Psion Teklogix Signs Deal For New netpad -R- Product With Leading Multi Utility Metering Company, United Utilities

Business Wire, Sept 28, 2001

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 28, 2001

netpad Chosen By Top UK Metering Company And Software

Expert To Maximise Investment And Save Time In The Field

Psion Teklogix (LSE:PON.), a global provider of mobile computing solutions for the enterprise, today announced that United Utilities Networks has selected the Psion Teklogix netpad(R) a rugged hand-held tablet for use by its field operations staff.

United Utilities field service engineers will use the netpad, launched today, loaded with Wheatley Associates' TODAY software, a field operative data capture and retrieval system, to service the water, gas and electricity meters of United Utilities' 2.5m customers across the UK.

Netpad saves United Utilities time and reduces costs by enabling collection and transfer of meter information to and from workers whilst on site. Field engineers use the netpad to dynamically up- and download management and scheduling data from the central database server. This enables United Utilities to communicate emergency customer requests and information to field service staff 24 hours a day. The initial roll out of 100 netpads for use throughout the UK is likely to lead to the implementation of further netpads within United Utilities' operations.

Netpad's powerful performance makes it an ideal tool for United Utilities' field workers. It will allow them to maximise their time by logging onto the Internet wirelessly, to access critical capabilities such as checking and rearranging their daily schedules.

The netpad's data processing capabilities and computing power of a much larger device allow users to fix problems on the spot thus increasing revenues by reducing the time spent on each job. Its large, high-resolution touch-display, allows users to view forms and schematics and alternate between portrait and landscape views. Additionally, the ruggedised design, absence of internal moving parts and over eight hours of continuous battery life, make the netpad a tough, easy to use yet sophisticated data processing solution for mobile workers.

Guy-Franck Nakach, managing director for Northern Europe, Psion Teklogix, said: "United Utilities' choice of the netpad for its outside plant operations consolidates our position as the vendor of choice in a market where time and costs are absolutely critical. We are very excited that netpad has been selected by a leading player such as United Utilities as it shows the device has been developed to meet the demanding requirements of the utilities industry both in terms of ergonomics as well as ruggedness."

"The use of Psion Teklogix' netpad will enable United Utilities to reach unprecedented levels of customer service," said Craig Edge, metering services manager, United Utilities. "This unique solution will allow us to increase productivity and revenues and maintain our position as the market leader in multi-utility metering services."

"Our ASSIGN/TODAY software meets the entire needs of field operations as it can be easily tailored for specific requirements such as United Utilities' meter operations," said John Wheatley, CEO of Wheatley Associates. "Our partnership with Psion Teklogix allows both companies to remain at the forefront of the enterprise mobile computing market."

Psion Teklogix

Psion Teklogix provides mobile computing solutions for the enterprise. The company' s systems, installed in more than 10,000 sites worldwide, provide mobile workers with anytime, anywhere access to enterprise IT systems. Psion Teklogix offers the widest range of connectivity options, and a choice of real-time, near-time and batch technologies. The largest operating division of Psion PLC, Psion Teklogix plays a key role in its parent company's vision to create new ways to access mobile data and the mobile Internet. Psion Teklogix has 43 sales and support offices and 95 independent distributors throughout the world. For more information, visit www.psionteklogix.com

Wheatley Associates Ltd

A team of IT Professionals and Business Consultants, with a combined 140 years of IT and Utility Industry experience, formed Wheatley Associates Ltd. in March 1991. Today, the company provides consultancy, software development, and project management to the International Utility Industry. Wheatley's client server software manages over 16,000,000 utility customer's metering installations and processes 16,000 transactions daily.

During the last nine years, Wheatley Associates has been at the forefront of new technology, developing bespoke software solutions, and advising its customers on how best to attain the business benefits they are seeking.

In addition to its asset management and scheduling solutions (ASSIGN), Wheatley Associates has recently developed a field operative data capture and retrieval system named TODAY. TODAY allows field staff to see their workload for the day and return relevant data back to the asset management system in the back office. By utilising a screen design system, the views shown to the field operative can be tailored to meet the exact requirements of the task to be completed.