Meter Swap	Distribution Pole Inspection	TracerPlus Development Suite
Vangard Voice - Voice User Interface	Secure Terminal Emulation

Utility companies are using handheld computers to collect electric, gas, and water usage while on their monthly rounds. Using a mobile computer , technicians collect consumption values and validate that the correct meter was read. This automated process eliminates the multitude of paperwork and the human errors associated with manual data collection.

A Mobile Field Service system could mean faster response times, increase the number of service calls, reduce travel costs and eliminate paperwork for both the company and the field service professional. These solutions made up of either enterprise digital assistants (EDA), mobile computers , wireless communications , and software empower mobile field service technicians with tools to work faster, track and bill labor, parts and material used, and up sell customers during service calls. Using mobile devices , from laptops to PDAs, to automate operations in the field would allow the better control and management of trouble tickets, eliminate paperwork, and streamline and standardized how work in done in the field.

Adding a Global Positioning System (GPS) to a Utility field service solution will allow the service organization to know where their trucks and technicians are at any time. This would be an aid when emergency or special dispatching is required. A field organization with this knowledge can make informed business decisions about how long a worker should arrive at a customer site or which remote worker is in the best position to handle the new or emergency. This will also allow dispatching to re-route the nearest vehicle when another vehicle is delayed.

Randy Smith, Business Development Manager (Mobility) resmith@bluestarinc.com 800-354-9776 x3277