Queensland Urban Utilities Upgrades Mobile Technology Solutions
Announcement posted by Communications Insights 25 Nov 2010
Water distribution and retail business, Queensland Urban Utilities has rolled out new mobile technology, boosting its frontline response to water and wastewater call-outs.
With more than 70,000 planned and responsive jobs dispatched each year, (including water, wastewater, and mechanical and electrical jobs) Queensland Urban Utilities has purchased 110 Motion Computing rugged F5 Tablet PCs for its Brisbane-based crews.
Project Manager, Paul Tuckey, said upgrading the Queensland Urban Utilities tablet fleet has improved the information flow to and from field crews. This has enhanced customer service and at the same time improved crew productivity.
“We aim to keep our operational crews out in the field as much as possible, and while we had tablet PCs previously, we needed new, more reliable technology to provide our employees with timely and accurate job information,” he said.
“The significant take up of the new F5 tablets by crews has further reduced the need for paper dockets and for our field staff to ring in job updates by phone to our job dispatch area.
“Crews receive all the detailed job information electronically on their tablet PC. As they progress through the job, they send updates and work orders are automatically closed on completion.”
Now one of Australia’s largest water businesses, Queensland Urban Utilities provides water and wastewater services to more than 1.3 million people in a diverse service territory covering 14,300 square kilometres.
More than 90 Brisbane-based crews are already using the new F5 Tablet PCs and the business plans to roll out to a further 10 crews shortly.
Working with both Motion and reseller TLC IT Solutions, Queensland Urban Utilities also purchased mobile docks for vehicle installation.
“We’ve seen great uptake by the crews and this is because the Motion tablets are a functional solution that is rugged, compact and portable,” Mr Tuckey said.
“This has been a great leap forward for the crews and for our business, and has enhanced the quality and quantity of data electronically entering our work order management system.”
The F5 Tablets PCs were successfully tested in a three-month trial in early 2010 as part of a partnership between Queensland Urban Utilities, Motion and TLC IT Solutions.
About Motion Computing
Motion Computing is a leading provider of integrated mobile computing solutions, combining world-class products with services customised for the unique needs of target vertical markets. The company’s enhanced line of rugged tablet PCs, mobile point of care solutions and accessories are designed to increase mobile productivity while providing portability, security, power and versatility. Motion Mobility Solutions offers a complete portfolio of products, services and support that helps ensure a successful mobile deployment for increased productivity, reducing project risk while delivering a more rapid return on investment. www.motioncomputing.com.au
About Queensland Urban Utilities
Queensland Urban Utilities delivers water and wastewater services to 1.3 million residents in five local government areas, including Brisbane, Ipswich, LockyerValley, Scenic Rim and Somerset. Established as a result of State Government water reforms, Queensland Urban Utilities is one of Australia’s largest water retail-distributors, employing more than 1200 staff. For more information, visit www.urbanutilities.com.au
About TLC IT Solutions
TLC IT Solutions is an Australian owned and operated company specialising in the design, implementation and support of integrated Modular Mobility Solutions and related infrastructure. Drawing on extensive experience working with major Utilities, Government and emergency service organisations, TLCiTS combines best of breed technology products and services to deliver proven, scalable solutions which meet our customers’ diverse needs. As a respected solutions integrator, TLCiTS provides customers with one single point of contact for all their Field Force Automation requirements including In-Vehicle Communications, Duress, Pervasive Communications, ADR Certification, Vehicle Telemetry, Route Optimisation, Strategic Interface and Security. www.tlcitsolutions.com.au