News

DataCol Achieves Recognition by Microsoft and Hewlett Packard

October 07 2005

During 2005 DataCol International achieved globally recognised Microsoft Certifications for its PDA and web applications and joined with both Microsoft and Hewlett Packard as a business partner. These major achievements represent acceptance at the highest levels of the IT world, and attest to the team's professionalism and commitment to the finest standards in software solutions.

Microsoft Certification

Major aspects of the SevenX system has now been certified by qualified Microsoft representatives, providing customers with the knowledge that their system has the backing of the recognised giant in software technology. DataCol International achieved the status of a Microsoft Certified Partner in March 2005, and now also holds the Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Competency. Gaining certified status in the Microsoft Partner programme opens up a whole range of Microsoft technology and services to DataCol’s development team, and has ensured that SevenX continues to outstrip its opposition in the data collection marketplace. Microsoft has declared a commitment to companies that support their vision of an integrated, secure technology environment and DataCol is proud to be associated with their Partner programme.

The Designed for Windows Mobile logo is used by Microsoft to help end-users identify software products that are compatible with Windows-mobile based pocket PCs. The Designed for Windows logo assures users that the software they are loading onto their device is designed with Pocket PC technology in mind, and has been tested and passed by a certified Microsoft tester. Users of SevenX PDA software can rest assured that DataCol will work in tandem with Microsoft on any advances to handheld technology.

 The burgeoning internet-connected business environment demands both flexibility and the highest levels of security. In the new world of online business it has become essential for internet-connected applications to be subjected to rigorous industry certification. Microsoft .Net Connected Certification identifies software that adheres to standards set by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and provides a considerable set of customer benefits: 

Hewlett Packard Developer and Solution Partner

In addition to its successes with Microsoft certification, DataCol has also been accepted into the Hewlett Packard Developer and Solution Partner Program (DSPP). The HP Developer and Solution Partner Program connects IT innovators with the power of Hewlett Packard’s sales, marketing and technical knowledge-base. Partners are recognised leaders in the efficient deployment of industry-leading HP products and are capable of achieving complete integration into HP’s platforms and operating systems.

The DSPP network includes IT leaders such as McCabe and Associates Inc., Accusoft Corporation, Oracle and JP Morgan Chase Retail Bank, along with over 6000 other companies from 33 different countries. Tangible benefits for DataCol include:        

Christchurch Firm Comes of Age

By Carol Webb
Source Canterburysoftware.org.nz Issue 39, March 4 2004

Fast growing Christchurch company DataCol has come of age with its wireless mobile data collection systems used by meter reading contractors and electricity retailers throughout New Zealand. After more than two years of being nurtured in the Christchurch Innovation Incubator (Cii) it is ready to spread its wings, exploring markets outside the energy sector and preparing to make its mark offshore.

DataCol founder and Managing Director Grant Thomson arrived as Cii's first tenant in late 2001 with just four staff and a small team of meter reading contractors. Now he has 22 staff and about 140 contractors feeding in data from some 6 million readings a year around New Zealand for four electricity retailers. Cii gains a 5% percent stake in the firm in return for assistance that Thomson says has been crucial to its success. "Cii and its CEO Steve Hampson have helped us greatly in the development of a mature business model ready for our next stages of growth and software commercialisation," he says.

DataCol has managed its major software development project with funding from its contracting cash flow and a $100,000 Business Growth Fund grant from NZTE. It featured two years running in the Deloitte Fast 50 companies index with annual turnover growing by 565% to rank it third in 2002 and by 300% last year. Thomson attributes this to having the correct vision, market timing and a very talented and courageous team to execute the vision.

Deregulation of the NZ electricity market in 1999 has been the key driver of demand for DataCol's services and systems, as retailers have looked to outsource non-core activities such as meter reading, metering services and asset management. In a deregulated energy environment service providers and retailers are forced to deal with enormous amounts of complexity behind the scenes with regards to data and operational logistics. The DataCol platform is aimed at removing a large amount of that complexity and pain.

Thomson says that as the deregulation wave moves internationally through the UK, Europe and USA, DataCol will be well placed to provide cost-effective, proven solutions to the data collection, processing and operational logistics issues facing energy retailers.

The flagship product is the modular data collection and processing platform, known as SevenX (for seven dimensions of excellence). Its key features for the energy sector are that it can host scheduled and non-scheduled work orders from multiple retailers and utilities for field service activities across multi commodities (water, power and gas) and merge it all to a single PDA automatically.

SevenX  works across an unlimited number of geographical locations (distribution networks). It can schedule, collect, and process mass market (non time of use) meter reading in real time utilising the latest wireless PDA handhelds at a 1/3 of the conventional cost. It can also schedule, dispatch and job track non-scheduled service work orders such as disconnects, reconnects, special final reads, and meter changes in real time. SevenX provides real-time wireless job tracking as well as a thin client web interface for utility, operations and call centre personnel. It also produces automated proforma IRD-approved invoicing and KPI performance reporting for all field contractors, utilities and industry parties.

Data collection from the field is performed with low-cost, lightweight off-the-shelf hand held computers and wireless technologies. The DataCol system interfaces to, and automatically reads and processes work requests from the utility billing system call centre, then automatically assigns the jobs to the closest, most appropriate field workers. Field workers close jobs wirelessly in the field or through a web interface. Data and work records are processed in a paperless automated back office system that interfaces directly to accounting packages for general ledger updating.

