A Long-Term View Of Technology's Value To Utilities: Or The ABCs Of TCO And ROI For IOUs By Thell Gillis, Panasonic

The rise of wireless data networks, coupled with the evolution of software solutions, has made advances in field automation, project management and collaboration widely accessible to Investor Owned Utility (IOU) companies.

Like many industries, the cost and perceived value of these solutions needs to be addressed over time. And that cost has to be looked at both positively; that is, the value resulting from streamlining operations, and negatively. What's the cost to an organization when the technology it relies upon fails?

Once IOUs become dependent on having computers in the field, the pain—and cost—of downtime becomes very real. For this reason, utilities should take a hard look at return on investment (ROI) and total cost of ownership (TCO) in technology decision-making.

About Thell Gillis
Thell Gillis is sr. manager, market development responsible for the utilities, energy and communications industries for Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of reliable Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers. Gillis has more than 27 years experience helping companies optimize field operations and has sponsored and hosted a number of technology symposiums throughout the United States. He can be reached at thell_gillis@us.panasonic.com. Also visit http://www.panasonic.com/toughbook.