Drones are becoming increasingly important for business of all types and sizes. There are already many applications of drones for businesses, but many more will certainly arise over the next few years. To most effectively and efficiently launch drone operations, here are a few tips on integrating drones into your business:

1. Use Drones to Increase Value. Drones are only as valuable as what they can achieve for your business; before investing in drones, pilots and analysis software, create a clear plan for the advantages that drones can provide your business. For example, if your business is large and complex, drones can provide value to the supply chain, inventory management, data gathering, infrastructure inspections, and modelling and mapping. But if your business is smaller, start small.
2. Educate your Business. Drones are frequently in the media these days –mostly for the problems they are causing. While there are certainly risks associated with drone operations, and regulatory requirements, drones can certainly be a value-add to your business. Do the research and prepare reports on how drones can help solve your business’s problems and provide your business with third party studies and reports about the same. The more you know about drones and drone operations will only benefit your business.
3. Include Risk Managers and Legal Team in Drone Decisions. Risk management team members and legal counsel are at your business to help prevent accidents and reduce liability. Meet with your risk managers and legal team when considering how your business can integrate drones to benefit the business.
4. Compliance and Operational Efficiency Go Hand-in-Hand. Businesses that invest in commercial drone operations must not only use drones to achieve business value but must also comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and state laws as well. Compliance with regulatory requirements and drone operations should be part of one consistent workflow. Hired pilots should understand and abide by the rules and regulations every time.
5. Try More than One Drone and More than One Drone Data Software. While drone aircrafts and data collection software are certainly advanced, there are many different types of aircrafts and software available to choose from. Be sure to shop around for the appropriate drone and software for your business. Use your business’s goals to find the right fit.
6. Don’t Silo Drone Operations. Depending on the complexity of your business ( i.e., the number of departments/divisions, number of jurisdictions in which you operate), there may be a dozen use cases for drones, or even possibly hundreds of flights across the country. Be sure to encourage various departments/divisions in your business to operate on the same set of standards to reduce risks and create transparent drone operations across the business.

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