By Timothy Dwyer, Senior Account Manager, Panasonic
In the water utilities industry, it is crucial that workers have essential tools to keep them connected to real-time data, enabling them to get the job done, no matter the time or place. The water workforce gathers more data and manages more information today than ever before — from advanced metering to sample collection for laboratory analysis to flow, pressure, and level measurement.
The workforce also depends on mobile devices to relay their service routes and work orders during the start of each day and to continue transmitting data throughout the remainder of the day. Rugged laptops, tablets and 2-in-1 devices provide reliable on-the-go connectivity.
Access to data in real time and the ability to log information remotely enhances efficiency and increases productivity for workers in the field. With always-on connectivity, workers can stay online throughout the day with the TOUGHBOOK 33 from Panasonic.
The ability to transmit data on the go saves substantial time that workers previously would have to spend transferring written information into a database once back in the office. Inputting data directly into the mobile device maximizes employee time and increases transparency throughout an organization. This allows everyone to have access to critical business data immediately and allowing billing cycles to begin faster, with the most accurate information reflected.
Rugged mobile devices also have the ability to connect to 4G LTE and GPS, which is critical to the wastewater mapping jobs that utilities conduct on a daily basis. Devices with large displays, like the screen on Panasonic’s TOUGHBOOK 54, are user-friendly and show the necessary information workers need on a single screen.
TOUGHBOOK rugged devices offer extensive battery life, so workers can focus on their job without interruption.
Unlike consumer-grade devices, rugged devices are built with the field worker in mind and have batteries that can withstand running many applications for hours on end, so that workers do not have to stop to recharge.
As the water workforce continues to adapt to digital transformation, rugged laptops and handheld devices will not just become more commonplace, they will be a critical success factor as the deluge of data must be maintained to keep the industry flowing smoothly. WW
