Information and Communication Technology for the UK’s Inland Waterways ______________________________________________________________________________________
Waterways Ireland Pumpout Card Reader
The new readers are in fact intelligent terminals and record every transaction which can be downloaded to a laptop. This provides a service history as well as computation of payment to all authorities who provide facilities on the WI system. Whilst a steady revenue stream is produced which is credited centrally to WI, there is a high level of continuing support cost in terms of ongoing maintenance and distribution of cards. Taking into account the disposable card production costs and the regular replacement of the equipment (expect 20 years life cycle), it is thought that the benefit when calculated as a 'whole life project cost' is marginal. However the nonfinancial benefits of having such a system add considerably to its value. Cont'd‌
27