Energy, Utilities & Chemicals

the way we do it

Operational Services
Utility Paperless Truck Overview
Answering the pressing need for
increased customer satisfaction,
environmental responsibility and
decreased operational costs, utility
companies around the globe are
implementing innovative Smart Grid
systems.
key challenge is maintaining current
levels of service delivery and safety.
Why? Because it encompasses not only
the transition from mechanical to solidstate but also the replacement of aging
assets and new levels of asset-tracking,
as well as a reduction in the size of the
and otherwise support the grid.
Moreover, it requires revolutionary
changes to operational and information
technology practices
Because most of these transformational
issues fall outside of their core
expertise, utilities are increasingly
seeking partners with successful
experience in them.

Capgemini is exactly such a partner. In

collaborating with utilities on successful
Smart Meter programs around the
world, we have gained invaluable
expertise in helping companies meet
their top Smart Project priorities. As
we have learned, these objectives
invariably include:
Visibility into field activities,
Ubiquitous access to systems and
centralized data,
Safety compliance
The Capgemini Operational Services
Paperless Truck solution is designed
strategic goals. Our unique platform
provides personal safety
technology, interoperable
network management
and rugged

professionals at corporate headquarters

and those working in the field.

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At the core of our Smart Truck solution

is the onboard mobile gateway that
brings together wireless Local Area
Network (wLAN) direct connections
and wireless Wide Area Network
(wWAN) technologies to produce a
truly mobile service platform with the
ultimate in high-performance, locationindependent mobility.

devices designed specifically for harsh

working conditions combined with
innovation to support environmental
responsibility.
The Capgemini Smart Truck solution
delivers tangible value in two key areas:
1. Vehicle area networking and
enterprise IT mobility
2. Vehicle diagnostics and control
services, including safety and
security , route guidance and
communication
The following overview examines these
key areas in detail and describes the
many benefits the Capgemini Smart
Truck solution can deliver.
Vehicle Area Networks (VAN) and
Enterprise IT Mobile Enablement
The hub of a field operation, a Vehicle
Area Network (VAN) is a local wireless
network based in and around a vehicle,
typically a truck in the field. A VAN
enables devices to communicate,
either directly connected or through
various wireless protocols. The VAN
consolidates information from all
neighboring devices and routes it
to a central facility over a specific
1

network, utilizing protocol and rulesbased configuration.

The primary challenge with typical
field operations is that they rely on
embedded radios within handheld
devices that are costly to maintain as
well as upgrade for future networks.
In addition, these devices are usually
tied to a specific network topology
and can be dependent on that
networks availability. Failing that
access, costly adaptations through
middleware or cradling must be
created and supported.
Capgemini takes a different approach.
Our Smart Truck solution provides an
on-board intelligent gateway/router that
acts as the single multi-network
interface while creating simple
standards-based coverage for handhelds
and other mobile devices within its
reach. Unlike in a field operation,
where each individual handheld device
must be updated to comply with new
networks, our solution requires only a
single upgrade to the gateway.
With Capgeminis VAN solution, a
vehicle is transformed into a fully
managed IT asset that enables seamless,
end-to-end communications between

The in/around-vehicle component

of the VAN is based on wLAN
technologies such as industry-standard
802.11 protocols, Bluetooth or direct
connections such as serial or Ethernet.
This unparalleled wWAN connectivity
is provided through a range of wireless
technologies including cellular data
network backhaul, Wi-Fi (including
4.9Ghz), Wi-Max, satellite, and
support for emerging spectrums such as
700MHz. The Gateway is designed in a
modular fashion so that both the wLAN
and wWAN components of the VAN
can be upgraded as new technologies
become available.
The unique combination of capabilities
provided by the Capgemini Smart
Truck solution ensures that users have
anytime, anywhere access to
information by leveraging the various
networks to create a ubiquitous
connectivity environment.
By leveraging standards-based
networking technology to provide a
more effective approach to mobile
broadband networking, the on board
mobile gateway/router provides a
secure, reliable and cost effective
solution for mobile workers.
Portable Handheld Devices
Increasingly, utility companies are
leveraging mobile work-management
solutions to extend back-office tools
beyond the four walls and improve the
productivity of field service
professionals. The results? Improved
customer satisfaction, reduced
operating costs and increased safety.

Energy, Utilities & Chemicals

In partnering with some of the worlds

leading utility companies, Capgemini
has found that rugged mobile
computing devices -- with wireless
connectivity, voice and data capture,
and GPS functionality -- offer several
key features that considerably improve
the productivity of a mobile workforce.
For example, when field engineers
carry out installation, maintenance and
service-restoration activities, rugged
devices provide them with the critical
near real-time access to information
and communication tools they need in
the field -- eliminating the time,
expense and hassle of having to
return to headquarters to access
the information.
More importantly, mobile computing
solutions are quickly becoming a
critical factor in solving some of the
industrys largest pain points. In fact, as
Smart Grid initiatives gain more
traction and government and industry
compliance regulations become stricter,
these solutions will deliver critical
audit trails, accurate billing and quick
service-restoration.
Modern field service processes require
timely data and voice communication
between headquarters and field
operators. The Smart Truck with mobile
broadband connectivity can connect to
enterprise systems via a Virtual Private
Network (VPN) through local wireless
hot-spots and various public or private
wide area networks. This provides an
extra level of reliability because the
device can switch from one connectivity
option to another depending on
network availability and performance.

