Alexander Gittens, Sales Manager for Utilities & Energy at Getac UK, discusses why better flexibility from technology vendors will be pivotal in helping energy and utilities providers bridge the gap between legacy tech and new tech, driving the next evolution of digitisation across the sector.
Digital transformation is already helping the energy and utilities sector optimise efficiency, streamline processes and overcome a variety of ongoing challenges, from solving workforce skills shortages to keeping workers safe in challenging/high-risk environments. However, with global demand for energy and utilities expected to rise by as much as 32% by 2050, it’s clear that much more needs to be done if providers are going to effectively meet such a significant increase in demand over the coming years.
Planning and Infrastructure Bill is a signal of intent
A key part of meeting future demand will be the construction of major new infrastructure – something that hasn’t been easy to do in the past. In recognition of this, the UK Government’s new Planning and Infrastructure Bill promises to streamline decision making and remove red tape, paving the way for groundbreaking critical infrastructure projects to be green-lit much faster than previously possible. This, combined with the commencement of AMP8 at the start of April 2025 – which will see £88 billion allocated amongst Britain’s water companies for network investment over the next five years – means a pivotal new phase for the UK energy and utilities sector is now underway.
However, while clearing legislative hurdles and securing funding are both essential parts of any new critical infrastructure project, they are just the beginning. Every new project must be planned, built and maintained once complete. This means the pressure is on energy and utility providers to become as efficient as possible at every stage of the process if they are to stand any chance of achieving their long-term network construction and maintenance targets. Doing so will require even higher levels of digitisation than currently exist today, starting with the devices that energy and utility professionals use on a daily basis, both in and out of the field.
Effective digital transformation requires with a solid foundation
Every effective digital transformation project starts with a solid technology foundation and the challenging nature of energy and utilities field work means most organisations within the sector have embraced rugged technology for this purpose.
Rugged laptops and tablets not only enable workers to operate in a wide range of challenging environments without fear of damage or failure, but their extensive warranties and comprehensive servicing programmes ensure extremely low total cost of ownership throughout the lifecycle of each device.
Tech vendors are becoming barriers to success, not enablers of it
However, as things stand, a lack of flexibility amongst many rugged manufacturers is making it difficult for energy and utility companies to meet their digital transformation goals. Factors such as excessively high minimum order quantities, overly rigid SKUs, long lead times and a lack of customisation options at the point of purchase are all contributing to organisations being saddled with devices that aren’t entirely fit for purpose. This means they are forced to outlay additional costs on alternative devices and adaptors to get the job done properly.
A great example is the need for legacy connection ports in new rugged devices. Many energy and utility field workers need to interact with a combination of old and new infrastructure every day, meaning they require a variety of connection ports on their devices that allow them to do so quicky and easily. If their devices do not have these ports built in, they must carry specialist adaptors with them in the field, which can easily be lost or broken. While some rugged manufacturers do offer such legacy ports as built-in options on their devices, excessively high minimum order quantities (sometimes of 500+) often makes it financially unviable if only a small number of such devices are needed. Other customisation examples include high gain GPS modules, rugged USB ports, DUAL Serial and LAN ports – the list goes on.
Fortunately, the rugged landscape is changing, led by manufacturers like Getac who can leverage their agile supply chains to offer high levels of device customisation, along with significantly lower minimum order quantities and lead times. This marks a major turning point for the energy and utilities sector, giving organisations the opportunity to spec devices exactly how they need them, and have them in-hand in a matter of weeks, not months.
Greater vendor flexibility is critical to long-term success
If energy and utility companies are to stand any chance of meeting ambitious industry targets over the next few years and beyond, they need to work with flexible technology vendors who can help them, not hinder them, in achieving critical digitisation goals along the way. This means building, customising and supplying rugged devices that are properly tailored to the task at hand, in a quick and timely manner. Only then can the sector take the next step in its digital transformation journey.
