My name is Francois Nell and this is my online base called DeRiddle Consulting. My home base is Cape Town. DeRiddle is my own term for solving riddles, and my focus is on doing so in the technology sphere.

I have 30 years of technology application experience and help individuals and organisations with tailored advice and guidance to drive strategic and operational success.

I will demystify technology, and help navigate your digital landscape, to advise on effective and efficient solutions that will comprehensively address your needs and challenges.

My business focus area is Local, Provincial and National Government where the greatest needs and opportunities for improvement exist. My expertise focusses on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and Smart Cities. I also have experience related to Business Systems (incl. SAP) and Business Intelligence.

Service Offerings

Strategic

DeRiddle the Strategic Application of Technology & Intelligence

Unlock the full strategic potential of your business with expert technology application analyses and guidance. Allow me to demystify all things digital as it impacts your organisation’s strategic direction and well-being.

Operational

DeRiddle the Operational Application of Technology & Intelligence

Allow me to help unlock your organisation’s full operational effectiveness and efficiency with the application of fit-for-purpose technologies. Get ahead - and stay in front - with actionable insights and informed perspectives based on real-world experience.

Tailored

Tailored advice and guidance on all things digital

With 30 years of technology problem solving I assist individuals and organisations to understand the digital landscape better so that you and/or your organisation will succeed per your own priorities.

Focus Areas:

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
Internet and Telecommunications Technologies (ICT)
Application of Artificial Intelligence (Strategic and Operational)
Planning, design, construction and commissioning of Transport and Safety-and-Security Control Centres
General IS&T (hardware, software)

What is Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)?

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) use information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of transportation systems. ITS includes technologies/systems like:

IOT, including Sensors: Collect data (examples: vehicle detection, volume, speed, occupancy, etc.)
Navigation: Such as global satellite systems, etc.
Wired and Wireless telecommunications: Transmit data from sensors to decision support systems and applications
Cameras (incl CCTV): Capture still imagery and video (incl. safety and security applications)
Information Dissemination: Variable Message Signs, Media (incl. Social Media), Mobile, etc.
Transaction Management Systems: Such as Automated Fare Collection (AFC) for BRT, Rail, congestion charging, etc.
Advanced Public Transport Management Systems (APTMS): Such as bus tracking, scheduling, etc.
Freeway Management Systems
Advanced Traffic Management Systems
Asset and Maintenance Management Systems
Application of Green Technologies: Alternative Power Generation, Distribution and Storage, Power Resilience, etc.
Data analytics: Analyse and disseminate data, information and intelligence.

ITS can help to:

Make Public Transport accessible, safe, reliable, etc
Inform commuters and road users
Ensure effective and efficient management and maintenance of Public Transport and Road networks and operations
Manage traffic flow and reduce congestion (includes application of traffic management solutions, like signals)
Improve air quality
Ensure sustainability and resilience
Improve Transport and Traffic efficiencies
Manage and improve Traffic Safety (incl. effective law enforcement)
Improve response times for emergency services

The planning, design, construction, commissioning and operation of Transport and Safety-&-Security Management Centres is a key competency of DeRiddle Consulting.