![](images/t_g.gif) he
past year saw substantial business growth in the Transport, Security and
Central Services Division mainly because of an increase in its portfolio
of new facilities, such as sports grounds, swimming pools, communication
systems, energy management equipment, transport interchanges and traffic
control systems throughout the territory. The upgrading of general electronic
equipment in connection with the roll-over to Y2K also contributed significantly
to the division's business in the past year.
New business secured during the year includes the Disciplined Services
Staff Sports and Recreation Club, Correctional Services Department's Stanley
Prison Hospital Block and Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institute, Fire Services
Department's trunk radio system, Shing Mun Valley Sports Ground, and various
public transport terminals.
The
division has a two-pronged development strategy of expanding its traditional
business while venturing into new areas. Working with the Highways Department,
it has also completed the installation of remote auto-dialling flood warning
systems in major subways and underpasses.
Among its many new ventures, the division began the setting up of its
Geographic Information System (GIS) initiative. When the system is completed,
the location of any traffic light, street light, gantry sign, traffic
bollard, footbridge/subway and high mast light on an electronic territory
map will be immediately identified upon the entry of a number. The system
will help handle faults and complaints much faster, and benefits both
the client and the public - a major efficiency booster all round.![We monitor the performance of gantry signs on Ting Kau Bridge.](images/ts3.jpg)
Another new area is IT software maintenance, such as those related to
traffic management systems and toll collection systems. Other possibilities,
such as the design, operation and maintenance of professional sound systems,
are also being explored.
During the year, six mobile workshop vans were introduced to further reduce
equipment downtime for clients, and to improve response time to fault
calls. Condition-based maintenance has been applied to major client venues,
using the latest techniques such as vibration monitoring and oil debris
analysis, which can flag problems in major chiller plants.
Looking ahead, the division has plans to focus on services that require
a higher level of technology, while contracting out low-tech work, in
order to optimise its value for customers. The business growth rate is
expected to steady in 2000/01, but with a greater variety of services,
more sophisticated technology and a focus on continuous improvement and
more value added services to clients.
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