Data capture model for utility providers using hand held devices via mobile network : case for Nairobi Water Company

Abstract

Utility providers faces a major task of collecting data from there remote installations. In order to be more efficient there is a growing need to reengineer there operations to make them more efficient, effective and customer focused while reducing the cost of operation both in terms of personnel involved, time and the actual operational costs. With the current emergence of 3G networks in wireless network there is need for this companies to look closely at mobile computing as the most cost effective solution to fix there problems. This research project mainly targeted the utility providers and the focus was to corne up with a cost effective, secure, usable, adaptable, portable and above all extensible mobile data collection model and implement it as a prototype system that can be combined with other e-enabling technologies to create a holistic system for utility providers to reengineer there current business processes to make them more efficient and effective thereby improving on customer perception. Using the WAP model has the preferred technology, this research as added to the voices of '\IVAP proponents who have been suppressed by the opponents by proposing a solution to solve the current major problem of WAP, lack of end to end security which its opponents have used has a weapon to discredit the WAP technology. This has been done by using the kannel Gateway which can be configured within the web server of the organization hence no need of an external provider. Also this research as shown that there is actually no need to acquire other devices to enhance on meter reading. The mobile phones can be used to achieve a lot. If the recommended further work can be pursuit it can be seen that the capabilities of mobile phones are enormous and can actually transform the way companies conduct there business.