Newsletter 40  July 2008/3

Northgate Information Systems, a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector, and Derbyshire-based TBS have joined forces to help homeowners understand and improve the energy performance of their property and to support the battle against climate change, by providing Domestic Energy Assessors with the very latest technology in handheld PDAs and mobile technology.

Northgate is using TBS’ award-winning Taskmaster software to enable Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) to carry out the energy performance surveys and certification used in Home Information Packs. The assessments allow homeowners to gain a clear understanding of the energy performance of their property and where consumption is at its most wasteful, and also to identify areas for potential efficiency gains and improvement.

 

Northgate Taskmaster manages the workflow for the assessors as they visit each property via a PDA, allowing the DEA to capture the information required to calculate the energy rating for each property. It then provides near real-time reporting back to Northgate centrally, allowing the overall energy performance of the building to be calculated. Taskmaster also incorporates fully integrated satellite navigation which enables the DEAs to locate each property requiring a survey as well as a central diary management system.

The benefits of the mobile service include:

* Less reliance on paper and the eradication of the potential for delays and errors;

* Acceleration of the calculation process through automated ‘real-time’ communications over a wireless network, and a reduction in customer waiting time;

* Greater efficiency through a reduction in communication costs and overheads through ‘virtually instantaneous’ access to information;

* A reduction in the carbon footprint and improved environmental performance through more efficient travel and the eradication of paper

“Now more than ever before, energy efficiency is at the top of everybody’s agenda, whether it be combating climate change or reducing household costs through reducing consumption. It is therefore vital that we can offer an effective and efficient service to Domestic Energy Assessors and through them the public,” explained Russell Osborne, managing mirector of Northgate Land & Property. “By joining forces with TBS, we have created a sustainable mobile solution that is effective and efficient, and enhances environmental performance.”

Steve Reynolds, managing director of TBS Mobility, commented: “Energy efficiency has taken on a new level of importance in the last 12 months – homeowners are no longer just protecting the planet, they’re also very concerned about the rising cost of energy. Our work with Northgate is dedicated to helping people understand how they can improve their situation and take the necessary action to do so.”

About Northgate

Northgate Information Solutions is a leading provider of innovative energy efficiency services to the public sector and utilities markets. It is committed to sustainable development and high quality public services and understands the public sector. That knowledge is core to its business. Northgate’s task is to enhance public value through the intelligent use of people and technology, and to share in the economic and social benefits that this brings.

In the UK, the company works with four out of five local authorities and every police force. Northgate supports public service transformation through sustainable performance partnerships. Its technology and services are used in the energy efficiency assessment of new dwellings and existing buildings. It operates an accreditation scheme for domestic energy assessors. Its services are used in the management of over three million local authority and housing association properties worldwide. Founded in 1969, the company has over 6,500 employees.

For further information, please contact TBS Mobility

Tel: +44 (0) 1773 596900
Email: sales@tbsmobility.com
Web: www.tbsmobility.com

(Story contributed by TBS Mobility)