23.07.07
Improving remote worker efficiencies and safety with mobile computers and real time data capture
Companies which rely on mobile workers to complete tasks in the field stand to make huge efficiency gains by adopting the very latest mobile data solutions.
Imagine a scenario where an engineer finds a fault on a carriage during a routine safety check. If they are using paper-based systems they could make a note of its identification number and the fault and this could be faxed, emailed or telephoned to the relevant department when they get back to their desk or home, resulting in a long delay and leaving the potential for error and misunderstanding. If a mobile solution is adopted the engineer could scan a barcode or RFID tag on the carriage, which will correctly identify it, eliminating the potential of error due to rekeying. Using the integrated camera, a picture can be taken to clearly show the damage. Add to that a GPS ‘fix’ to show the exact latitude and longitude position of the carriage, automatically generate an accurate date and time stamp and the name of the engineer and then transmit all of the information back to the relevant department in real time over the mobile phone network. The result is a far more reliable and efficient system that will identify the carriage, the damage, the replacement parts and the carriage’s location, all at the touch of a button.
Mobile computer solutions don’t only improve upon the speed and efficiency of traditional manual processes, such as asset tracking. They can also help to improve safety. The ability to schedule check and inspections electronically and capture the data will help to improve maintenance levels and will provide valuable evidence should an accident occur. Using integrated GPS on mobile devices enables managers to see the exact location of each and every member of their team so that they can be quickly redeployed or evacuated in an emergency.
Up to date and accurate information is also enabling management to review procedures and identify areas for further efficiency gains. For example, using real time job scheduling, worker activity can be monitored helping to identify poorly performing staff. The development of process driven applications can also guarantee that each step is followed and that key information is captured. This eliminates errors or misinterpretation and ensures compliance with safety standards and systems.
German Rail has recently deployed rugged handheld computers to track the movement and consolidation of freight railcars throughout its extensive rail yard system. Providing one of the largest rail networks in the world, with connections to most large towns and cities throughout the country as well as numerous cross-border links, German Rail operates over 100 trains across Europe each day. Wagons entering German stations from other countries need to be connected to a different locomotive before they are re-routed to their next destination, so it is crucial to the running of the network that each railcar is in the right place at the right time. The origin, destination, load and physical status of each wagon has to be checked within a relatively short timeframe in order to avoid costly and inconvenient delays.
With daily checking and maintenance also required on its 40,000 rail cars, the move to a real time system using GPRS on the mobile computers resulted in a faster and more efficient process, significantly reducing maintenance costs. The units are used in all 12 stations throughout the country, with employees entering all the railcar data into the terminal and also using them as mobile phones to call for spare parts to be delivered immediately and directly to the point of activity. Users are also able to receive instructions via the handheld terminals and information received or collected is sent via GPRS to the host system, resulting in real time wireless communication and a more accurate, reliable, safe and time-saving system.
When deciding upon a mobility system, it is important to consider the full solution. When evaluating hardware it is critical to ensure that it is designed for the elements. The more rugged the device the more reliable it will be in the field, resulting in reduced downtime and lower cost of ownership. Rugged devices are repeatedly drop tested and have an IP rating safeguarding them against dust and moisture ingress making them far more resilient than consumer grade devices. Other considerations include GPS, battery life and wireless communications including Bluetooth, WiFi, and GPRS.
On the software side, there are a plethora of companies currently claiming to offer ‘mobility solutions’ in an attempt to jump on the mobility bandwagon. Creating a mobility solution is much different to creating traditional office-based solutions. Look for a business that will become a true partner, one that understands mobile solutions and the difficulties of creating a reliable and robust solution for remote environments and has credible reference sites.
Ownership of the project is also key. A company that offers a total solution will take full responsibility for your project and won’t be looking to pass blame on the elements of the solution it didn’t provide. Some companies even offer a fully managed and hosted service enabling you to buy a total mobility solution for a fixed monthly price.
The technology is there to be harnessed and the return on investment is clear. The key to success is finding the right partner for your solution and working closely with your remote team to ensure rapid acceptance and adoption.
Codegate has a reputation for delivering effective mobility solutions that meet the specific needs of the organisation encompassing flexible software solutions and best of breed hardware.
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