Optidev has just completed the delivery of a new mobile computing system to the Norwegian railroad (NSB). The value of the deal exceeds SEK 15 million. The new terminals will be used for ticket control and sales on board trains.
NSB chose the Windows Mobile-based Pideon BIP-1300 computer from the Swedish integrator Optidev following several months of tests and evaluations of different vendors. The same type of mobile computer is also used by Norwegian Air and Scandinavian Airlines.
“We tested solutions from many vendors, and Optidev offered the best total solution,” says Pål Tore Pedersen, responsible for mobile solutions at NSB. “The rollout of the new system has been very smooth, and our conductors are very appreciative of the device.”
The new mobile computer has an integrated receipt printer and card reader as well as a bar code reader. Not only does the computer read electronic payment cards with a magnetic stripe and chip, but it also reads the contactless payment cards with RFID tags that NSB calls “Flexus cards.” Unique to this solution is that both the printer and the card reader are integrated with the mobile computer.
Prior to implementing this system, NSB was using a solution where the mobile computer was connected to the printer and card reader via Bluetooth. The communication between the mobile computer and the printer/card reader was unstable and often caused problems with printing tickets and accepting card payments. Furthermore, the battery life was poor and the terminal often had to be recharged. The new mobile computer provides considerably better performance and reliability, as well as much improved battery time. With all technology integrated into one device, there is less equipment to keep track of and to maintain.
“With all technology integrated into one device, we don’t have communication issues anymore, and our conductors can be more efficient,” says Pedersen. “The improved battery life of the new terminal is another advantage. Previously it was common for our conductors to have to recharge the battery in the middle of a work shift, whereas the battery in the new terminal lasts up to a week.”
“Our mobile computing solution has simplified the work for the conductors and has made the encounter with the customers more positive, and without technical hassle", says Ole Feste,” office manager in Oslo. “With all technology integrated into one device, there is also less equipment for NSB to keep track of and to maintain.”
NSB also signed a service agreement with Optidev in which exchange service will ensure problem-free operation. This exchange program provides NSB with a new device as soon as it sends one in for service. The exchange unit is configured and charged and can immediately be put to work when it arrives. Optidev is the leading service provider for mobile computers in Scandinavia, and most repairs are completed by Optidev’s service department.
ServiceWeb, which is a Web-based service tool, enables NSB to track equipment and repair costs in real time.
“We are very proud that NSB chose Optidev out of all the solutions they evaluated, especially since many of the other vendors are more established in the Norwegian market than is Optidev,” says Tommy Vestlie, president of Optidev. “This customer win confirms that Optidev is one of the strongest players in the mobility space in Scandinavia.”