TUSC to mobilise Energex

Ericsson-owned integrator TUSC Computer Systems has won a $7m field automation contract with Queensland utility company, Energex.

TUSC will be responsible for the management and implementation of field force automation (FFA) project for Energex.

Under contract, TUSC will implement Advantex, a workforce management system developed by Mobile Data Solutions to automate ENERGEX’s field force operations.

John Avramidis, general manager, Workforce Management Solutions at TUSC said the solution will be managed by The LitMUS Group and integration to back office systems, will be managed by Integral Technology Solutions.

TUSC will provide program and project management, systems integration, support and maintenance services for the project.

"With Advantex, Energex field technicians will be able to use in-vehicle laptops and wireless communications to interact with colleagues and corporate systems," said Avramidis.

The mobile devices will also provide access to mapping software to help technicians find the fastest route from job to job.

Using work order software, technicians will be able to transmit order completions in real time to existing customer management systems, he said.

TUSC’s FFA solution also includes a change management program to help field workers and the rest of the organisation adjust to changes in the way they work, he added.

Scoping work has already commenced on the project, and the implementation phase was expected to be completed by the end of the year, he said.

Darryl Steven, FFA project director at Energex, said the new system provide significant logistical advantages in each step of the power network construction, maintenance and restoration process.

TUSC was acquired by Ericsson in November 2005 and specialises in the implementation of service management solutions.