- How can I put a work order solution on my Palm Treo 750?
- How can I dispatch a work order to my mobile device?
- How can I accomplish instant invoicing?
- How can I take digital photos of my work?
- How can I get "proof-of-delivery" using a mobile handheld PDA?
- How can I take these paper forms and convert them to mobile solutions?
- My paper process is costing me $234,000 per year. Can I mobilize this process?
Kevin Benedict is a TCS futurist and lecturer focused on the signals and foresight that emerge as society, geopolitics, economies, science, technology, environment, and philosophy converge.
Why Do Some Companies Use Mobile Software and Others Don't?
When is a Mobile Software Solution for PDAs and Handhelds a Bad Idea?
If you would like to discuss potential ROIs and the value of mobilizing various business processes please contact us at http://www.mobiledataforce.com/, or call 208-384-1200.
MobileDataforce and Mobile Software for Handheld PDAs in Singapore
- Enterprise Solutions such as ERP, CRM and EDMS;
- Infrastructure and networking solutions;
- Radio Frequency Identification;
- Security Solutions;
- Enterprise CAD/GIS strategy;
MobileDataforce in India for Mobile Handheld PDA Development
HiFX focuses on providing business extension through field force automation using handheld PDAs and mobile software for continuous synching of business critical data in the HO and field force. These solutions provide up to the minute information to all employees guaranteeing consistency of data. We are also able to provide services that escalate existing legacy applications, ERP and CRM solutions, workflow applications to seamlessly integrate with mobile applications. With all expertise fundamental to mobile solution development, HiFX rolls out enterprise mobile software solutions and custom business solutions for midsize to large enterprises using handheld PDAs.
MobileDataforce in China Working on Mobile Inspection Software for Moible Computers, PDAs and Handhelds
MobileDataforce Australia Launches New Website for Mobile Software and Handheld PDAs
Getting Started on a Mobile Software Development Project for Handheld PDAs and Smartphones
- Draw a picture or diagram of the various players, software systems, buildings, vehicles, etc., that will be involved in the system. It helps everyone to see where the data starts, where it is collected, edited, synchronized used and stored.
- List the business processes involved in the system (i.e. work orders, asset tracking, inventory, inspections, accounting, payroll, invoicing)
- List who will be using the system
- Ask an expert to draw out and detail how the enterprise application works and interfaces with third party software
- Identify how each person involved will access the information (i.e. mobile handheld computer, desktop application, web application, etc.)
- What reports do they need to have? Are they dynamic, or are they standard reports?
- What database application(s) does the mobile application need to interface with?
- Provide a database schema for the database where the data will be stored?
- Make an expert, that knows your database application, available so the development team can quickly get their questions answered
- Pick your mobile device or handheld computer early so the development team knows screen sizes, button configurations, bar code, RFID, GPS etc., configurations
- Have a person available to review and test the work each step of the way.
- Don't ask the mobile application to do all of the same things as an enterprise software application. Be careful to use the mobile software application in the right manner with an understanding of the limited screen size, processor speed and memory available on mobile devices.
Microsoft, Palm and MobileDataforce Recorded Webinar
Africa & Mobile Handheld PDA and Smarphone Applications
- Mobile tax assessment application
- Mobile water deliver application
- Mobile clinical supplies and supply chain logistics application
All of these customized mobile software applications were developed using the same mobile software development platform called the PointSync Mobility Platform by MobileDataforce for use on handheld PDAs and Smartphones.
Auto Appearances - PDAs, Handhelds and Mobile Software Application
- Mobile auto inspections
- Mobile job estimates for auto detailing and PDR
- Mobile work orders
- Wireless synchronization and integration with enterprise work order management system
- Integration with Microsoft Dynamic GP for accounting
- Production and work reports
RFID & Mobile Handheld Solutions from MobileDataforce
Free Palm Treo 750 Smarphone for 30-days
The Handheld PDA - iPAQ 900 Series Business Messenger
30-day free Trial of an Unlocked Palm Treo 750 Smartphone
http://www.palm.com/us/business/solutions/mdf.html
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/enterprise/default.mspx
In summary - qualified field services companies can receive a free 30 day trial of a Palm Treo 750, the PointSync Mobility Platform, 4 sample mobile software applications and up to 4 hours of free mobile solution consulting by registering.