Thomson says development and roll-out of DataCol's offerings has been a low-profile affair so far. "We wanted to get the product perfected and rolled out, and we largely stayed under the radar. Now, we are ready for a major re-branding exercise."

He says the marketing push will focus on the "huge value proposition" that DataCol systems bring to its clients' operations -- both large retailers and organisations with mobile workforce operations.

Late 2003-early 2004 has been a challenging period with DataCol rolling out its systems to two major customers, Meridian Energy and Genesis Power, simultaneously. Thomson says once the systems are bedded down DataCol will embark on its move out of the incubator. "We will then be focusing on the execution of our offshore plans for our energy sector software and exploring further opportunities in New Zealand that have arisen from other business sectors with mobile field-workforces."

Thomson says the platform technology has large benefits for all businesses sectors who want to leverage the benefits of rapid information from their mobile workforce, including organisations with  mobile sales teams, trades and service organisations (e.g. electricians, plumbers), hotels, waste management companies and agricultural contractors. 

Christchurch-based DataCol fastest growing South Island company

4 November 2002

Christchurch company DataCol was the fastest growing South Island company, and ranked third overall for New Zealand, in the 2002 Deloitte/Unlimited Fast 50. The ranking, which was released on Monday 21 October, is based on the company's revenue over the past three years.

The Fast 50, which was held for the first time last year, is open to New Zealand-registered companies that have been in business at least three years. They must have revenues of at least $100,000 in the 1999/2000 year and at least $250,000 in the 2001/2002 year. DataCol's revenues grew 565.8% over the period.

DataCol founder and managing director Grant Thomson says one of the keys to the company's ability to manage its rapid growth had been its association with the Canterbury Innovation Incubator. DataCol was the incubator's first tenant in late 2001 and he says the support available through the incubator's networks has been invaluable.

"We've received mentoring from the incubator's chief executive, Steve Hampson, and he has linked us up with specialist expertise where necessary." This has included assistance with financial management, legal issues, accounts and administration, marketing and intellectual property protection. "Without this range of expertise we would not have been able to manage our rapid growth," Mr Thomson says.

Other important factors include finding and appointing skilled staff in key areas of the business. For example DataCol recently won two substantial new contracts, with Genesis Energy and Meridian Energy. DataCol was able to negotiate and employ experienced supervisors from both Meridian and On Energy to run its new Christchurch, Wellington and North Auckland operations with these retailers. DataCol also established win-win performance contracts with the existing meter reading teams and accredits a large part of the success to their high quality work and loyalty. This strategy allowed rapid contract implementation with minimal interruption to supply.

Appointing senior managers in the commercial and operations areas has enabled Mr Thomson to focus on the vision and growth of the company. “I backed our vision and team by resourcing up in expectation of winning these contracts. As a strategy this means when the work comes through we are able to achieve what we need to very quickly, thus maximising customer satisfaction and distancing ourselves from our competitors.”

DataCol collects and processes data, such as meter readings, for power companies, and offers other field services such as disconnections. It has also developed software products for meter readings, data management, and field service job dispatch and tracking. It is now developing systems using the latest real-time data solutions for maximised efficiencies and cost savings for utility customers.

Developing innovative solutions, with the input of all staff and technology partners, is another important feature of DataCol. Mr Thomson says this applies to both the company's software development and its contract operations.

DataCol is positioning to take its latest suite of software / hardware solutions offshore. “We really believe we have niche products and solutions for assisting Energy Utilities with deregulation worldwide.

"Our New Zealand electricity deregulation experience has put us years ahead of the rest of the world in terms of smart data systems and deregulation understanding. Global commercialisation of these systems is now a central part of our vision and our team is focused on achieving this", Mr Thomson says.

DataCol's latest mobile data solutions provide benefit for other industry sectors such as security, health, trades people and franchised home service providers for allocating, tracking and verifying work progress. DataCol will be offering its products to these sectors in the near future.

Company culture also plays a key component to DataCol's success. The company has a warm Christian culture that promotes life balance and maturity in its staff. It is very family and relationship focused with high levels of personal empowerment, productivity and accountability. This is an important focus for Mr Thomson who believes this is the “soul” of the company.

"We have built this company on our knees through prayer, biblical intelligence, business acumen and share determination to succeed. We really value each team member and believe if our people are happy in their personal lives, they will enjoy their work more and will perform better over the long term. We celebrate each success and thank God for it. We invite all family members to share the success with us usually at a big pizza night together."

DataCol as a company is committed to delivering total satisfaction to its customers; this can often mean long hours for the team meeting project deadlines. Mr Thomson says "Because our families are involved in the business and celebrating our successes, we get much better buy in and support from them when we regularly do the big hours on projects and proposals."

From a staff of two in 1999, the company now has a staff of 15 with 111 contractors throughout New Zealand. It has offices in Christchurch (9 full time staff), Hutt Valley (three staff), Auckland (two staff) and the North Shore (one staff member).

The company's core values are shared by all staff and this provides the organisation with substantial strength and stability, Mr Thomson says. The core values are:

• The extra mile – making the extra mile the norm
• The winner's edge – achieving more than competitors
• The customer's view – thinking as our customers do, meeting their needs
• Morals and ethics – honesty and transparency.

"This means we operate with our customers on a no surprises basis providing high innovation and rapid delivery. This has been very beneficial to our business."

For more information contact:

Grant Thomson
Managing Director DataCol
Phone 03 377 7468
Mobile 025 3777 57