Electrical contractors T.Clarke plc have begun testing for millennium-date dependency of the building systems of a number of FTSE companies using a breakthrough British invention - the DELTA-T PROBE. They will continue their program of testing fire alarms, security systems, UPS's and lighting control systems throughout the country right up until the Millennium.
Unlike desktop PCs most industrial process systems cannot easily be tested for compliance, which has resulted in a problem that is running up a bill of almost £32bn for companies in the UK. The DELTA-T PROBE – manufactured by UK-based Embedded Science and managed by WSP – provides an electronic test which reduces the testing and analysis time for a single system from many weeks to less than an hour. The resulting information then forms the basis for remedial action.
The DELTA-T PROBE is the first diagnostic device anywhere in the world that is able to provide such a rapid diagnosis. It is also invaluable in verifying that millennium compliance statements issued by manufacturing system vendors are accurate.
According to Mick Fairman, Director of T.Clarke plc, it is the business certainty afforded by the testing which is the key benefit for companies:
"The Delta-T testing gives companies the comfort and assurance they need. Without empirical knowledge they would not know if their energies and budgets should be directed at re-buying or re-engineering their systems. To a great degree, the speed in which a company can progress to implementing any next steps outweighs the actual outcome of the testing. The fact that they know what they are facing within half an hour means they can save valuable time and money. As a result, it means they are able to focus their efforts on continuing to provide their usual services."
The DELTA-T PROBE was invented by Patrick Bossert, an embedded systems design specialist. He is Technical Director of WSP Business Technology, part of the WSP Group who are managing and promoting the device. It went into full production in early November 1998, and sales in excess of £1.2.million have already been achieved. Purchasers to date include British Aerospace, Sainsbury's, Guardian Properties and a number of major blue-chip companies throughout the world.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Key information for businesses about how to tackle the embedded systems problem is available from the Embedded Science website (www.embedded-science.com).
T. Clarke are a nationwide electrical contractor who are currently celebrating their 110th birthday. They provide support services to FTSE companies with a direct employee base of over 600. They carry out electrical service works for major national clients including Smith Kline Beecham, Harrods ltd and John Lewis Partnership. They can also offer a full on site year 2000 testing service.
WSP Group is an international business providing design, consultancy and facility management services in the property and construction sector. It employs some 1500 people, and operates through a network of 50 offices in the UK and overseas. It already offers a number of services on Year 2000 issues, including programme management, auditing and testing. Clients include Commercial Union, AMP Asset Management, British Airways and British Land.
PRESS ENQUIRIES
| For WSP Group |
| Paul Scott / Patrick Bossert | WSP Business Technology | 0171 314 5000 |
| Miranda Bellord | WSP Group PR | 0171 314 5000 |
| Josie Dobrin | Luther Pendragon | 0171 353 1500 |
| Delta-T Probe sales |
| Website addresses | www.embedded-science.com
www.wsp-y2k.com |
| Dedicated phone-line | 0171 314 5715 |
| For T. Clarkes |
| Mick Fairman / Dave Matthews /Richard Pembroke | 0171 252 7676 |
