BASIC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

     Computer:          Pentium II or higher recommended
     Memory:            64MB or more RAM Memory
     Hard Drive:         1+GB or more for map data storage
     Printer:              Any Windows-compatible printer
     Operating Sys:   Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000 or XP

Simplified Data Output/Input— The ICU/Vista program’s popularity is based on the simplicity of use. A 15-20 minute orientation usually all that is needed to train new or substitute personnel. Eight reports are automatically set up and queries are used for selection purposes. A Not Completed Report can be automatically set up to print at your discretion. Dates, times, names, and commonly used comments can all be easily entered into the ICU/Vista database. Queries can be used to track and/or research ticket information. Even footer information can be printed on the bottom of the ticket for a crew person to complete and send to the office for manual verification purposes. The system’s Set Up Menu can be customized for personal use to define how notices are viewed, filtered, and sorted.

Exceptional Scheduling—ICU/Vista is the dynamic link in damage prevention for utility companies. It not only receives, archives, and displays the ticket, but also maps the site and automatically overlays underground facilities. This allows operators to rapidly process tickets that are either no conflict, or need to be sent to a crew for mark and locate. Once the tickets are sorted, the software will then map all tickets assigned to each crew or person. Additionally, the map will display the ticket number and priority so that field personnel can easily schedule their day and routing. These functions are dependent upon the latitude and longitude supplied on the one call ticket.

Efficient Ticket Management—ICU/Vista expeditiously screens, researches, archives, and maps tickets. It can perform automatic daily audit/recap verification, sequence number reconciliation, and displays colors and audible tones for priority tickets. The five types of notices--emergency, zero notice, now, insufficient notice and normal—are each brightly color coded with its own audible tone. The audible sound is a .WAV file that can be change for personal preference. Pager notification and the creation of a ticket for submission to a one call center are future line-item upgrades.

With its powerful search engines, two-key comments editor with buffers, and the ability to fax, print, e-mail, or modem to another network user tickets directly from the ICU/Vista program significantly reduces clerical effort and costs. The greatest cost and labor savings are realized in both remote access (i.e. log on via cell phone and notebook computer), and the option of total Voice Command (no need to type).

The ICU/Vista system is set up with special auto backup software that backs up of all of the tickets every night. We build and furnish our own computers with this UPS backup system to act as server units linked to your network as a pier-to-pier. This way, if your network goes down, the unit will continue to receive tickets and can be processed and remotely accessed from that unit. In addition, we have fully configured computers that can be shipped overnight in case of emergency.

Powerful Mapping—The ICU/Vista program uses a vector Tiger mapping format as provided by the Census Bureau. Currently, we are processing and expect to have new mapping data available by the end of this month. Compact discs with the new data will be available in an NAD 27, NAD 83, and WGS 84 mapping Datums to match current sources at the one call center level. Map searching is accomplished by using latitude and longitude either supplied by the one call ticket or manually typed in.

Section Range and Township data is available through one of our outside vendors. Once they have processed the data, it can be incorporated as an overlay in the ICU/Vista program. The Vista mapping program always displays the current latitude and longitude of the mouse cursor at the bottom of the screen. By connecting your vehicle notebook to a GPS unit, Vista identifies your exact position (via lat/long) using a crosshair as well as identifies the dig site.

Once the ticket is received, it can be easily mapped and printed directly from the program. If a utility’s location has been plotted as an overlay, the easy-to-use measuring tool can quickly assist in determining if the dig site is an involved/not involved situation. In the field, the notebook computer can download the server’s current ticket information via the cell phone. Again, by connecting the notebook computer to a GPS unit, the ICU/Vista program displays not only the vehicle’s current position (cross hairs) but also acts as a real time moving map guidance system to the dig site location(s).

Currently, Vista is the only software designed specifically for the utility one call system. It is very simple to operate, designed to work in field environments and yet is powerful and flexible enough for the office. This program provides your company the manpower and economical justification to convert from paper maps and microfiche to a digital platform.

GPS—ICU/Vista’s specialized desktop mapping program not only maps ticket information but also can be linked to remote sensing and GPS. One of the most successful field GPS unit is the Garmin 48. This unit can be differentially corrected down to 1-3 meter accuracy. The Garmin 12XL has been proven to be a great hit with the construction industry, especially in the dense rural area of Northern California. In three easy steps, the contractor easily acquires and records the latitude and longitude of the dig site and calls them into the one call center. The one call center enters the coordinates and then verbally verifies to the contractor the closest cross streets/highway, etc. to the dig site.

Differential correction is broadcast free of charge by governmental beacon stations. As shown on the beacon coverage map below, this service is available for most portions of the United States. If greater accuracy is required or for an area not covered by a governmental beacon station, we can, through two other suppliers, provide sub-meter GPS accuracy using satellite differential correction. Vista One Call Mapping uses double-digit accuracy thus reflecting the quality of the GPS receiver.

Mapping cable routes, pedestals, manholes, and other field attributes is a simple and straightforward operation that can be easily carried out by any field personnel. The Garmin 48 stores up to 500 way points. This information can be directly downloaded from the unit and overlaid in the ICU/Vista program either on the Tiger Road Map or on scanned construction drawings. In addition, the ICU/Vista mapping program can field geo-code construction drawings and as-builts, display your current GPS position, and then automatically shift displayed drawings as you move from one to the next. Overlays can also be created by drawing directly on supplied Tiger maps or scanned drawings or automatically placed by latitude and longitude.

Construction drawings, as-builts, or plats can be easily scanned and geo-coded, or exported from a GIS system. This one-time effort is rewarded by eliminating costly microfiche processing, reducing the time lag between when a drawing is updated and when it is returned to the personnel to mark and locate a newly placed facility, and finally, providing current road maps. ICU/Vista is capable of displaying seamless, multiple maps (2-6) at the same time on the screen at different scales. As mentioned above, connect a GPS unit for a moving map guidance system in real time on all maps simultaneously. As you draw and/or measure on one of these maps, Vista will recreate the same drawings and/or measurements on all the other maps at the same time. This is a great feature for a company that has several utilities within the same area.

Buffer Zone Parameters—Kuhagen, Inc. has the expertise to create specialized polygons of a company’s utility by utilizing latitude and longitude data acquired from a GPS unit. The coordinates are recorded, downloaded, and plotted into the mapping system. The company then reviews and verifies the data to the actual location of their facility. Upon approval, the data is then submitted to a one call center that is capable of downloading this information into their database. This greatly reduces costs and over notification by the one call center for utilities with no conflict.

Vehicle Safety—Our unique portable vehicle workstation, "AutoExec", safely mounts a notebook computer, has a printer slot (optional), and of course, a place for a cell phone with pen and paper readily accessible. It also organizes paperwork files, office supplies, and any other peripherals. It also has a storage compartment to "hide" the notebook computer and/or other accessories as needed.

The AutoExec is securely held by the seat belt in the passenger’s seat. If the passenger seat is needed, just slip it into its special carrying case. This makes it ideal to store the AutoExec in the trunk, back of the pickup, or to even carry from vehicle to vehicle. Being organized in the vehicle enhances productivity, increases efficiency and response time, and at the same time, assists the driver in driving safely on the road.