St Albans City and District Council
St Albans City and District Council deploys ruggedised Tablet PCs and accessories supplied by Box Technologies Limited. The highly mobile Motion Computing J3500 tablets power a personalised tree survey and database reporting solution capable of working in the harshest of weather conditions. The mobile computing solution - coupled with the ability to link to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Customer Relationship Management Systems (CRMs) and Web-based systems - gives St Albans City and District Council the most efficient and beneficial access to tree data out in the field. Data collection, management programmes, work cycles and reporting are all key areas where St Albans City and District Council has been able to maximise return on investment. The mobile computing solutions were personalised and delivered by Box Technologies who also provide after sales care and support.
Overview
As a local authority, St Albans City and District Council has a wide range of powers and duties. National policy is set by central government, but the local council is responsible for all day-to-day services and local matters. The District is funded by Government grants, Council Tax and business rates, and works within the powers laid down under various Acts of Parliament.
The District’s functions are far reaching. Some are mandatory, which means that the authority must do what is required by law. Others are discretionary, allowing it to provide self-regulating services. In certain cases, ministers have powers to ensure consistent standards to safeguard public health or to protect the rights of individual citizens.
Trees & Woodlands Officers at St Albans City and District Council previously used personal digital assistants (PDAs) for data collection and reporting, but the devices were too small to input data correctly and software incompatibilities created technical complications upon return to base. Tablet PC’s provide a full PC architecture and therefore maximise functionality across a much broader spectrum of capabilities. The Tablet PC’s have a range of capabilities which enable detailed data capture, such as mapping, maintenance and inspection schedules. Actions like crown thinning and lifting are easily requested. Other tasks whose completion is streamlined through the technology upgrade include reporting, action requests and enhanced communication with contractors and external liaisons.
The mobile computing solution provided by Box Technologies provides the Officers with an ergonomic design that’s especially adapted to the most challenging outdoor conditions, with an operating temperature as low as 0 degrees and as high as 40 degrees. Advanced features such as a screen visible in brightest daylight, touchscreen input, and an outdoor carry strap makes the Motion Computing J3500 tablet PC highly portable even in rugged conditions. Specialist tree survey and database software for both office and on-site use allows Trees & Woodlands Officers to map trees and facilitate their on-going management with ease.
To find out more about the solution we provided for St Albans City and District Council please click on the below link