location, path-of-travel documentation,

asset-tracking and maintenance history,
inventory availability and route
optimization, as well as geo-coding.
Our Smart Truck solution helps improve
response times to customers and
increase their satisfaction as a result. For
example, with mobile payment modules,
service representatives can manage
customers bill payments at their
homes and businesses.
Although a wide range of mobile
computing systems are now available to
utility companies, most feature
embedded radios that cannot be
upgraded easily, if at all, to comply with
future network options. With
Capgeminis Smart Truck solution, a
single upgrade to the gateway makes
network compliance a simple upgrade.
Vehicle Diagnostics and Control
Capgeminis Smart Truck solution helps
field workers -- and ultimately, utility
companies -- get the best possible
performance from their work forces.
Our solution delivers real-time
diagnostic information about a vehicles
engine, brakes and other key systems,

the way we do it

as well as automated control of its

components such as doors, headlights,
taillights, and storage.
In fact, our Smart Truck solution also
features:
Safety and security service, enabling
vehicle monitoring and tracking in
case of unauthorized use or theft
Route guidance service, providing the
shortest path to the destination based
on real-time traffic information.
Communication service, allowing
users to communicate hands-free from
mobile handsets using phone-vehicle
synchronization via wireless networks
such as wWAN, wLAN and wPAN.
Even for utilities that already have a
mobile asset-tracking or fleetmanagement platform in place, our
Smart Truck solution makes good
business sense. In fact, current
platforms are easily supported Smart
Truck to ensure return on investments,
as well as compliance with current
processes. Capgemini can bring proven
solutions that enhance integrated asset
tracking with optimized routing and
logging that can be linked to carbon

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GPS allows mobile workers to utilize

interactive maps and obtain detailed
information pertinent to their location.
As a result, it helps workers easily
navigate new areas, reducing
transportation time and costs.
In addition, linked to other field-service
applications and back-office systems,
GPS provides work validation by
Utility Smart Truck Overview

www.us.capgemini.com

Our solution combines Low Earth Orbit

(LOE) satellites with an innovative
wireless transmitter/receiver technology
that enables headquarters to monitor -and communicatewith field workers
wherever their jobs take them.
Integrated within the Smart Trucks onboard systems and worn on the
standard issue work belt, the compact,
rugged and water resistant personal
wireless transmitter/receiver enables the
lone worker to easily stay in touch with
headquarters through automated and
self-directed messaging. Back in the
office, the lone worker is closely
monitored utilizing mapping software.

As we have learned by collaborating

successfully on leading Smart Meter
projects around the world, the
challenge with providing critical
communication and safety solutions to
workers in the field is that it requires
energy beyond what would otherwise
be needed. The plain fact is that
electrical generation typically creates
strain on the engine and as a result,
engine efficiency decreases, creating
unwanted emissions from engine idling.
Our solution solves this challenge in an
environmentally safe and manageable
way by combining dual Deep Cycle
100-percent sealed batteries and a high
efficiency, low engine resistance
generation alternator. This solution
allows the engine to charge the dual
batteries, avoiding excessive engine
idling and ensuring all- weather
reliability. This is complemented by
LED technology strobe safety lighting,
requiring far less power compared to

traditional inefficient incandescent

hazard beacons. The end result is the
Smart Truck that can support the added
strain of its communication, computing
and safety components with no
additional stress on the engine or the
environment.
Why experience counts
Smart Trucks and mobile technology
solutions can enable utility companies
to dramatically drive efficiencies in the
generation, supply and delivery of
essential services, such as electricity. To
achieve a high return on their mobile
workforce investments, utilities need to
ensure the vehicles and mobile tools
deployed are safe, durable, easy to use,
versatile, and can be customized to
meet the needs of their field service
professionals. Utilities must think
strategically about mobile enablement
as a part of an overall operations
technology infrastructure and always
seek advice from partners mobile
specialists. Years of experience can help
differentiate between a mobile platform
that functions today to one that
generates substantial and quantifiable
benefits for workers and the business
for years to come.

About Capgemini
Capgemini, one of the
world's foremost providers of
consulting, technology and outsourcing
services, enables its clients to transform
and perform through technologies.
Capgemini provides its clients with insights
and capabilities that boost their freedom to
achieve superior results through a unique
way of working, the Collaborative Business
Experience. The Group relies on its global
delivery model called Rightshore, which
Gord Reynolds
Utility Practice Leader
gord.reynolds@capgemini.com
Phone +1-416-732-2200

Copyright 2009 Capgemini. All rights reserved.

aims to get the right balance of the best

talent from multiple locations, working as
one team to create and deliver the
optimum solution for clients. Present in
more than 30 countries, Capgemini
reported 2008 global revenues of EUR 8.7
billion (approximately USD $12.74 billion)
and employs 90,000 people worldwide.
More information is available at
www.us.capgemini.com.

EUC_UTSMTKFS_110909_070

Lone Worker Safety Solutions

Because their jobs often require them
to work alone in isolated areas under
hazardous environmental conditions,
field workers depend on life-line
connections with headquarters to ensure
their safetyand Capgeminis Smart
Truck solution provides exactly that.

Power that supports

environmental responsibility
Capgemini designed the Smart Truck
solution with the global environment
in mind.

footprint auditing and reduced

operational costs, aligning with
environmental responsibility goals.