As their extensive knowledge is leaving with them, creating challenging work conditions for those that remain. A lack of new recruits coming into the industry is compounding the problem. Those that do are inexperienced and need close guidance.
As the demands on the mobile workforce grows, so too does the need for powerful devices. Demanding tasks such as accessing large mapping files and pipeline schematics from remote locations, and managing workforces in the field, are now commonplace.
Utility providers are increasingly using augmented reality (AR) to better visualise underground assets, improve worker safety and cut downtime. Remote experts can connect to the field worker and utilise technology for real time support and guidance.
Organisations that provide their mobile workers with secure, powerful and intuitive tools will be better positioned to deliver excellent service, manage costs and thrive in a challenging marketplace.
Utility providers must manage multiple assets simultaneously, from vehicle locations to equipment requirements. Effective asset management reduces costs, increases productivity and ensures accountability.
First time resolutions: Fast delivery of asset information and electronic documentation improves on-site execution.
Faster response to outages: Quickly assign crews based on real-time status and push relevant information to their mobile devices.
Proactive asset maintenance: Accurately monitor asset usage and plan long-term maintenance based on operational workload.
The ability to quickly access customer and equipment history on-site cuts time spent on simple maintenance tasks. Automated operational workflows ensure customers are quickly back up and running.
Optimize work schedules: Real-time status updates allows dispatchers to assign the right crews to the right activities.
Higher workflow automation: Create work orders and update activity statuses on-site. Track traffic conditions to avoid congestion.
Easy contractor integration: Easily incorporate external contractors into scheduling plans to improve workforce efficiency.
Our rugged technology expertise boosts operational efficiency through improved worker safety and compliance, allowing for faster response to business process changes
Real-time field information and notifications quickly alert crews to potential hazards.
Tools adapted to the environment: Rugged mobile devices take care of themselves, letting crews focus on the task at hand.
Effective workforce management lies at the heart of efficient business operations. Getac computers enable scheduling and reporting, allowing dispatchers to quickly assign work orders and optimise assignments as conditions change in the field.
Worker safety in the field remains paramount at all times. Access standard operating procedures, safety checklists and maintenance programs direct from device whilst at the job site, ensuring unknown variables are minimised.
Eliminate downtime between jobs with a host of in-vehicle tools ranging from satellite navigation and real-time traffic reporting to text messaging and timesheets. Locate and contact individual technicians via vehicle track and trace, so the right people get to the right job site as fast as possible.
The ability to accurately locate subterraneous pipelines and electric wires is key to effective field work. Getac computers feature powerful mobile geographic information systems (GIS), enabling the display of surveying and mapping schematics directly on-device, making intricate planning activities fast and efficient.
Plan and manage pipelines and electrical grids from a single location, giving a comprehensive overview of field service operations and asset lifecycles. Monitor usage levels and order new parts and tools before existing ones fail, minimising time lost through unexpected maintenance.
Using Getac computers, field service agents can ensure newly installed smart meters are fully operational and communicating correctly with headquarters before leaving the customer premises. Manual meter readings can also be recorded and sent directly on-device, quickly and efficiently.
We provide rugged mobile computing that delivers precision, accuracy, and reliability.
Getac computers deliver excellent total cost of ownership (TCO). Our rugged and durable products work as hard as you do, with extensive product lifecycles that increase productivity across the workforce and ensure minimal disruption through unforeseen IT failure.
Getac customers benefit from comprehensive engineering services and customer support. Our services range from joint development of docking solutions, kitting to save customers time, imaging of individual customers’ software and after-sales support.
We work closely with our partners to deliver a fully integrated eco-solution that minimises installation times. This includes excellent hardware, mounting kits, mobile power supplies, security and connectivity software, for complete peace of mind.
Customers choose Getac because of our unrivalled commitment to customer satisfaction. We are so confident in our rugged computing technology that we offer an industry leading three-year return to base warranty, including bumper-to-bumper accidental damage cover as standard.
We practice strict product lifecycle management to fulfil product verifications, minimizing the number of system platform changes and control migration to new generations. The emphasis is on establishing a clear, long-term roadmap and gradually integrating, and migrating to, new technologies avoiding unnecessary technical redundancies.
Getac has over 28 years of rugged innovation, with USD 729M sales revenue last year. A key subsidiary of MiTac-Synnex group, Getac provides a full range of cost-effective commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions for utility companies.
"We are happy to have Getac with us. It has provided us a sense of reliability for our daily routine job."
Zoltán SIMON, IT manager, EDF
Leica Geosystems trusts Getac’s ZX70 Tablet to power their new Zeno GGO4 Plus Solution. It brings comprehensive geospatial data collection capabilities to its customers in all terrains like Coffey Group in Ireland or the Water Industry Association in Germany.
“The Getac ZX70 is extremely durable and reliable, but the powerful Android operating system and flexible connectivity make it the perfect partner to our solution. The fully rugged ZX70 is designed for use outdoors and can withstand the rigors of the toughest working environments.
In the unlikely event that the device is damaged, Getac’s Bumper 2 Bumper service covers accidental damage, and will deliver a replacement to the customer as soon as possible. This service helps our customers plan for the future with confidence, knowing that work will not be delayed by accidental damage to equipment.”
