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It was not easy task, everybody gave their full commitment. It was thought that the department came close to the line once or twice, but still managed to acquit itself well.
The WARC programme for all DTELS customers was completed in July 1989, five months ahead of schedule, a notable and proud achievement.
Interestingly, it was not until the completion of the WARC programme that the last fire brigade got its own radio channel.
In 1989, as the WARC programme was drawing to a close, a new range of multi channel personal radios were taken into use by the emergency services. The radios were state of the art with flexible printed circuit boards and surface mounted components. Very different from earlier units. DTELS responded to the challenge by investing in new test equipment and retraining staff in order that it could offer customers a competitive high quality repair service for the new generation radios. A service that proved popular, whilst continuing to increase market share in this area of business.
One of the biggest changes DTELS had to face was the introduction of direct charging for its installation and maintenance services from 1 April 1989. This led to some suggestion that DTELS would be unable to cope with the pressures of the commercial market, a mistaken perception.
DTELS responded to the change with vigour and positive management action. It introduced computerised performance monitoring and management accounting systems, and as part of a major cost reduction programme it rationalised work locations, improved efficiency and reduced spending. This enabled the DTELS to reduce prices to customers, while maintaining quality of service.
Source: Ian Aitken, additional material by Steven R. Cole
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