The implementation of the systems came as part of a massive overhaul and modernization of London’s underground network. The company said that the end goal was to improve overall maintenance processes and asset performance by eliminating paper work orders and the resultant work backlog.
The new mobile computers allow engineers to view complete work history concerning the project they are involved with. They can send and receive updates using a wireless connection, access maps and GPS, and even take photographs. In the absence of wireless connectivity, the systems also supports full offline computing, so workers can work without interruption regardless of network availability.
Tube Lines also said it was working with Syclo to identify areas that could benefit from the deployment of RFID technology. There are also plans, brought in since the July terrorist attacks in London, to introduce biometric swipe card tracking software of all personnel for safety and security reasons.