Digia delivered Suur-Savon Sähkötyö an efficient production management system. Suur-Savon Sähkötyö gains savings especially because the installation work can be managed more efficiently than earlier. As a field work management system was chosen the Microsoft Dynamics AX and Field Service for Dynamics AX system.

Solution benefits

• End to end Straight Through Processing
• Reduced manual workload and entries in disparate systems
• A flexible environment ready for future changes and directives
• Increased control and efficiency
• A modern technology platform

Massive installation work required an efficient production management system

Suur-Savon Sähkötyö is part of the Suur-Savon Sähkö Group. Over the next few years it will install automatic metering devices (AMR) for 90,000 customers. More than one third of these meters will be installed in holiday homes. Until now, electricity consumption has been checked on-site, with the meter reader writing information onto a form. The form has then been delivered to an office, where staff have entered the data into an information system. By using AMR meters complying with EU regulations, consumption data can be sent to the system automatically – no site visits are required.

Suur-Savon Sähkötyö Oy will take several years to install the AMR meters, based on work which began in 2010. This was also the right time to obtain an efficient production management system. The goal is better time management by both supervisors and installers. Real-time reporting will improve customer service.

“We mainly work in the archipelago. This means that two or three map kilometres can turn into a 20 or 30 kilometre drive. We gain huge savings from route optimisation of travel time,” stresses Jorma Pöntinen, Managing Director of Suur-Savon Sähkötyö.

Savings through better time use and lower fuel costs

Provided by Digia, the Microsoft Dynamics AX and Field Service for Dynamics AX system was chosen as a field work management system. As well as production management, this solution includes map solutions in support of logistics, an expertise database and mobile terminal solutions.

Digia provides each customer with an optimised solution. Digia’s services include consulting in support of operating-process changes. Together with the customer, Digia also participates in the follow-through of such changes.

Preliminary process specification began at Suur-Savon Sähkötyö in January 2010. Digia became involved in this work in the spring of 2010 – the system was commissioned in April 2010.

Real-time information on completion of customer work

When installing AMR meters, careful planning is performed before visiting the sites. Digia’s state-of-the-art fieldwork management solution has a map application. This enables route planning, resource planning and the visualisation and management of map-based data. Dozens of minutes of travel time can be saved per work assignment.

Field workers carry a terminal, to which supervisors can send instructions. Workers can also use the terminals to search for additional information about the site. Suur-Savon Sähkötyö chose a compact but fully weather-resistant computer as its terminal device. Photographs can also be stored in the system.

After completing a task, the worker uses the terminal to report this. With no need to draft reports at the office, unnecessary travel is further reduced. This leaves more time for providing the actual service.

Requests for maintenance and repair tasks can come at very short notice. In such cases, the task coordinator can pinpoint the person closest to the site, with the right expertise and equipment for the job at hand. Using a terminal, the field worker can view the site address and route. He or she can also read the job definition and background information, including the previous visit or maintenance. Information can also be checked and searched for in the backend system. When the job is reported as done, the supervisor can immediately send the customer a message confirming this. Meanwhile, the supervisor can send the worker his or her next assignment.

Easy-to-use technology

The field service solution is based on Microsoft technology.This means that it can be incorporated with most backend systems – no new acquisitions should be necessary, apart from terminals.

”Suur-Savon Sähkötyö’s ERP needs were effectively met by Digia’s solution. This project is a prime example of how seamless,  side-by-side development of business processes and an IT system ensure the optimal result,” states Anu Pitkänen of Digia.

At Suur-Savon Sähkötyö, use of the production management system will expand to tasks beyond the installation of AMR meters. Material procurement and invoicing are among the new segments to be added.

Digia has implemented dozens of portable-terminal solutions for its customers, from small-business tools to environments with several thousand users. Digia is Finland’s first certified provider of the Hitachi Field Service solution, certified by Microsoft.

Applied technology

• Microsoft Dynamics AX
• Field Service for Dynamics AX