Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service Selects TOUGHBOOK 33 Rugged Devices

The TOUGHBOOK 33’s rugged design, combined with advanced software, and powerful connectivity improves the effectiveness of its fire service.

Bracknell, UK. 30^th October 2023 – Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has chosen 143 Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 rugged detachable devices for installation in its 93 vehicles, serving as an Airwave Certified & ESN-ready Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), and as a demountable device in the rear of its appliances. 

The rugged Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 device has been provided by technology distributor Centerprise, partnering with 3tc to deploy the MODAS software suite.

The TOUGHBOOK 33 device is a popular choice for fire services across the country. It’s a 2-in-1, 12.0" fully rugged notebook with the tablet detachable, and features hot-swappable twin batteries, for unrivalled flexibility and performance.

Reliable connectivity is key
3tc’s MODAS Professional software ensures effective communication between control and vehicles on the move. Used internationally and by a third of UK Fire and Rescue Services, MODAS Professional leads its field in Incident Command.

Its features include comprehensive integration with CAD systems and with Airwave, 4G, ESN, Wi-Fi; full integration with fire and rescue service back-office systems; centralised MDT management and enhanced Incident Ground Safety and Management for operational intelligence at the touch of a button. 

As well as a modern MDT, approved for use with the new Emergency Services Network, GMFRS has equipped the TOUGHBOOK 33 with 4G connectivity in the rear of 53 of its vehicles.

Versatility of TOUGHBOOK
GMFRS is also using MODAS Web, which provides access to mission critical information such as SSRI data sets, live resource location updates (AVL) and other Points of Interest information using a simple and intuitive web solution. Using the TOUGHBOOK device, fire officers can access hydrant location information, building plans, risk cards, operating guidance, and home fire safety checks.

The 3tc software and features of the TOUGHBOOK 33s mounted in the rear of the GMFRS vehicles, such as sensors and cameras, allows the devices to be used for a number of mobile applications. Fire officers can access hydrant location information, building plans, risk cards, operating guidance. They can also assess chemical risk data prior to arriving at a location and conduct home fire safety checks.

Atul Patel, Product Manager at 3tc Software said: “The combination and close integration of the 3tc MODAS software suite with the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK device provides a powerful tool for fire services like Greater Manchester. As well as the MDT, it allows officers outside of the vehicle to have access to the information they need at their fingertips to deal with any situation – using technology to become ever more efficient and effective. The solution has the flexibility to add more applications as needed but always with the peace of mind of the highest levels of security and availability.”

Identical install solution for maximum flexibility 
An identical total install solution, including docking station, power supply and ESN-ready Sure antennas, was fitted in its 93 vehicles. This enables TOUGHBOOK devices to be swappable across all appliances. In addition, specialist vehicles that are only used occasionally can carry a TOUGHBOOK device in the rear as needed – maximising the use of mobile devices.

Ian Parry, Operational Systems and Support Officer at GMFRS, said: “We wanted the same capabilities as an office on wheels. The most important criteria were that the devices in the front and rear of the appliances would have the same user interface and access to the same information, but the rear device would be demountable to use outside of the vehicle.”

Will Holmes, Business Manager (Public Sector), Panasonic TOUGHBOOK, comments: "The TOUGHBOOK 33 is an awesome piece of kit, designed from the ground up to support emergency service professionals in the most demanding environments they face, ensuring they have fast, reliable access to vital data to help them respond more effectively, whatever the situation."

To read the case study, please visit: https://eu.connect.panasonic.com/gb/en/blog/technology-vital-tool-firefighters-frontline-0.

For more information on the TOUGHBOOK 33, please visit: https://eu.connect.panasonic.com/gb/en/products/toughbook/toughbook-33-detachable

About the Panasonic Group
Founded in 1918, and today a global leader in developing innovative technologies and solutions for wide-ranging applications in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, industry, communications, and energy sectors worldwide, the Panasonic Group switched to an operating company system on April 1, 2022, with Panasonic Holdings Corporation serving as a holding company and eight companies positioned under its umbrella. The Group reported consolidated net sales of 8,378.9 billion yen (ca. 59.4 billion Euro) for the year ended March 31, 2023. To learn more about the Panasonic Group, please visit: https://holdings.panasonic/global/ 

About Panasonic Connect Europe
Panasonic Connect Europe began operations on October 1^st, 2021, creating a new Business-to-Business focused and agile organisation. With more than 400 employees, the business spearheads operations with its major new B2B solutions initiative called “Gemba Process Innovation”, supported by its wide business product range. 

Panasonic Connect Europe is headquartered in Wiesbaden and consist of the following business units: 

• The Mobile Solutions Business Division helping mobile workers improve productivity with its range of Toughbook rugged notebooks, business tablets and handhelds.
• The Media Entertainment Business Division incorporating Visual System Solutions offering a range of high brightness and reliable projectors as well as high quality displays; and Broadcast & ProAV offering Smart Live Production solutions from an end-to-end portfolio consisting of PTZ and system cameras, camcorders, the Kairos IT/IP platform, switchers and robotic solutions that are widely used for live event capture, sports production, television, and xR studios.
• Business and Industry Solutions delivering tailored technology solutions focused on Retail, Logistics and Manufacturing. Designed to increase operational efficiency and enhance customer experience, helping businesses to perform at their best, every day.
• Panasonic Factory Solutions Europe selling a wide range of smart factory solutions including electronics manufacturing solutions, robot and welding systems and software solutions engineering.

For more information please visit: https://eu.connect.panasonic.com

Please visit Panasonic Connect Europe’s LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/panasonic-connect-europe/

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• Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 - Greater Manchester Fire Service