Buel Establishes Itself as a Mobile Technology Leader in the Mining and Resources Sector
Announcement posted by Communications Insights 30 Nov 2011
SYDNEY, NSW and AUSTIN, TX – November 30, 2011 – By equipping its field staff and senior managers with rugged F5v, J3500 and CL900 Tablet PCs from Motion Computing, Buel has established itself as a market leader in utilising mobile technology solutions to deliver services to the mining and resources sector.
Specialists in asset and facility inspection as well as testing and maintenance for the mining and resources sector, Buel has worked with the rugged F5v and J3500 Tablet PCs for over a year with excellent results. After achieving increased efficiency, productivity and communication, the company implemented the new small form factor CL900 Tablet PC in June, reported Josh Green, General Manager, Buel.
Before standardising on Motion, Buel’s field supervisors tested out consumer tablets and handhelds. However, the devices’ shortfalls, such as reflective display and lack of durability, proved they were not specifically designed for field use. Continuing the search for a robust device that could handle harsh outdoor environments and be compatible with its Windows-based software, Buel found that the F5v and J3500 Tablet PCs met its specific needs.
According to Mr. Green, a major factor in upgrading Buel’s mobile technology was a desire to move towards paperless operations. “With our field staff regularly working on remote sites, we want to keep them out of the office and in the field as much as possible.”
“Our industry is still very paper-based. We are one of only a handful of companies using tablet PCs out in the field, which reflects Buel’s focus on identifying forward-looking solutions that help us solve our clients’ inspection and maintenance challenges,” he added.
Some of the key challenges Buel faced were obtaining approvals on multiple paper-based compliance documents and reports needed to meet stringent Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements. Each shift on mining sites and other potentially dangerous locations involves field supervisors’ methodical sign-off on OHS forms and worksheets to meet safety regulations.
“The process was very frustrating and was made worse if papers were lost or files were too big to send. We wanted to be more streamlined and efficient,” said Mr. Green.
To achieve this, Buel automated many of its manual processes by providing its site supervisors and superintendents with F5v and J3500 Tablet PCs, completely changing the workflow by increasing efficiency and productivity. The field staff now signs off on all aspects of each shift’s work, including the mandatory OSH reports, right on the tablet PC using the stylus pen.
Field supervisors also use the tablet PCs to directly enter information into forms and processes for the daily pre-start and toolbox meetings, which cover sign-on and sign-off for all aspects of site and job-specific safety.
The CL900 Tablet PC has been issued to senior management for interstate travel and site visits, replacing laptops. Company executives are enthusiastic, rating the CL900 Tablet PCs as a lightweight tool that takes up little room and offers a range of functionalities, such as handwriting-to-text conversion, which allows managers to take notes and sign off on approvals long distance.
Motion reseller and mobile technology specialist, Rohan Knight of Workflow Computing, wanted to ensure that Buel had the training it needed for all three platforms, after his recommendation that a combination of the F5v, J3500 and CL900 Tablet PCs would provide the right tool for each job. The initial North Queensland onsite training ensured that the field staff of varying ages and IT capabilities received expert guidance. “I worked with each employee on setting up the software and showing them how to get the most out of the tablet PCs and their features,” said Knight.
Replacing paper-based processes with Motion Tablet PCs has resulted in improved productivity and efficiency, as well as fewer errors. Overhead costs have been significantly reduced through removal of onsite offices and cutting back on manual administration of data.
Very satisfied with their first year of progress using Motion Tablet PCs, Mr. Green said that Buel sees the devices as a natural fit for many of the company’s processes and will increasingly integrate the tablet PCs into additional workflows.
Web Resources
F5v: http://www.motioncomputing.com.au/products/tablet_pc_f5.asp
J3500: http://www.motioncomputing.com.au/products/tablet_pc_J35.asp
CL900:http://www.motioncomputing.com.au/products/tablet_pc_CL900.asp
LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/company/12982
Twitter:http://twitter.com/MotionComputing
Facebook:http://facebook.com/MotionComputing
About Buel
Buel specialises in asset and facility inspection, testing and maintenance for the mining and resources sector. Our multi-disciplined project teams have the experience to deliver complex contracts on time and on budget, even in the most remote and challenging locations. Buel is part of the Buel Group, a proudly Australian owned and operated company founded in Western Australia in 2002 which has grown strongly over the past decade. With established operations in Karratha, Sydney and Gladstone, we operate a range of major projects through Australia and overseas in mining, bulk materials handling, processing, oil and gas; and infrastructure and energy. www.buel.com.au
About Workflow Computing
Workflow Computing are Australia's Motion Computing Specialists.We are a solution provider of Tablet PC's, Software and Peripherals,Wireless Broadband, and Tablet PC implementation and Training. A successful online retailer and technology consultancy focused on leveraging the latest computer hardware technology to improve business productivity and efficiency, the company is based in Lane Cove, Sydney and provides complete solutions to Australian customers.Workflow Computing was created to be a genuine alternative to the mainstream, and to provide helpful product advice and compelling business solutions.www.workflowcomputing.com.au
About Motion Computing
Motion Computing is a global leader in 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 offer a complete portfolio of products, services and support that help ensure a successful mobile deployment for increased productivity, reducing project risk while delivering a more rapid return on investment. For more information, visit www.motioncomputing.com.au.
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Motion Computing and Motion are registered trademarks of Motion Computing, Inc., in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
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