Utility organisations operate in the harshest environments where reliability is non-negotiable. From responding to emergencies to managing expansive infrastructure networks, their success hinges on having technology that functions and excels under pressure.
The challenges these sectors face—complex workflows and rapidly changing demands—require solutions that go beyond standard technology.
Utilities companies face two challenges moving into 2025: the increasing impact of climate change and an increase in consumer rates. Field workers must adapt to increasingly hot conditions, wildfires, torrential rain, or temporary infrastructure environments (when the primary equipment fails). In addition, consumer satisfaction has reached a 7-year low (2023 data) due to perpetual rising utility costs.
Utility workers operate in time-sensitive, high-risk environments, and require reliable and versatile technology when managing field operations or maintaining communication during utility supply emergencies. Consumers often cannot afford downtime, and compatibility and rugged performance are requirements for their applications.
In industries where safety is a top priority, rugged remote devices are indispensable. These devices are engineered to endure harsh environments and extreme temperatures, ensuring that workers remain connected and productive even in the most challenging conditions.
Getac’s rugged devices are built to provide exceptional performance and reliability, making them a critical component in maintaining safety standards in the field. Whether it’s extreme heat, freezing cold, or rough handling, these devices are designed to largely withstand these conditions, ensuring that critical operations continue without interruption.
Remote utility workers operate in high-risk, time-sensitive environments where rugged, reliable, and compatible technology is essential for maintaining field operations and communication without downtime.
Utility companies face unique challenges, from managing geographically dispersed infrastructure to ensuring the reliability of essential services. Most businesses, whether large corporations or smaller companies, encounter similar issues in these areas. Their teams operate in environments where rugged conditions, budget constraints, and operational efficiency are constant concerns. For these organisations and businesses, the right technology can mean the difference between prolonged outages and seamless service.
Large-scale technology deployments can be complex and resource-intensive, particularly for utility companies with widespread operations. Traditional device management systems often include unnecessary features that increase costs and add complexity. It is crucial to understand the real cost of these systems, including ongoing expenses related to maintenance, support, and durability, to make informed decisions about total cost of ownership (TCO).
Getac’s robust software suite delivers transformative, industry-specific tools to streamline deployment with over-the-air configuration and advanced yet simplified enrolment methods.
The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology into rugged devices has disrupted the way utility companies manage their operations. IoT-ready platforms provide real-time data capture and predictive maintenance to improve decision-making and minimise service disruptions. These features allow utility companies to optimise their workflows and maintain reliable service delivery, underscoring why rugged technology matters for this use case.
No two industries—or organizations—are the same. For example, public safety and utility companies share the need for rugged technology, their specific operational requirements often differ. Standardised solutions rarely account for these nuances, leading to inefficiencies and unmet needs. Getac bridges this gap with a tailored approach to technology development.
Getac’s customisation process is built around understanding and addressing the unique requirements of its customers. By leveraging commercially available building blocks, the company delivers bespoke solutions that are cost-effective and scalable. The ergonomic design of these devices enhances comfort and usability, making them ideal for field professionals who require both functionality and practicality in demanding environments.
Recurring customer requests serve as a valuable feedback loop, shaping the development of new standard features that benefit multiple industries. By prioritising customer feedback and identifying trends, rugged solutions can incorporate these factors to enable the devices to perform in present and future conditions.
Rugged technology’s success for utilities is built on close collaboration with customers, using their feedback to refine and enhance solutions. As customer needs and observations evolve in the field, they feed into product development to ensure every solution solves current, pressing market problems. The proof-of-concept process can lower the barrier to trying a new rugged solution.
One way to improve market adoption and satisfaction is through the Proof of Concept (POC) process, which allows customers to test solutions in their operational environments before full implementation. This iterative process employs agile product development principles to reduce risk and ensure an efficient product launch while delivering all required performance and durability specifications. POC delivers two primary advantages for initial customer engagement: flexible prototyping and tailored deployments.
There are two ways Getac addresses emerging trends are by expanding Android solutions and enhancing IoT integration.
This proactive approach ensures the utilities industry is both prepared for today’s challenges and well-positioned for future opportunities.
Rugged tablets are ideal for utility applications, offering unmatched reliability, performance, durability, flexibility, and real-time connectivity that help boost productivity, reduce downtime, and ensure seamless access to critical information in even the harshest environments.
Rugged tablets offer significant benefits that make them ideal for utilities applications. Here are some of the key advantages:
By integrating these rugged devices into their operations, businesses can ensure that their teams are equipped with the tools they need to succeed, regardless of the conditions they face.
Getac’s commitment to addressing customer challenges, delivering measurable value, and driving industry innovation sets it apart as a trusted partner. By combining rugged reliability, tailored customisation, and lifecycle excellence, Getac provides solutions that empower utility organisations to achieve their goals with confidence.
For utility organisations, Getac offers more than technology—it offers a partnership built on trust, reliability, and a shared commitment to success.
Contact us to learn how Getac can help transform your operations and deliver long-term value.
Getac rugged devices are built for harsh environments, offering military-grade durability to MIL-STD-810H standard. Our fully rugged warranty covers accidental damage, ensuring reduced operational impact. Through our customisation offerings we can seamlessly integrate advanced technologies such as thermal imaging and IoT integration.
Getac’s software suite (Getac Essentials), including Getac Management allows utility companies to purchase only the features they need, eliminating unnecessary costs from redundant features. This flexibility enables organisations to optimise their technology investments while simplifying large-scale deployments.
Getac reduces TCO through durable designs, fully rugged warranty including accident damage (bumper-to-bumper) and its self-maintainer programme. These service offerings minimise downtime and repair costs, improving long-term value and operational efficiency for utility organisations.
Vertical integration maintains control of every aspect of product design, manufacturing, and service. This approach ensures consistent quality, faster adoption of new technologies, and supply chain resilience, improving quality and production time.
IoT-ready platforms provide real-time data collection and capture and predictive maintenance capabilities, helping utility companies improve decision-making, reduce downtime, and optimise asset performance in the field.
The Self-Maintainer programme allows customers to claim x2 customer replaceable parts per serial number ‘free of charge’, such as port covers, stylus’s, tethers and screen protectors. Enabling customers to complete minor cosmetic repairs locally, eliminating the need to return the device for repair and reducing downtime.
In addition to utilities, Getac’s rugged technology solutions are ideal for public safety, military, transportation & logistics, automotive, manufacturing and more. These sectors rely on durable, rugged device reliable devices to perform in demanding environments while ensuring seamless operations.
Alex Lee is the Director of Sector Solutions and Software Management at Getac, bringing over 15 years of experience in product and solution planning within the IT industry, including a decade in the rugged technology space. He leads cross-functional teams to drive innovation, foster strategic partnerships, and deliver integrated solutions tailored to the unique needs of key industry sectors.
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