Union Sanitary District Using Mobile Technology to Increase Efficiency

If the Union Sanitary District has a New Year’s resolution, it’s to increase efficiency.

The District’s operational groups will soon use mobile technology to boost efficiency as they work in the District’s 60 square-mile service area, according to the District’s Communications Manager. Employees will use mobile tablets to access information while working in the field on more than 800 miles of underground pipes, at pumping stations located throughout the service area, and at USD’s 33-acre treatment plant in Union City.

“Currently, employees must return to the District offices to access and enter information on computer servers,” said General Manager Paul Eldredge. “Mobile tablets will increase productivity by enabling staff to securely access many types of data while they are in the field; from information about our buried pipes, to operation and maintenance history for pumps and other equipment.”

Treatment plant operators will be able to monitor processes on tablets as they work in remote locations at the District’s large facility in Union City. Employees also will be able to complete administrative tasks, such as closing out work orders, without having to transfer handwritten records into databases. It is estimated that more than 3,500 hours of staff time could be freed up annually for other critical tasks, enhancing productivity in operating and maintaining USD’s infrastructure.

“USD strives to provide the most efficient service through use of technology,” said Eldredge. “Technology has enabled the District to maintain more conservative staffing levels, and helps us to keep rates low while providing award-winning service to our customers.”

Image via Union Sanitary District