Citiwater Townsville, QLD, Australia

To achieve this, Tait partnered with Mobile Technologies, a Brisbane-based software company that produces MTrack data despatch software, Nexion Data Systems and a local dealer, Ricom Communications, to provide the total solution.

A cost-effective solution was delivered using TM8250 mobiles integrated with Nexion modems and a Bluetooth connection to PDA pocket computers.

In order to meet the real time data transfer requirements, all the TM8250 radios were fitted with Nexion 4100 fast data modems. This gave them the capability to switch automatically between the voice and data channels when a data request was received. The communications middleware that controls and reports on the status of the network is part of Mobile Technologies' MTrack software system.

The MTrack software takes jobs from the existing work order system and displays these on the control screen ready for allocation to the appropriate field crew. This Mission Control facility displays the current status of all active tasks, supporting the new levels of customer service required by the Council.

The introduction of handheld computers in the field has eliminated paper based systems and provided the opportunity to upgrade the level of information received from the field. Citiwater Manager Henry Fracchia says, "We are now in a better position to make informed decisions on the deployment and maintenance of our assets".

To allow the crews to remain connected while working away from the vehicle, a Bluetooth serial connection between the data terminal and radio has been included in the configuration. This allows field staff to use powerful PDA pocket data terminals that can maintain real time communications while working up to 100 metres from their vehicle.