Sequoia Technology has teamed up with leading car dealership chain, Hartwell Plc, to develop a revolutionary approach to workshop data control, entry and delivery, which also improves customer communications.

Sequoia Technology specialises in creating solutions which allow business to take advantage of wireless technology. More than 280 of their wireless broadband terminals have been fitted across all 42 dealerships of Hartwell. This infrastructure investment controls workshop jobs, to reduce downtime and save costs. In the near future data entered will also be transferred to Hartwell's website, where
customers can check up on their car's service progress.

The interactive terminals allow mechanics to access the company's Ethernet network and receive immediate recognition. They can then cost jobs, build invoices and receive information for new jobs directly; cutting the time wasted by waiting to consult with the workshop controller.

Sequoia was chosen to develop this project and was tasked with creating a custom-engineered terminal that integrates seamlessly into the rigorous environment of the service bays. The robust, wall-mounted terminal is easily capable of withstanding any harsh conditions that could arise.

Sequoia audited all 42 branches of Hartwell to create a system where the terminal can be used anywhere in the workshops and, with the use of 802.11 wireless protocol, will still connect seamlessly to the Hartwell's Ethernet network. The terminal takes its functionality from a single board computer. However, its architecture and operation is tailored specifically for the environment and use it will be put to. The terminal is liquid proof and far more robust than desktop computers. The use of more embedded components within the terminal also prevents many problems with dust, heat generation and continuity of supply with known functionality. Reliability was a key part of the design.

Hartwell also required a system which uniquely identified each mechanic on its system. Traditional systems, such as magnetic swipe cards, were not suitable due to the harsh environment. Instead, i-Button's, with unique 64-bit identity, were used. Sequoia advised Hartwell as to the most appropriate key system and supported this with the use of Java to read the i-buttons.

The use of wireless technology means that all pertinent digital content will be readily available to all users - without having communications wires cluttering up the workshop.

"This successful project shows that wireless broadband can find function in unusual environments," said Nick Lidington, Managing Director of Sequoia. "As Hartwell has found, when it works well, it can be very useful and beneficial for all kinds of business," he concluded.

www.sequoia.co.uk