RAM® Mounts’ connective docking solution, GDS® Tech™ with IntelliSkin® helps this utility vegetation management company manage in-cab technology.
Wright Tree Service of the West (WTSW) delivers integrated vegetation management, storm restoration, and work planning services to utility providers and their communities.
The Challenge
Field personnel utilize in-cab iPads for daily tasks including work orders, time tracking, safety briefings, and navigation. This equipment is used in pickups as well as more specialized vehicles like bucket trucks.
Managers wanted to introduce a solution that would centralize essential tools and improve user experience/interaction with these tools. When a fleet vehicle becomes a mobile office, the technology should be safe to use, easily accessible, and reliable. A heavy-duty mounting solution protects the vital equipment and supports a positive user experience.
The Solution
Our RAM® GDS® Tough-Dock™ and IntelliSkin® system offered a durable mounting solution, compatible with the devices already in use by WTSW crews. The Tough-Dock™ secures the tablet at the center of the workstation and supports true mobility. The dock system establishes a hub inside the vehicle that is compatible with current technology and future improvements and/or extensions of the workstation like Geotab.
“[GDS® Tech with IntelliSkin®] just works,” says Michael Buckley, Wright’s IT Manager, Wright Service Corp. “[RAM®] docks and the [IntelliSkins®] were easy to install and very responsive when docking the iPads—we never have to worry about connection interruptions and can trust that our field teams have a reliable solution that is very accessible in-cab.”
"[RAM®] docks and the [IntelliSkins®] were easy to install and very responsive when docking the iPads—we never have to worry about connection interruptions and can trust that our field teams have a reliable solution that is very accessible in-cab.”
The Results
Field crews have reported positive user experience overall, including:
Expedited timeline to launch
Hands-free, large display for navigation
Improved interaction with crucial systems at the job site
Durable, rugged system stands up to daily use in the field
Reliable device charging via integrated mount power connection
WTSW has installed 164 units of the GDS® Tough-Dock™ and IntelliSkin® solution to date. Company leaders will continue to work with field crews to understand challenges and refine solutions.