Situation

• Founded in 1990 as an underground utility contractor, Trans Power needed a solution that could enable effective communication at job sites in the field
• The company's previous solution involved both two-way radios and cell phones, requiring field employees to carry two devices
• Using cell phones in the field on complex collaborative tasks resulted in high costs
• Looking for technology to enable greater cost savings in the field, Trans Power wanted a solution that could combine two-way radio group communication, one-to-one private radio and conventional phone access

Approach

• Through Mike Private Radio, Trans Power realized it could integrate all of its communication needs on one device, without the costs associated with other group call options considered
• Trans Power customized its Mike capabilities to include four Talk Groups; depending on roles and responsibilities, employees have access to specific private groups as well as general group mode access

Business benefits

• Trans Power gained comprehensive and cost-effective communication capabilities that include instant two-way communication in private mode, group functionality and phone
• Collaboration in the field has improved, resulting in productivity increases; employees no longer have to travel back to the yard for supplies, wasting time and money.  They use group mode communication to gain insight about materials at other job sites in closer proximity
• Integrated solutions satisfy all of Trans Power's communication needs including services for private talk on the Mike network, cell phone and BlackBerry® capabilities

Solution

When Trans Power was founded in 1990, communication in the field consisted of cell phones and two-way radios.  The system worked, but costly cell phone charges and the awkwardness of having two devices were problematic.  With the introduction of the Mike network, Trans Power adopted Mike handsets in the field and immediately saw the cost and efficiency benefits of instant, private on-to-one communication.

In learning about the Mike Private Radio offering from his TELUS representative, Mongillo knew it was the perfect solution to enable two-way radio, private talk and phone capabilities.  After discussing Trans Power's business needs with Mongillo, TELUS immediately saw the fit and advantage of the new Mike Private Radio network.  With MPR, Mike users are able to get unlimited group and private calling similar to a private radio system as well as the integrated benefits of a cell phone and data device.

"Our people have been able to collaborate more effectively in the field, which to us is very important," says Mongillo.  "The Mike private radio network in a group mode has really promoted this.  So it's been a huge success for us."

Employees out in the field are often looking for materials that they don't have on site.  They ask a superintendent or foreman about availability while in group mode.  Normally, they are directed back to the yard in Concord, taking two hours of paid time away from the job simply to drive and pick up materials.

But with group mode capabilities, another worker at another site hears the request, has the supply in his truck and response.  He is only ten minutes away from the site in question, so there is no need to waste time and money going back to the yard.  With the frequency of these types of situations, Mongillo estimates that the increased efficiency in the field has generated several thousand of dollars in costs savings.

Beyond efficiencies in the field, Mongillo was also able to streamline his communications across the company.  In addition to the move to thee Mike private radio network, Mongillo addressed cell phone and BlackBerry requirements for other employees with TELUS solutions, with a view to gaining efficiencies by dealing with one provider and one single point of contact for all telecom issues.  "We're gaining significant efficiency benefits by having integrated TELUS communications solutions across our company," says Mongillo.  TELUS offered us a comprehensive range of solutions to let everyone, regardless of his/her role, communicate better."