ROADRUNNER X7-cx Handheld
TheROADRUNNER X7-CX sets a new EMR/AMR standard by placing the familiar look and feel of a Windows PC into a ruggedized handheld. The Windows CE.NET operating system and colour display allow users to take full advantage of application multitasking and a richer graphical environment to efficiently handle tasks ranging from keyed-entry EMR, probe and FIREFLY reading to AMR installation.
More power, more speed, and more friendly – that is the innovative software system launched over 15 years ago in the UK, by MTS.
RouteSTAR MVP
It has been hailed as the most advanced information management system of its kind, offering the benefits of a highly versatile and efficient package. In addition there are a number of refinements, which make it more flexible and simpler to use.
The Texas-based computer systems designer, Datamatic, has developed RouteSTAR MVP to meet the exacting demands of the meter reading industry.
Perhaps the greatest benefit is the extra flexibility it offers the user. RouteSTAR MVP features multi-user/multi-tasking facilities, effectively giving users the bonus of being networked. RouteSTAR MVP supports MS Access©, Oracle© and MS SQL Server© database management. RouteSTAR MVP also provides a "hook" to the industry standard Crystal Reports© application to further enhance the data manipulation and display options. This means that management reporting may be as detailed as specifically required by the Customer and the data incorporated into their own corporate MIS.
The system is capable of handling multiple utilities, says MTS Projects manager, Jim Tull. Water, electricity and gas readings can be taken simultaneously, and run through one database before the data is transferred to the relevant utility systems.
The system encompasses a "Windows File Explorer" type GUI, acknowledged as being easy on the eye and simple to understand. More on-screen summaries allow operators better management of the workflow, and the Online communication application enables them to graphically view each and every communications line. The Online application may be utilized as a stand alone program and may be loaded onto a Server or Client, enabling both local and remote connection simultaneously.
Datamatic says RouteSTAR MVP is made up of three building blocks: a database, a network communications manager, and an intuitive graphical user interface that lets you see it all. This combination creates a powerful package, allowing utilities to manger the entire customer service cycle all from one system. It integrates with existing hand-held terminal software, delivering cutting edge technology while keeping costs down.
MTS doesn't just listen!
MTS release new Versions of RouteSTAR MVP normally annually with service packs if required throughout the year. In line with the MTS/Datamatic partnership commitment to respond to customer requirements, these releases of RouteSTAR MVP contains enhancements in direct response to UK User requests.
The differences between UK and US requirements, and the MTS/Datamatic goal of developing a global package which will suit all, it has been necessary to be particularly careful in designing enhancements which bring benefits to Customers who need them, but cause minimum disruption to those who do not currently need them. The consideration of costly User Interface changes is one of the main considerations, and MTS/Datamatic have been vigilant in ensuring that the MVP product remains compatible with existing interfaces whilst allowing the User to utilise any enhancements within their own development schedules. This allows a seamless upgrade to a new release with the minimum of disruption, whilst still making all the enhancements available for introduction at a later date.
As MTS extends its customer base into multi utility working, a need for even more display and collection free format text has been identified. The desire to make capture of comment text mandatory and an extension of the amount available for display were both identified as major requirements. MTS then set about persuading our partners in Datamatic that these requirements would be of benefit to all customers and would extend the functionality of the system to suit all utilities. This having been achieved, it was then that the detailed design work was commenced and scheduled in to the existing development schedule for the next release. Again, one requirement was that the existing interface and functionality would still remain compatible, and that the changes would not greatly impact current users. MTS feel that the new facilities, listed below, will extend the functionality of MVP to cope with the many varied Utility Meter Reading requirements and puts RouteSTAR MVP at the forefront of the "off the shelf" Meter Reading Systems Solutions Provider arena.
RouteSTAR MVP 3.9 Major Enhancements
- Increase of User defined field length to maximum of 255 characters.
- Ability to allow updates to User Defined fields by meter reader and return changes to Billing.
- Ability to force notes (called User Comments) entry for specific Trouble Codes and/or Skip
- Codes and return that data to Billing.
- Ability to define a second viewing screen (APD) on Roadrunner to display the extended User
- Defined fields.
- Support for 'walk by' Homerider miu's.
- Addition of extra database queries to increase the standard reporting capabilities.
- Application "hook" to external Crystal Reports© reporting.