Secure, reliable connectivity in all weather conditions
EDF Hungary maintenance teams use the Getac V110 to carry out field tasks in all types of extreme weather and rough handling conditions.
MoreExterran needed a device to equip their field service personnel working in extreme conditions to do installations, inspections and repairs to ensure pipelines and production facilities remain operational.
Previously, the technicians would do an inspection and record the data on paper then input the data later when they returned to their office or remote hotel.
MoreThe Getac T800 fully rugged tablet secures smooth operation for this Berlin gas supplier.
More
Keeping field work flowing with the Getac V110
Thames Water’s field service engineers use the Getac V110 due to its ease of use, durability and seamless performance, helping them keep the taps running for 30% of the UK’s population.
MoreBerlin Waterworks: High quality fieldwork in the toughest environments
Berlin Waterworks’ engineers use the Getac V200 to gather field data and communicate with the head office, even whilst underground in over 9,500km of sewers.
MoreSlower response time in the field for work orders.
Need to integrate with new workforce management system.
More
EDF Hungary maintenance teams use the Getac V110 to carry out field tasks in all types of extreme weather and rough handling conditions.
The rugged construction, backlighting keyboard, thin weight and SIM/GSM slot enable tasks to be performed efficiently and precisely whilst on-the-go. Using the V110, workers are able to check on data, complete daily tasks, communicate with head office and upload reports for real-time tracking, enhancing work capacity and competitive performance across the field team.
Exterran ordered the V200’s with ANSI certified configuration making it usable in explosive environments.
Exterran order the V200s with ANSI certified configuration making it usable in explosive environments. Benefit: With the V200 the technicians automated the process for recording an inspection, allowing the technicians to stay in the field longer. This greatly increased the billable hours of the technicians and increased the company's operation efficiencies.
Thames Water’s field service engineers uses the Getac V110 due to its ease of use, durability and seamless performance, helping them keep the taps running for 30% of the UK’s population.
Engineers have praised the V110’s rugged yet lightweight construction and how sensitive the touchscreen is, even in the rain. Its superior processing power makes loading highly detailed maps/GIS software fast and efficient, which is critical to productivity in the field. Getac’s value added services and after sales support have also helped the project management team ensure a smooth deployment across the fleet.
Berlin Waterworks’ engineers use the Getac V200 to gather field data and communicate with the head office, even whilst underground in over 9,500km of sewers.
Getac’s fully rugged, convertible notebooks perform faultlessly in the most adverse working conditions, allowing field teams to focus on their job, rather than keeping their devices connected. With the V200, engineers can reliably access data and use applications such as GIS and mapping whilst underground, helping to considerably improve the efficiency of field operations.
Slower response time in the field for work orders. Need to integrate with new workforce management system.
S400 semi-rugged notebook computers equipped with Gobi (3G) and GPS. In the service vehicles, Alagasco pairs the S400 with a wireless mouse, external antennas, Itron handhelds, and Gamber-Johnson docking stations. They also load the notebooks with PragmaCAD, Outlook, and ESRI software to help field technicians complete their work orders. Alabama Gas now have faster response time in the field and are fully integrated with workforce management software for higher operation efficiency.
Getac’s devices have a range of hands-free mounting and carrying options. From standard mounts to specialised in-vehicle docking systems, all are designed to integrate seamlessly and enhance overall worker mobility
All our rugged devices feature a range of fully customisable hot keys for easy access to important applications. Combined with an intuitive user interface, it means all workers can immediately start to get the most from their device.
Multiple I/O interface options provide unmatched flexibility in any field situation, allowing interoperability with a wide variety of legacy systems and preventing work schedules falling behind due to simple connectivity issues.
Our revolutionary LumiBond®2.0 technology enhances touch functionality (rain & glove) and provides a display that is more readable, both indoors and out, offering better contrast and crisper colours.
The integrated 1D/2D barcode reader, RFID reader and dual cameras on all Getac’s computers enable field workers to efficiently maintain assets and manage parts without the need for multiple accessories or components.
Innovative wireless technology supports exceptional coverage and faster download speeds, whether on a city street or beside a reservoir. Integrated GPS provides class-leading acquisition and location accuracy.
The latest Gartner thinking - complimentary of Getac
By 2022 50% of all water companies will have organisation-wide digital initiatives underway.
In a new report, we believe that Gartner has identified a 10 point action plan to help create a five-year digital roadmap, identifying the foundational capabilities and technologies needed to progress and scale transformation, and suggesting how a center of excellence to plan, measure, manage and support digital innovation can be developed.
To help you benchmark the progress of your own digital transformation, Getac are delighted to invite you to download this new Gartner report, with our compliments.
Stay informed on how digital transformation will impact your industry. Simply share your details so we can send your report today, then keep you up to date with insights and information on the latest thinking.
Not in the water sector? Find out how we can help.
Getac supplies rugged mobile devices across all utilities so, even if our Gartner insight is not relevant to your business, it’s still worth a conversation. Why not arrange a no-obligation chat with one of our industry experts to understand better how Getac can support your business needs.
