FortisBC Implements Mobile GIS Solution from Tensing

Rockville, MD – Tensing has commenced the roll out of Tensing Mobile GIS at FortisBC Energy Inc. (“FortisBC”, formerly Terasen Gas) after a successful bid process.

Roll out at FortisBC started in July and will continue through to October 2011. Up to 450 mobile employees at FortisBC will utilize Tensing Mobile GIS to perform maintenance work, respond to emergencies and access proprietary data. 

“Tensing Mobile GIS is a functional and flexible solution that will easily integrate with our construction history records. Overall, Tensing’s concentration on the mobile sector of a utility has provided a very useful product,” said Agustin Castellanos, Project Manager, Business, FortisBC. 

“We are pleased to be chosen for this project after such a careful selection process conducted by FortisBC.  We look forward to working with FortisBC and helping them meet their goals and challenges,” said Gerry Hibbard, Managing Director of Tensing USA.

FortisBC started the search for a mobile GIS solution in a company wide effort to provide accurate and current GIS data to field users. The addition of Tensing Mobile GIS will streamline the flow of information from office to field. 

Integration with FortisBC’s AMFM and DCRS systems was a critical factor in the selection process. Built on Microsoft .NET, Tensing Mobile GIS opens up to almost any back office system. 

Tensing GIS Solutions
Tensing GIS solutions are based on GIS products from vendors such as ESRI, Intergraph and GE Energy (Smallworld) and proprietary technology. Tensing is a leader in mobile GIS, One Call/Locate Services and web GIS.

Tensing Mobility
The Tensing Mobility Platform is a map-based solution for all mobile processes across an organization. It can automate the planning and scheduling of work (both long cycle and short cycle), dispatch work, monitor work order status, and close out work orders, all in real time.  This full cycle solution effectively closes the loop between the back office and field workers. 

Tensing solutions are used worldwide by Utility, Field Service, Transportation & Logistics, Government, and Emergency Services organizations. Our clients include DHL, Washington Gas, Cox Communications, Duke Energy, National Grid, ASSA ABBLOY, Delta Utilities, Nuon, and Sydney Water.

About FortisBC
FortisBC is an integrated energy solutions provider focused on providing safe and reliable energy, including natural gas, electricity, propane and alternative energy solutions, at the lowest reasonable cost. FortisBC employs more than 2,000 British Columbians and serves approximately 1.1 million customers in more than 135 BC communities. FortisBC is indirectly wholly owned by Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada. FortisBC owns and operates four regulated hydroelectric generating plants, approximately 7,000 kilometres of transmission and distribution power lines and approximately 46,000 kilometres of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. FortisBC Inc., FortisBC Energy Inc., FortisBC Energy (Vancouver Island) Inc., and FortisBC Energy (Whistler) Inc. do business as FortisBC. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS.

About Tensing
Tensing provides a full suite of mobility products that bring the back office to the field worker. Tensing solutions are being used by thousands of field workers in Europe, North America, Australia and South Africa for a wide range of applications such as digital work orders, tracking & tracing, fleet management, geocoding, dispatch & scheduling, mobile mapping, navigation and messaging. Field Service, Utility, Transportation, Municipal and Public Safety industries recognize the value we add with our wide range of products and consulting services.  More information is available at www.tensing.com.