Efficient maintenance with rugged computers from Getac "The 12" Getac convertible computer has satisfied us especially with its rotatable 12" TFT display with LED backlighting and its high performance battery"
Ernst Vondersahl, manager of the sewage channel network at Berliner Wasserbetriebe, explains.
Generally, the management of water, sewage, gas and power lines, requires high standards for devices. Here, classic service applications and GIS are combined. Displays that are easy to read even in bright sunlight, high processor performance, easy operation and 3G integration are essential for these purposes.
Maintenance of sewer systems includes a broad array of assignments with extremely high levels of complexity, high standards for the people working in the field, and sophisticated technology. Failures in these areas can lead to great harm to people and the environment, because leakages in sewage channels can pollute groundwater and soil. When defective channels are used for ground water, contaminates can infiltrate the system. Therefore, water must be treated in the sewage treatment plant, as well.
To maintain functionality, continuous cleaning and maintenance of the sewer system is required, as well as regular monitoring of the state of channels. In this manner corrosion, pipe damage, ground water inlet, waste water discharge, roots and concrete debris can be identified and removed. The management, maintenance and quality assurance of such complex infrastructure, like a channel network in big cities, is no longer conceivable without the use of IT equipment.
Besides the high quality requirements for the implementation of cleaning and disposal operations, efficiency also plays an increasing role. Rugged and durable mobile computers make this possible. That's why the Berliner Wasserbetriebe has chosen the 12" convertible notebook from Getac. The project was supervised by Getac's distribution partner Mette Meier GmbH.
Berliner Wasserbetriebe - advanced technologies for channel operation
For over 150 years the Berliner Wasserbetriebe has provided water to 3.7 million people in Berlin and the surrounding area and has treated the wastewater of 3.9 million people. The Berlin sewer system consists of channels for dirt, rain and mixed water with a total length of 9,500 kilometers. There are also numerous special structures such as storm water overflows, storm tanks and culvert systems, which can run underneath obstacles. Each channel has a manhole, about every 60 meters – so we count about 200,000 openings in Berlin, which must be inspected regularly.
This operation requires the on-site use of rugged notebooks to allow for maintenance of the sewer system. Whether threatened by moisture, dust, vibration, frost or high summer temperatures - the computer has to work reliably in every situation to ensure continuous access to current data and efficient work operations. Therefore, a display that is readable in direct sunlight, high processor performance, convenient handling and 3G integration are all must haves. In this area, Getac has a market leading position with its V-Series notebook up to the i7 processor and the IP65 protection class.
Because of its market leading features, Berliner Wasserbetriebe began using Getac's 12" convertible notebooks in November, 2010. Other manufacturers weren't able to compete in terms of robustness, display quality and battery life.
"The 12" Getac convertible computer has satisfied us especially by its rotatable 12" TFT display with LED backlighting and its high performance battery", Ernst Vondersahl, manager of the sewage channel network at Berliner Wasserbetriebe, explains. The devices are carried on the channel operation vehicles, as well as the vehicles of the fault-clearing service for channel operations and construction yard operations.
The rugged notebooks are able to execute the UBI-Kanal mobil, a software for channel management, with which the management is supported in channel operations.
The operations are taking place in the immediate vicinity of the shafts, so the devices are exposed to very difficult environmental conditions. These include water spray, water aerosol mixtures, dust, sun, rain, and so on.
The 12" Getac convertible notebook weighs a mere 2.3 kg, is extremely powerful and has an LCD screen with automatic adjustment for screen and keyboard lighting - depending on the ambient lighting.
The unit is extremely rugged, highly fail-safe, and suited for any weather or soil conditions. This is ideal for the extreme conditions of Berliner Wasserbetriebe infrastructure.
Because of the integrated webcam and the built-in GPS receiver it is perfect for GIS operations. With the extensive connectivity options including Bluetooth, WLAN and WWAN, Getac's 12" convertible notebook offers maximum functionality and comfort.
