Wigan Council has mobilised its highways workforce with a new 3G-enabled MAYRISE™ management system. Inspectors have been equipped with tablet PCs connected live to central servers using Vodafone 3G wireless communications.  Wigan is thought to be the first UK local authority to implement a full electronic system that performs all the functions of office-based computers.

The MAYRISE 3G system allows Wigan's highways staff to undertake every aspect of their job from anywhere.  The software includes MAYRISE MapNow®, the instant map-to-view software, which allows assets to be easily pinpointed on the street and updated by clicking on map locations.

The system is of particular benefit to inspectors who can report highways defects and raise work orders directly from their tablet PCs.  A truly paperless solution, the system eliminates the need for trips back to the office to undertake the administrative tasks.  This saves a considerable amount of time and allows the council to work much more efficiently.

The tablet PCs act as wide-area wireless network terminals that communicate directly with a single MAYRISE system.  This prevents any duplication of data or software and gives the council a system that is continually live updated, speeding and improving the delivery of services.

Mike Purcell, assistant engineer with Wigan Council's Department of Engineering Services says, "By taking MAYRISE literally out of the office, we have complete freedom to work anywhere.  From the street, we can now instantly update records, make reports and raise work orders.  It is a real boost to productivity and service.  The next step involves equipping the council's highways contractors, Wigan DLO, which will complete the loop, giving real time visibility to maintenance works".

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