BRWD Goes High Tech with Mobile Work Orders

By Dan Dickinson, NDS Utilities Account Executive

Recently, Northern Data Systems (NDS) installed its Mobile Work Order module at Boothbay Region Water District (BRWD) in Boothbay, Maine. BRWD has 3500 customers, of which approximately 1800 are seasonal connections. BRWD completes 1200-1300 work orders per year, not including the seasonal shutoffs, turn-ons, and normal construction work. General Manager Jon Ziegra wanted to streamline the work order process so that his field technicians and office staff could be more efficient and productive. An even larger benefit to BRWD is the reduction in annual labor costs. A financial analysis by Mr. Ziegra showed an $18,600 yearly labor costs savings to the district as a result of installing the Mobile Work Order system!

Work orders are now created and dispatched from EDIFICE in the office, directly to the field technician’s phones. Yes, phones! The field techs use their smartphones to receive, process and complete work orders out in the field. Dale Harmon, BRWD Foreman says, “It is very easy to complete work orders using the wizards and it’s nice to have all the work order and location information at your fingertips.”

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Since work order history, read history, location and meter information, and comments are easily accessible; there are fewer phone calls back to the office. Inventory usage can also be attached using the wizards. BRWD’s inventory is loaded and synced to the phones so the techs can pick from the list and attach to the work order and location. This allows the office to track and invoice as necessary and it helps control inventory.

The completed work orders are transmitted instantly back to the office. No more looking or waiting for printed pieces of paper. The office now has instant information as to the status of work orders and who is assigned to them. Now when customers call about service, the office can answer quickly and with  confidence.

Thank you to the BRWD Staff – Jon, Ruth, Dale, Mike, Wes, Taylor, Shawn and Trevor.

Please contact Dan Dickinson to see how the Mobile Work Order module will benefit your company.

Dan can be reached at 800-649- 7754 x240 or at ddickinson@ndsys.com.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]