Itron to Offer Web-Based Wireless Workforce Management Solutions to Utility Industry

Itron Inc. announced that it has executed a convertible loan agreement with eMobile Data Corp. of Richmond, B.C., and a distribution agreement with its wholly owned operating subsidiary. The distribution agreement provides Itron with exclusive rights to market and sell eMobile Data’s pioneering web-based, wireless mobile workforce automation management software, Service-Link, to utilities throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, the Peoples Republic of China, Japan and South Korea.

Service-Link, a web-based application for real-time utility field service dispatching and mobile workforce management, streamlines and automates many of the processes associated with providing field service. Service-Link is scalable to meet the requirements of small or large organizations and operates on a multitude of laptop or portable devices running Windows CE, 98 or 2000. Service-Link provides standard work order templates that can be easily configured to meet the dispatch and data collection needs of utility field service organizations.

The distribution agreement broadens Itron’s industry-leading solution portfolio to include fully integrated mobile workforce automation applications for electric, gas and water utilities such as service turn-ons/turn-offs, gas leak detection, credit and collections, meter services and trouble calls.

"Our utility clients have told us they need a workforce management solution that will transform their current field service operations," said LeRoy Nosbaum, president and CEO of Itron. "Service-Link from eMobile Data is Itron’s answer to this critical need among our customers. Service-Link leverages the Internet and real-time wireless communications to enable unprecedented levels of efficiency and customer care in utility field service operations."

Under the terms of the distribution agreement, Itron will market and sell Service-Link, receiving a percentage of the server and user license fees for each system sold. In addition, Itron will provide first-level customer service support and will receive a portion of ongoing service fees for that support.

"This agreement represents a historic blending of technologies and companies focused on the unique requirements of the utility industry," said Marc Jones, president and CEO of eMobile Data. "This new partnership will lead to new and exciting solutions for our customers."

Source: Itron, Inc.