iPads Spark Mobile Operation Overhaul

By Brian Albright, Field Technologies

Transitioning to tablets has saved money and enabled new applications for this public utility.

When it comes to choosing between rugged or consumer-grade tablets for field service applications, there are pros and cons for both options. Emerald People’s Utility District (EPUD) replaced its rugged devices with iPads two years ago in an effort to reduce hardware and support costs, and in the process wound up enabling a number of new applications while gaining enthusiastic support from the field force.

EPUD is one of six public utility districts in Oregon. It has more than 20,000 customers, operates 841 miles of overhead line and 292 miles of underground primary line, and has to maintain 10 substations, nearly 25,000 distribution poles, and nearly 3,500 underground transformers, vaults, and cabinets.