Ryzex and Psion Teklogix Partner To Enhance npower’s Meter Reading Procedures With The Ikôn Mobile Computer
15 September 2009
Psion Teklogix Ikôn mobile computers will play a central role in a contract Ryzex, a leading mobile technology services company, has signed with npower, one of the UK’s largest energy suppliers. The contract will see Ryzex deliver a new mobile capability solution to npower’s traditional metering field force.
The manufacturer of npower’s existing estate of handheld mobile computers discontinued the development and support of those devices. “It became evident that an upgrade would be necessary to keep mission critical field service operations such as utility meter reading services running”, explains Peter Hellewell, Meter Installations Manager for npower Energy Services. “Moreover we wanted a supplier who could offer a fully managed support and maintenance service for all the devices we were looking to purchase – up to 1300 units”.
Being vendor neutral and supporting a broad range of manufacturers, Ryzex was able to offer several hardware options to npower based on their experience in the mobile worker and utilities sectors. During the tender process, npower visited Ryzex’s state of the art European repair facility. "On first seeing the Ryzex operation we were impressed with the scale and capability they had in delivering enterprise mobility solutions” comments Hellewell.
The compact, rugged Ikôn PDA from Psion Teklogix forms the bulk of npower’s new estate of mobile computers. The Ikôn delivers true anytime, anywhere, wireless voice and data communications, thanks to GPS positioning, with simultaneous WiFi, Cellular (GSM/GPRS/UMTS) and Bluetooth® connectivity options. These features will enable real-time information management, improved efficiencies and increased visibility across npower’s operations. The Ikôn can handle applications using sophisticated graphics and can be easily read in all lighting conditions, while a high battery capacity will ensure full-day productivity for npower’s mobile workers.
“npower has signed a five year managed service agreement with Ryzex to ensure continuity of support for the Ikôn devices” said Adrian Lawson, Business Development Director at Ryzex. “This repair cover for the Ikôn devices ensures that any disruption to npower’s operations and associated down time costs are kept to an absolute minimum.” Hellewell sums up the quality of the relationship in saying "Ryzex have really delivered when we needed them to and they are developing into a great partner for npower."
Paul Westmoreland, Managing Director at Psion Teklogix, said: “This contract demonstrates the strength of appeal Ikôn’s combination of versatility and ruggedness has for applications that require reliable yet fully functional data capture systems.”
About npower
RWE npower is an integrated energy business, generating electricity and supplying gas, electricity and related services to customers across the UK. It operates and manages flexible, low-cost coal, oil and gas-fired power stations - generating over 10.3 GW of electricity. It serves around 6.6 million customer accounts and produce more than 10% of the electricity used in England and Wales.
About Ryzex
More than 6000 customers worldwide rely on the Ryzex products and services that allow them to receive FullUse® of their bar code, RFID and automated data collection systems, thereby increasing productivity, reducing costs and improving return on investment. Ryzex’s products include systems analysis, installation and integration services, wireless networking, new data collection equipment, refurbished equipment, rental programmes, service and repair, and legacy equipment supply and support. Ryzex sells equipment from all major data collection vendors. In business since 1989, Ryzex has more than 350 employees in sales, service, and repair operations across North America and Europe. For more information please visit www.ryzex.com or call +44 (0) 870 413 4444.
About Psion Teklogix
Psion Teklogix helps mobile workers get more done, add more value, and delight more customers. Our rugged mobile computers are designed, built and supported to maximize Return on Mobility™. We do this by driving down the total cost of mobility, improving task efficiencies and extending the life of every device. Psion Teklogix’ Return on Mobility™ helps the most progressive field service, logistics, supply chain and transportation companies stay ahead.
Psion Teklogix is the main operating company of Psion Group, a public company on the London Stock Exchange. It is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada with corporate offices located in Europe, the United States, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.psionteklogix.com
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