Rugged tablets support SA Power Networks' field teams

Getac, a provider of rugged computing and mobile video solutions, has revealed how its ZX10 rugged tablets are supporting SA Power Networks’ field mobility refresh across South Australia. Delivered with Getac Gold Partner Advanced Mobile IT (AMIT), the deployment gives SA Power Networks crews a rugged, consistent and supportable platform for maintaining electricity infrastructure across metropolitan, regional and remote environments.

SA Power Networks’ field teams operate in demanding utility environments where reliable access to job information, safety procedures, navigation and operational applications is essential to completing work safely and efficiently. Crews can work in summer temperatures reaching 44°C to 45°C, as well as dusty, wet and high-vibration environments. Devices are often mounted in vehicle docking stations while crews travel on rough roads, farm tracks and off-road areas to access poles, powerlines and other electricity assets.

SA Power Networks needed to refresh its existing field mobility platform with a rugged Android solution that could support evolving operational, security and performance requirements. The replacement platform also needed to support vehicle docking, external antenna connectivity, digital job completion, and reliable performance in direct sunlight and high-temperature conditions.

The Getac ZX10 was selected as the core field device following AMIT’s recommendation. AMIT supported device supply, pre-configuration, vehicle dock replacement, onsite installation, scheduling and user training.

“SA Power Networks came to AMIT with a clear operational challenge: they needed a rugged, reliable and supportable field mobility platform capable of performing across demanding utility environments,” said AMIT Account Manager Nicholas Cizauskas. “Getac stood out because it met the key requirements for ruggedness, vehicle docking, heat performance and customisation. Our role was to bring those elements together into a complete, fit-for-purpose solution that supports the way their crews work in the field every day.”

Getac worked closely with AMIT, SA Power Networks and docking solution partner Gamber-Johnson to tailor the deployment around real field conditions. This included a slimline in-vehicle docking solution provided by Gamber-Johnson that helped reduce cabin space requirements while supporting safe mounting, charging and antenna pass-through.

“Rugged technology is most effective when it is shaped around the way frontline teams actually work,” noted Jerry Huang, Vice President of Global Market Development at Getac.

“We’re committed to supporting SA Power Networks as it strengthens field mobility for crews working across demanding utility environments, while working alongside AMIT and Gamber-Johnson to deliver a solution tailored to its operational needs.”

The deployment has given SA Power Networks crews access to a rugged mobile platform with greater memory and storage, improved camera capability, longer battery life, brighter screens, and construction suited to heat, dust, moisture, vibration and vehicle-based use. The customised Getac build has also strengthened fleet management by reducing configuration variation, making troubleshooting more predictable, and giving SA Power Networks’ endpoint team greater control over the device environment.

“Getac has empowered SA Power Networks and the endpoint team to apply deeper customisations to the device build, which allows us to automate processes that previously required manual configuration,” said Adrian Jeremiah, Enterprise (IT) Portfolio Manager at SA Power Networks. “This creates a more consistent and controlled device experience.”

Approximately 1000 Getac ZX10 devices are now in the field, following an initial rollout of around 830 devices over five months. According to Huang, the project “demonstrates the value of combining durable hardware with practical customisation, in-vehicle usability and strong partner collaboration to support complex field operations”.

Images: Supplied