News | July 27, 2009

Trimble Introduces GIS-Based Office And Handheld Asset Maintenance Inspection Solution For Utilities

Source: Trimble Mobile Computing Solutions Division

Trimble introduced recently a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based office and handheld asset maintenance inspection solution for utilities. The solution is comprised of two new products: the Trimble® UtilityCenter® Field Inspector software for handhelds and the Trimble UtilityCenter Maintenance-2 module. In combination with Trimble Mapping and GIS rugged handheld computers with integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, the software offers electric, gas, water, and wastewater utilities of all sizes a scalable and easy to deploy field solution for improving asset maintenance inspection operations.

Trimble UtilityCenter Field Inspector Software for Handheld Devices
Trimble UtilityCenter Field Inspector software provides a robust handheld field maintenance inspection solution for optimizing utility field operations. The software allows mobile workers to perform a wide variety of maintenance inspection tasks in the field to improve the organization's maintenance programs, enhance system reliability, and improve customer service.

Whether performing electric, gas, water, or wastewater maintenance inspection tasks, the UtilityCenter Field Inspector software helps streamline operations with predefined workflows, easy to use smart data entry forms, and the ability to interactively view jobs and assets using a map display. The handheld software provides centralizes job tracking and administration to support field deployments of all sizes. Through a single listing of all jobs and their status, users can quickly and easily identify job assignments and priorities.

Leveraging Trimble Mapping and GIS handheld devices, the software allows utility field workers to capture GPS time and location information along with digital photos using standardized workflows and simple handheld data collection forms. The GPS data can be used to route jobs, locate workers and assets, and provide a valuable validation of where and when work is performed to support regulatory reporting.

By putting utility maintenance inspection technology directly in the hands of the mobile workforce, UtilityCenter Field Inspector allows field crews to complete their work faster and more accurately.

Trimble UtilityCenter Maintenance-2 Module
Trimble UtilityCenter Maintenance-2 module replaces the existing Trimble UtilityCenter uaMaintenance module. The software module is specifically designed for utilities seeking a robust, spatial (ESRI ArcGIS) enterprise Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) solution. It provides a powerful solution to help utilities maintain and manage all types of transmission and distribution (T&D) system and plant equipment—from power transformers and pressure pump stations to vehicles and high-value testing equipment.

UtilityCenter Maintenance-2 module gives operations and maintenance departments the ability to manage equipment maintenance through one solution. Users can generate and schedule work orders for both routine and preventative maintenance work on equipment of all types and asset maintenance history can be stored and easily viewed, enabling users to make timely, informed decisions, increasing efficiency and productivity.

Producing reports with the Maintenance-2 module, whether they are for internal use or mandated inspection for regulatory compliance, are easy and efficient. By incorporating asset maintenance history to understand where resources and dollars have been utilized, the UtilityCenter Maintenance-2 module provides valuable insight to plan future activities.

The UtilityCenter Maintenance-2 module is one component of the modular Trimble UtilityCenter software suite, a key component of Trimble's family of scalable, workflow automation solutions designed to streamline the daily business processes of electric, gas, water and wastewater utilities. Together with the UtilityCenter Field Inspector software and Trimble's field-proven handhelds, Trimble UtilityCenter Maintenance-2 module provides a total solution to improve utility maintenance programs, enhance system reliability, and improve operational efficiency.

The Trimble UtilityCenter Field Inspector software for handhelds and the Trimble UtilityCenter Maintenance-2 office software module are expected to be available in October 2009 through Trimble's Utilities Field Solutions group.

For more information about Trimble's utility enterprise solutions, visit: www.trimble.com/ufs

About Trimble
Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location—including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

SOURCE: Trimble Mobile Computing Solutions Division