ArborMetrics Solutions Revamps Mobile Technology
For ArborMetrics Solutions (AMS), a leading vegetation management service company in North America, connectivity and durability were two significant factors when it came time to choosing the proper mobile technology solution for its field workers. AMS “arborists” are constantly on the go to cover the thousands of distribution lines they support. Complicating matters, their work must be done regardless of the remote location or environmental conditions – rain, snow, dust storm and extreme heat. This means the mobile computing solutions AMS selected, needed to withstand harsh conditions and deliver reliable connectivity.
The company initially tested commercial-grade tablet computers, but found they were not able to withstand the day-to-day work environments of an arborist, resulting in failures due to road vibrations, contact with moisture and exposure to extreme temperatures.
Connectivity was another issue faced by AMS. Originally, the company planned to use external PC modem cards to provide its mobile broadband connection, but found this solution created an increased opportunity for device failure – if dropped or bumped against any surface, an external card could snap off, damaging the motherboard and possibly leaving the field worker with an inoperable tablet.
It was clear to AMS that commercial-grade tablets with external modem cards were not an appropriate solution for its highly mobile workforce. After conducting additional research, the company purchased 80 Panasonic Toughbook 19s with Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-In. AMS chose Verizon Wireless because of its wide coverage network and its ability to keep employees connected in the field despite the excessive number of miles each arborists covers. The Toughbook 19s were selected for their combination of durability, functionality and performance.
Since rolling out the Toughbook 19s with embedded Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband, AMS has seen a number of positive changes. With the constant connectivity, field workers are able to send and receive greater levels of data, improving the quality and quantity of information available to the company and its customers. With the embedded modem, the new solution allowed the IT department to eliminate a potential point of failure, “break/fix” support and maximizing mobile worker productivity. Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband service also allowed IT remote desktop access to troubleshoot user problems in the field, virtually eliminating downtime and the need for arborists to stop their work and bring their notebook to the office for upgrades or repairs.
With the successful deployment of its Panasonic Toughbook with Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband solution, AMS doesn’t worry about device failures and connectivity, and can now focus its efforts on being the best possible partner to its customers.
You can read the full ArborMetrics Solution case study here, and watch a video case study below.
