- A canopy-only agricultural tent is best for putting a roof over cattle pens. The lack of walls ensures adequate ventilation, letting fresh air in and their gases out. It also provides outside visibility.
- Agricultural tents can be customized to serve as logistics hubs. Apart from storing the season’s harvest, they can come equipped with loading ramps for easy loading and unloading. Part of the facility can be allocated to equipment storage.
That said, the most essential purpose they can serve involves biosecurity. Climate change, disease, and pest infestation all have a history of causing shortages of certain agricultural products. Japan, for instance, is currently facing an unprecedented rice shortage following a heat wave that led to a bad harvest last year.
While not an overall solution, rapid deployment facilities contribute to the safety of crops and other products. Greenhouse tents are a popular example, as they let farmers regulate the climate inside to be more favorable for plant growth. Their translucent covering allows much-needed sunlight in while keeping pests and other threats out.
Construction & Infrastructure Projects
Construction projects need their equipment, manpower, and materials to be within reach. However, building permanent structures to house them isn’t an option, not just because of cost. The client may not see any use for the worker dormitories once the project is finished.
Nobody wants facilities they can’t use on their property, which is where rapid deployment facilities shine. As temporary structures, they and their supporting features can be set up and packed up in minutes. Their ruggedness helps protect equipment, materials, and site staff from dust, smoke, and—with the right features—noise.
Small-scale projects are known to be built under construction tents, especially where winter can hinder the project timetable. Construction tents also protect workers from safety risks associated with winter conditions, such as icy surfaces.
Film & TV Production
Despite CGI being a thing, filmmakers continue to prefer shooting natural scenery when possible. For starters, actors immerse themselves in their roles better when performing in a real environment. The immersion also benefits the current generation of movie viewers who despise shoddy graphics.
However, as with outdoor events, production crews have no say on the weather. A scene that calls for a desert environment like Tatooine in Star Wars requires conducive shelters for the actors, staff, and filming equipment. Fun fact: the filming location for the desert planet features arid heat and brutal cold.
Rapid deployment shelters give filmmakers the perfect infrastructure to support their shoots. One shelter can be allocated as a rest zone for actors, another for makeup and wardrobe, a third for equipment storage and so on. Their portability lets them be carried to places that vehicles can’t reach.
Training Facilities
One application that comes to mind in this context is recreational simulation. This niche features projecting a game or sport like golf onto a screen while players play under the safety of a conventional or inflatable enclosure. The equipment is rented out to parties or individuals who want to experience or learn a particular game or sport.
You might wonder: “Why not hold the actual game or sport?” These enclosures offer a slew of advantages over paying for a round at a sporting venue, starting with the cost. Beginners might not get the most out of the experience at, say, a golf course or range. Not to mention, they’ll have to rent the needed gear (or buy their own).
With these rentals, all a person needs is themselves. The service provider prepares all they need for the experience.
Outdoor Adventure & Tourism
Tourism has recently become a predicament for local economies. The discovery of a new attraction may bring money to the economy, but it also carries the risk of overtourism. In recent years, local governments have imposed new laws to limit or discourage more visitors. Some of these include tourist taxes and reservations.
With prominent destinations no longer appealing, most tourists are inclined to explore new places. According to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, 9 out of 10 respondents said they’d consider less popular sites. This trend opens the window for niche travel companies, though they must also do their part to mitigate overtourism.
Instead of developing unblemished nature into campgrounds or parks, these companies can offer rapid deployment accommodations. In doing so, travelers can stay and admire the ecosystem without the risk of overdevelopment.
Conclusion
When you need to provide solutions on the fly, rapid deployment facilities can be a great help. Their functions are basically limitless, from safeguarding critical gear to protecting goods from threats. They’re a more cost-effective alternative to permanent buildings.
