Mobile field service software roundup: May 14 - 26, 2006

- Gary Thayer, editor

May 24, 2006 -- (MobileVillage) -- Below is a roundup of recently announced mobile field service news.

Impress Software has released its Impress for GIS 2.0 field service software that offers integration of SAP with ESRI's ArcGIS or Miner & Miner's ArcFM. Impress for GIS 2.0 adds a Maintenance and Operations Module that enables access to SAP asset and work management data and processes from a GIS front end. GIS users can create work orders and notifications, update status information, and assign orders to features on the map. In addition, they can analyze SAP work order information with a 'point-and-click' search using multiple user-defined criteria. This information can be rendered on the map and color-coded for spatial analysis and at-a-glance viewing, according to Impress.

The Maintenance and Operations Module complements the existing Asset Data Management Module, which automatically synchronizes asset-related information. The Asset Data Management Module allows GIS users to access and manipulate data, including processes to simultaneously update attributes for multiple assets. For example, a user at a water utility can easily select multiple assets on a map, such as a series of valves, and simultaneously change attributes without having to modify each valve individually in SAP. Impress for GIS 2.0 is available at impress.com.

Tadpole Technology announced an optional field inspection extension for its GO! Sync Mobile GIS software. The new Inspection Extension allows mobile workers to access and update inspection records using Tablet PCs and laptops, and incorporate field inspection capabilities into ESRI GIS software. GO! Sync Inspection Extension also improves on the map viewing and redlining capabilities in GO! Sync Mobile GIS, to allow feature attributes to be updated while in the field, according to Tadpole. Relevant attribute information is presented through a customizable form-based interface that allows the user to enter or update information about specific features. For more information, see tadpoletechnology.com.

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The Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) team at Edinfor, a LogicaCMG subsidiary, has implemented a comprehensive inventory of 50,000km of water networks and 33,000km of sewerage networks for SABESP, one of the world's largest water and sewerage utility companies, serving 25 million people in the state of Sao Paulo.

Fully functional since early 2005, Edinfor's implementation of the SIGNOS (Geospatial Information System in Sanitation) system has improved the tracking of the company's physical assets. Faults in the distribution system can be detected and resolved more precisely, accurately and quickly, resulting in a better quality of service provided to the end user. The updated, accurate register of networks also led to a direct reduction in fraud and greatly increased revenues.

The SIGNOS database is fully integrated with an array of SABESP's business process and external control systems, including those responsible for commercial issues, call centre management, maintenance, operation, and water quality. Combined with intranet access for staff, the project has improved the overall efficiency of SABESP's everyday business processes.

The SIGNOS system was recently awarded first place in the "Prémio Mário Covas - Innovations in Public Administration in the State of São Paulo" competition, beating 20 competitors.

For more information on Edinfor, see logicacmg.com.