Pipeline Construction & Inspection and Handheld Computers
Interesting New Projects
- Time sheets
- Pet vaccination tracking
- Tracking medicine shipping to Africa
- Concrete testing
- Government housing inspection projects
- Subway system switch inspections
- Tracking condom distribution to clinics
- Beverage distribution and promotion system
- Clinical studies on sever spinal injuries
- Electronic Patient diaries for Hemophiliac patients
- ATM repair and maintenance
- Heating ventilation and air condition work orders
- Electric company's work order system
- Oxygen delivery
- Propane delivery
- Medical supply delivery
- Much more...
MobileDataforce's PointSync Mobility Platform is used by companies around the world to mobilize a wide variety of business processes.
Hospitals and Data Collection on Handheld PDAs
- Scanning a bar code on the wrist band of the patient
- Scanning a bar code on the applied medicine
- Capturing the date and time stamp on the handheld computer
- Synchronizing the data to an enterprise software application
- The collected data activates business rules
- The business rules prompt the user with questions
- The system alerts user if there is a problem with the treatment or treatment schedule
- Ask for response to alert
This was a fascinating example of a handheld PDA and a mobile data collection system that is integrated with an enterprise database. These same 8 steps can be implemented with many different assets. Let's consider a large piece of manufacturing equipment and a plant maintenance technician:
- Scan a bar code on the side of the equipment
- Scan a maintenance service bar code to designate the service you are performing
- Capture date and time stamp on the handheld computer
- Synchronize the data with your Asset Tracking or CMMS system
- The collected data activates business rules
- The system's business rules prompt you with questions about the service
- The system sends you service alerts based upon stored data
- You respond to the alert and verify you read it
These 2 data collection systems work the same from a mobile data collection technology perspective, but serve 2 completely different industries.
MobileDataforce develops mobile software applications that help companies improve their field services operations.
Microsoft, Palm and MobileDataforce Team Up for Handheld PDA and Smartphone Campaign
Mobile Field Service Workers. Wireless access. Get it Done.
Deliver mobile work orders, inspections, up-to-date asset information, and more with the PointSync Mobility Platform & Palm® Treo™ smartphones
How valuable would it be for your field services team to easily access mobile work orders, wireless pick lists, inspections and up-to-date asset information on their Palm® Treo™ smartphones?
Join Palm and MobileDataforce for a live, interactive Webinar to find out how. By attending, learn how to qualify for a free 30-day trial of the MobileDataforce PointSync® Mobility Platform and a Palm Treo 750 smartphone.
Qualified users for the trial will also receive a free mobile consultation and discounted pricing from MobileDataforce – and up to four hours of mobile solution consulting for free! And... Get all your mobile field service questions answered live during the Webinar by representatives from Palm, Microsoft and MobileDataforce.
Discover how MobileDataforce PointSync on Palm Treo smartphones can help your company:
- Deliver work orders, inspection forms, asset management and more to your field service workers
- Sync two-way data from the point of business to help save time, improve accuracy, and avoid misplaced forms
- Consolidate multiple mobile devices into a single Windows Mobile® smartphone that delivers voice, email, text messaging, and mobile field service applications2
- Create your own mobile applications, or have the MobileDataforce Professional Services team complete and deploy a solution for you
- Stay ahead of the competition and help ensure top-level customer service
We look forward to seeing you at the Webinar. Join us to take advantage of the opportunity to get a free, no obligation trial offer and realize the mobility benefits of this solution for your field services team.2
Concrete Sawing and Drilling and Mobile Handheld Computers
Here are some of the reasons companies in this industry are interested in mobilizing their field services:
1.Wirelessly dispatch job tickets to mobile handheld computers
2.Pre-task planning to prepare for job and have all required equipment loaded on vehicle
3.Track equipment that is needed and removed from warehouse
4.Record the person who checked out the equipment
5.Record the vehicle that equipment is assigned to
6.Document the tasks that need to be performed on the job. Were they all done?
7.How much time did each task take? Improve job estimates
8.Wirelessly synchronize data back to the office for instant invoicing
9.Was all equipment checked back into the warehouse?
These are similar requirements to many different field service industries. The business owners I spoke with were all looking to decrease loss, reduce unnecessary expenses and increase productivity and profits.
MobileDataforce has a great deal of experience helping field service companies mobilize their operations and accomplish the goals listed above.
