The Customer

RohrMax AG has provided pipe-cleaning services in Switzerland since 1973. With 140 employees and 90 vehicles, the company fulfills approximately 45,000 orders annually — from cleaning sewers in underground car parks to removing drainpipe blockages. Customers include private households and enterprises. RohrMax emphasizes prevention: regular customers receive free periodic checks. For emergencies, a round-the-clock call-out team is available.

Optimal Scheduling Thanks to an Innovative System

With 90 vehicles and hundreds of daily call-outs, efficient scheduling is critical. RohrMax and specialists from SatWork developed an SMS- and GPS-assisted system for order dispatch and processing. Assignments are sent directly to technicians’ vehicles. The scheduling manager can instantly identify the nearest vehicle to a new job location. Orders are sent via SMS to a small computer in the driver’s cockpit and printed out. After completing a job, the technician scans barcode chargeable items and sends a report via SMS to head office for immediate invoicing.

Important Criteria for a Professional Operation

On-site printing was a key requirement during system development. A printed order clearly displays all details, allowing customers to review work before execution. It also serves as the only copy left with the customer. The printer had to be robust, easy to use, and extremely reliable — no on-site technical support or replacement printer is available. It also had to be mounted without obstructing the driver’s view.

Initially, RohrMax used 9-pin matrix printers in specially developed metal casings. By 2006, print quality was outdated, and the bulky casing obstructed the driver’s view.

First Choice for Use on the Road

RohrMax and SatWork discovered the DASCOM MIP480 — a 24-pin matrix printer designed specifically for in-vehicle use. Key features include high reliability, low maintenance, ease of use, and flexible mounting options. The printer operates on 12 or 24 volts, making it ideal for all common vehicle power outputs. Together with Print Tech Plus AG (DASCOM’s specialist trade partner), a concept was developed and installed in initial vehicles.

Proven in Practice

Christian Strickler, a RohrMax technician, praised the new printers as “genius.” His vehicle was among the first fitted with the MIP480. Print quality and speed improved significantly over the old system, and the printer is much easier to use. “Until now, I had to disassemble half the device to replace paper. Now I can do it by pressing two buttons — especially helpful when working with multiple forms.” The compact design allows the printer and paper to be installed in place of the unused middle seat, with no driver obstruction. New RohrMax vehicles now come with the MIP480 as standard, and existing systems are gradually replaced.

Highlights at a Glance

• Fast and easy-to-use in-vehicle printer

• Robust assembly

• Easy ink ribbon replacement

• Easy paper feed for continuous paper and multi-layer carbon      copy paper

• Multiple connectivity: Bluetooth, serial RS232, USB

• 12/24V connection for various vehicles

• Comprehensive accessories (mounting device, etc.)

Mobile Printers: MIP480

The in-vehicle printer market demands specific size, performance, connectivity, and cost. DASCOM’s MIP480 combines speed, flexibility, and robustness. With a print head life of 250 million characters, an ink ribbon lasting up to six months, and 7,000 hours of continuous fault-free operation, it is a reliable partner for storage logistics, transport, and security technology. Print speed reaches 480 characters per second. The 24-pin print head delivers excellent text and graphics on continuous forms and single sheets, handling up to 4 carbon-copy layers — ideal for printing multiple copies on the road.

DASCOM Product Lines

• Dot-matrix printers – Innovative all-rounders for fast, cost-effective, high-volume printing with carbon copies.

• Thermal printers – Robust and compact for production, medical supplies, trade, and more.

• Mobile printers – Compact, well-thought-out details, cost-effective base model with numerous upgrade features.