Case Study: Nova Scotia Power Inc. achieves faster, more accurate field data collection and $200K labor savings with BlackBerry

BlackBerry Solution helps Electrical Distribution Utility Boost Productivity of Data Collection Team in the Field

Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI), a large electrical distribution utility serving nearly 500,000 customers across Nova Scotia, faced a scaling challenge during its GIS Connectivity Project: field crews using older rugged devices had to return to scattered depots daily to upload data, creating productivity bottlenecks and risking errors while working to meet tight timelines.

NSPI deployed BlackBerry smartphones with built‑in GPS, BlackBerry Enterprise Server and the Freeance Mobile app (with OtterBox cases) to capture standardized GIS forms and transmit data directly to the ARC GIS server. The solution eliminated daily depot trips—saving about two hours per day for each of 14 collectors (roughly $200,000 in labor savings)—improved location accuracy and data quality, sped up GIS updates, enhanced crew dispatch during storms, and met security and durability requirements for field use.

Nova Scotia Power Inc.

Brian Shannon

GIS Connectivity Project Manager