MobileDataforce Named Microsoft Certified Partner
Idaho Software Company Further Distinguishes Itself by Earning ISV Competency
Boise, Idaho— August 23, 2007 – MobileDataforce® a leading provider of business critical mobile software applications for the SMB markets today announced it has earned certified status in Microsoft’s Partner Program, which recognizes MobileDataforce’s expertise and impact in the technology marketplace. As a Certified Partner, MobileDataforce has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and proven ability to meet customer needs. Microsoft Certified Partners receive a rich set of benefits, including access, training and support that give them a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
“Only companies that have demonstrated high levels of customer service, proved their experience and attained advanced certification receive the designation of Microsoft Certified Partner,” said Allison Watson, corporate vice president of the Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft. “Today, Microsoft recognizes MobileDataforce for its skills and expertise in providing customer satisfaction with Microsoft products and technology.”
In addition to achieving certified status, MobileDataforce has declared the ISV/Software Solutions Competency. Microsoft Competencies are designed to help differentiate a partner’s capabilities with specific Microsoft technologies to customers looking for a particular type of solution. Each competency has a unique set of requirements and benefits, formulated to accurately represent the specific skills and services that partners bring to the technology industry.
The ISV/Software Solutions Competency recognizes the skill and focus partners bring to a particular solution set. Microsoft Certified Partners that have obtained this competency have a successful record of developing and marketing packaged software based on Microsoft technologies.
“We are pleased to have earned certified status in the Microsoft Partner Program. This achievement demonstrates to our customers our experience and commitment to developing mobile software applications that run on Microsoft operating systems,” said Kevin Benedict CEO of MobileDataforce.
About the PointSync Mobility Platform
PointSync Mobility Platform is an enterprise class solution used to rapidly design, develop and deploy mobile software applications. It is architected to provide database centric mobile applications with bi-directional synchronization, GPS, barcode scanning, RFID, connectivity, security and enterprise database integration all within one solution.
About MobileDataforce
MobileDataforce is a global leader in the development of enterprise class and business critical mobile software applications for use on handheld computers including Smart Phones, Tablet PCs and laptops. MobileDataforce has offices in Europe, North America and in Australia to support their expanding customer base and sales channels. Privately held, MobileDataforce has been mobilizing business processes since 2000. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.mobiledataforce.com/.
Symbol MC50, Target & Handheld PDAs in the Field
I pondered the activities of the store clerk and considered how that same activity (i.e. business process) could also be used outside the store. Most of the mobile software solutions MobileDataforce helps deploy involve some level of rain, wind, dust and mud (in addition to oil, blood, ice, explosions, etc.). The store clerk was looking up inventory to help a customer know if they could buy the product. The query also would tell the clerk where the products were located, and if there were more in the warehouse.
Field Service technicians use this same feature everyday. They just work in locations with more dirt and spider webs. Picture this - the service technician is on his back under a furnace. A replacement part is required for the repair. He pulls out his Smart Phone and queries the inventory in his van. The part is not there, but it is in a van just 1 mile away. He calls to the other van driver who delivers it.
Inspection Data Requires Visibility and Handheld PDAs Can Help
Samsung Q1 Ultra - Handheld Computer for Construction and Building Inspections
MobileDataforce and HVAC Service Software on Handheld PDAs
"I am getting buried in paper work orders! Is there a way to have an electronic work order on a handheld PDA or Smart Phone that wirelessly synchronizes directly to my accounting software? Can work orders be dispatched from my office to a handheld computer? I would like my service technicians to enter their time, parts used, work status and get a digital signature on a handheld computer. Can that be done cost effectively for my 18 service technicians?"
My answer - "Yes sir...we deploy integrated mobile work order solutions weekly."
Here are some common features:
- Dispatch of service tickets/work orders
- Reassignment, Cancellation handling, Emergency calls
- Routing and event status, Maps and routing information sent with jobs
- Status of jobs
- Job data and description
- Customer data
- Technical Data
- Equipment data
- Parts and part orders
- Inventory checks
- Locating parts
- Parts orders
- Shipping status
- Invoicing
- Customer signatures
- Mobile invoice printing
- Sales and Mobile CRM
- Up selling products and service packages
- Warranties and renewals
- Job estimating
- Customer Survey
- Inspections
Additional articles on mobile handheld computer solutions - click here.
Additional mobile Work Order related articles
Muffled Voices in Your Mobile Handheld PDA
Voice memos? These are useful when you need to record your findings while keeping your hands free (dangling from a 40 story building, climbing a ladder, crawling through a pipe). These voice memos can be wirelessly synchronized to a database and someone back at the office can type them into the database if needed.
MobileDataforce's PointSync Mobility Platform enables you to attach voice memos to a database on the device and to have this voice memo synchronized with the enterprise database application in the office.
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