Using Technology to Collaborate

General Dynamics Itronix

General Dynamics Itronix is a manufacturer of rugged mobile computers.

"We are constantly designing innovative, cutting edge computers that can take on anything-from harsh temperatures and weather extremes to dust, drops and vehicle vibration. As a leading provider of rugged, mobile computers our solutions are preferred by workers out on the road and out in the elements"

In 2011 the Denver Fire Department will be attempting to use a handheld wireless computer from GD Itronix to conduct our annual fire inspections throughout the city. Thus far the experiment is an unmitigated disaster.

The founding principle is sound. Using collaborative technology, we should be able to conduct our inspection, have the owner or representative of the business sign the device, and eliminate paper and increase efficiency from both the business side and the departments aspect.

Several problems have been made manifest:

1. During the beta test of the device we were told how rugged this device was. Chief Carl Johnson was invited to drop the device to demonstrate its durability. He promptly broke it.
2. The application software that we use does not display well on the current piece of hardware.
3. Against the recommendation of Chief Carl Johnson, these devices were ordered at a cost of $2500 a piece. They were purchased in 2009 and have been sitting on the shelf for two years. Since then technology has come along that makes this device obsolete. The taxpayers are on the hook.
4. While sitting on the shelf, the batteries in this device have gone bad. They are not meant to be stored without being charged, and they cannot be charged for excessively long periods of time. Unlike a laptop there is not sufficient memory on the device to store saved data once the battery is depleted. In other words if it goes dead in the field you have lost all data and it must be done over.
5. The wireless access point (WAP) installed in the firehouses has a range of about 30 feet. It does not feel very professional trying to log into these devices and pointing them at a four inch square device mounted above your head.
6. Training with the devices has been hampered by poor performance issues such as battery, and software incompatibility problems.

This is not an article against collaborative technology. Far from it. This is an example of how in a effort to use collaborative technology the process was flawed. Before entering into a project willy nilly managers must conduct due diligence, test technology, and make sure that the needs of the company are met. Technology should complement your company. Forcing technology to fit into your company is like placing a square peg in a round hole. It will be met with resistance, and possibly a loss of efficiency, any loss due to poor management and implementation causes a loss of valuable productivity. Loss of productivity is seen in a negative light. I am not sure how this will all play out in the long run. I hope that we can get the problems ironed out and that we can continue to move forward and implement technology into a necessary aspect of our job.

References:

www.gd-itronix.com/index.cfm?page=Company:Company