The versatility and high performance of our in-vehicle computers makes them an ideal solution for utility and field service companies looking to improve their operational efficiency and safety, and reduce long-term costs.
Data Gathering
For utility companies, when combining our computers with third party wireless readers, staff can read short-range wireless meters remotely via the in-vehicle PC whilst within a certain proximity. Not only does this save time, but it reduces the risk of a health and safety incident, particularly during the winter, or if the meters are in awkward or hard-to-get-to locations. Once read (remotely or manually), meter readings can instantly be uploaded to one or more specific locations (e.g. head office) via 3G or Wi-Fi, thus saving time spent on paperwork. By saving time and reducing the risk of accidents, our systems can reduce the long-term costs of utility organisations and improve productivity per head.
However, many other hardware devices can be connected to our fully functional in-vehicle PCs. Field service organisations, such as highway maintenance companies, can utilise the high level of expandability of our in-vehicle PC systems by installing specialist hardware and software, if required.
Navigation, Mapping & Tracking
With built-in GPS, our in-vehicle computers enable utility and field service organisations to improve the efficiency of their field operations. For example, when combined with relevant navigation software, the computer can direct the driver to water/electricity meters in a systematic and organised manner. Or, for highway maintenance operations, to specific parts of the motorway or road that need repair. Moreover, with the addition of live traffic information and incident updates, drivers can always be made aware of any traffic incidents and can be directed to every location in the quickest time possible. This reduces the risk of delays and therefore improves productivity.
The built-in GPS can also be utilised for other benefits. For example, when utility companies are required to install or maintain gas/water pipes or underground cables, specialist mapping software can be used to gain full visibility of these and direct personnel to their precise locations. Another example for highway maintenance operations could be using specialist mapping software to inform field personnel of the precise location and measurements of the areas to be repaired/inspected, or even show them exactly where diversions, cones, barriers, etc should be placed.
Our high performance in-vehicle computers can therefore ensure complete accuracy for critical works, and are able to run a variety of demanding specialist software applications as well as standard office and communication packages.
GPS and CAN bus integration can also enable utility and field service organisations to track the exact location, speed and driving behaviour of their vehicle fleet - in real-time. This enables them to monitor, analyse and improve the efficiency of their operations.
Wessex Water chose In-CarPC to provide an in-vehicle computing solution, details of which you can see in our Wessex Water case study.
Mobile Reporting, Data Access & Job Despatch
With advanced connectivity, our in-vehicle PC systems can enable utility and field service personnel to send and retrieve important information via 3G or Wi-Fi, such as e-mails, reports or any other routine information as well as photos of any maintenance works. This will then be accessible by relevant parties (e.g. head office, local authorities and contractors) within seconds, thus increasing the accessibility of information and reducing the risk of it getting lost throughout the day. Even without 3G or Wi-Fi connectivity, our PCs can store the information on a removable hard drive or memory stick, enabling personnel to physically take the information to a specific location at the end of the day, and also providing a backup copy of any critical data.
The driver or other personnel can also remotely access back-office databases should they require specific information. For example, information about customers and currently installed equipment, roads, geographical repair history, materials previously used, etc. can be retrieved so that engineers and other personnel have all the relevant information they require on-hand. This enables utility and field service organisations to improve their level of customer service, save time and can also reduce costs as the demand for engineer or other telephone support would decrease.
Another advantage of using our in-vehicle PCs is that they can be used to support advanced job despatch systems. When used in combination with GPS, head office or control centres can use tracking information to allocate the best vehicle for a particular job, and despatch job details to the driver immediately via 3G or GPRS. Details will be received via the in-vehicle PC and onboard navigation software could automatically be enabled by the control centre. This reduces the risk of the driver having an accident as they will not be required to speak on the telephone or pull over to operate the PC, and it can improve job response times.
Convenience
Another useful advantage of our in-vehicle PCs is that they can be used to print information on-site. For instance, a boiler engineer may wish to print a quotation or invoice for the customer immediately after the work has been completed. Alternatively, a highways maintenance engineer may wish to print underground blueprints or road work plans so that they can use this information whilst walking around a particular site. Further uses include processing debit and credit cards, or other payment methods, or printing receipts from a dedicated receipt printer. Information associated with these applications can be stored on the in-vehicle PC and uploaded to a specific location such as head office; for fast and secure access to data.
If your utility or field service organisation requires a versatile, functional and high-performance system that allows for improved efficiency and greater convenience then please contact us to discuss your requirements.