PECO Energy Company Selects Norand's PEN*KEY 6300 for Automated Data Collection

Strategic Insights -

Norand Corporation has been chosen by PECO Energy Company to supply PEN*KEY 6300 pen-based computers for automated data collection by field maintenance crews in its Gas Services business unit. The wireless PEN*KEY computers will enable crew foremen to record information on repair and installation activities, time accounting, job completion, and work schedules, eliminating the use of paper forms. Data will be transmitted through a wireless, wide area network to computers at the company headquarters, improving data collection efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness.

Key Takeaways:

  • PECO Energy Company has selected Norand's PEN*KEY 6300 pen-based computers for automated data collection by field maintenance crews.
  • The wireless PEN*KEY computers will be used by crew foremen to enter information on repair and installation activities, time accounting, job completion, and work schedules.
  • Data recorded in the field will be transmitted through a wireless, wide area network to computers at the company headquarters.
  • Eric Gerstel, a supervising engineer for PECO Energy Company, expects the computers to improve data collection efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness.
  • The new computers will be fully installed throughout the PECO Energy's gas operation by the end of 1995.
  • The software application was developed by Computers At Work, a Norand reseller and systems integrator located in Parsippany, New Jersey.
  • The PEN*KEY 6300 mobile computer system offers the power of a 386 PC in a rugged device that fits in one hand.
  • The combination of the numeric 21-key keyboard and the pen/touch screen increases the data input options available to the user.
  • The 6300 system is built to withstand harsh environments, including temperature extremes, driving rains, and multiple drops to concrete.
  • PECO Energy Company operates in southeast Pennsylvania, serving 1.5 million electric and 378,000 natural gas customers.

Statistics:

  • 1475 square miles: the area served by PECO Energy Company's Gas Services business unit.
  • 1.5 million: the number of electric customers served by PECO Energy Company.
  • 378,000: the number of natural gas customers served by PECO Energy Company.
  • 7500: the number of employees at PECO Energy Company.
  • 1995: the year by which the new computers will be fully installed throughout PECO Energy's gas operation.
  • 6300: the model number of the PEN*KEY mobile computer system from Norand.
  • 21: the number of keys on the numeric keyboard.

Sources:

  • PRNewswire
  • Norand Corporation
  • PECO Energy Company
  • Computers At Work
  • Henry Russell Bruce Public Relations