Global designer and manufacturer of rugged computing devices, Getac, has signed a deal to supply Southern Water with 380 F110 Windows 8 fully rugged tablets for field service use.
The devices will be a critical component of Southern Water's Work and Asset Management and Management Information (WAMMI) initiative, designed to streamline operations out in the field and improve service for customers.
Southern Water selected Getac as its hardware supplier of choice following feedback from field operatives who rated the F110 tablet as superior to their existing hardware. The utility provider was also impressed by Getac's service levels and ability to deliver a fully rugged device at a cost-effective price.
Alex Chandler, WAMMI Business Lead, Southern Water, says: "We needed a device with a large screen and rugged reliability for our field workers to effectively work with our geographic information system (GIS). After field testing, we found a very high user acceptance for Getac and the devices were cost-effective. As a result, we'll have rolled out more than 300 Getac F110s to our teams by the end of June."
The new devices will provide a substantial efficiency boost for Southern Water. Thanks to the F110's unparalleled connectivity and GPS capability via 4G LTE and SiRFstarIV GPS, the devices will be directly synchronised with the utility provider's GIS solution. This means field workers can easily mark off areas of work and keep HQ dispatchers aware of the progress of operations – information that can then be used to allocate jobs to other workers and keep customers updated.
The F110's large 11.6" screen provides ample space to display detailed information and allows the easy filling in of electronic forms, while the Windows 8 OS provides a familiar and easy-to-use interface.
The F110 includes Getac's proprietary QuadraClear screen which is viewable in even the sunniest conditions, while the touchscreen can be operated without having to remove gloves. MIL-STD-810G and IP65 rated, the F110 can also handle drops, shock and exposure to dust and water without damage. To support Southern Water, Getac has provided a five-year return-to-base warranty and providing full set-up to ensure field workers can boost their productivity the moment they receive their device.
Chandler adds: "We needed a tablet we could rely on in all weathers and conditions, with a familiar interface and high user acceptance – with Getac we have exactly that device."
The devices are expected to be in operation by the end of June.
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