CASE STUDY: Rugged Laptops

On our Thames Water contract, significant non-productive time was being spent by Managers, Agents and Supervisors in travelling to and from the office or project being worked on out in the field to collect work, download photos from digital camera, manage emails and update and edit Isis our Work Management System.  These activities also caused more miles to be travelled; using more fuel, creating more CO2 emissions, and adding wear and tear to vehicles.

The solution was to use rugged laptops with 3G and Wi-Fi functionality and a built in camera, which allowed real time information and updating of Isis, management of emails, taking photographs and attaching them to projects all while out in the field using the one device.

 Advantages recognised include:

• Allocation of work, works instructions and updates can be sent via email and received, reviewed and accepted while out in the field.
• On the Thames Water contract, 16 users each saved approximately 1.5 hours travelling time per day. An average of 40 miles per day per person has been saved resulting in operational cost reduction and lower carbon emissions.
• Improved process on management of noticing and permits (Traffic Management Act).
• Real time information of projects in Isis is visible while out in the field.

For more information, please contact us.