News
Issue #2002 - 46 (December 2002)
(Updated Dec. 10, 2002)

APPLICATION SOLUTIONS & APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

KorTerra Integrates MapFrame Technology in Utility Workforce Management Software

Nov. 15, 2002, Minneapolis, MN -- (MobileVillage) -- KorTerra, a division of Vertical Systems, is adding MapFrame's mapping technology in its ticket receiving and dispatch software. Users will be able to zoom directly to the facility maps associated with a ticket. This functionality will allow Korterra users to map utilities at the click of a button. Korterra Suite customers will be able to use this feature as an add-on to their current suite.

MapFrame's FieldSmart viewing and sketching applications enable field technicians to view GIS or map data on mobile computers. The company's compression technology typically allows for fitting entire service territories of multiple facility owners on each mobile device, and its server process automatically moves map updates to the field users on a daily basis. 

When a utility receives notification from the one-call center, the KorTerra software provides the electronic means to deliver that information to the field worker immediately. The software also collects information on what the worker did on-site and sends the information back to the dispatch center to ensure the customer notifications are being completed on time.

The work order message goes out via a TCP/IP (an open computer communications language) link through CDPD (cellular digital packet data, a data transmission technology developed for use on cellular phone frequencies) wireless data transfer. The KorTerra software, which is installed at the dispatch center and on the laptop computer of each field worker, sends and receives the work orders.

KorTerra says its 51 utility customers process over 15,000,000 tickets using the application annually. One of its customers, Georgia Power, was recently looking for a automated workforce management system. When the utility company received a request to locate lines, the job order was sent to a local or regional office by fax or via modem to a printer. The field workers would have to drive to the office to pick up those work tickets and then drive to the customer site, a productivity loss of 24 hours which left the worker just 24 hours to complete the job.

The solution recommended by Vertical Systems incorporated KorTerra with rugged Panasonic Toughbook 28 laptop computers. With the wireless notebooks, Georgia Power was able to lengthen the window they had to perform the work by eliminating the need for the field worker to drive to the office to pick up work tickets. With the mobile solution, the workers have the work ticket the day it is issued and still have 48 hours to complete the job.

Source: Mobilevillage News

For more information: http://www.Korterra.com

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory:  Korterra's utility field force automation solution appears well-designed for utilities. Integration of mapping information adds necessary and now a common requirement into the basic dispatching application.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of Securities Exchange act of 1934 in USA. Similar provisions exist in other countries. There is no assurance that the stipulated plans of vendors will be implemented. MobileInfo does not warrant the authenticity of the information. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.