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.
Off the Shelf Mobile Applications vs Customized for Handheld PDAs
Mobile Inspection Software for Handheld PDAs
Mobile Software Solutions for Handheld PDAs and Integration
Mobile software solutions for handheld PDAs have limited value, unless they are synchronized and integrated with business applications back at the office. To that end, MobileDataforce's mobile software applications are integrated with many of the world's most popular database applications including:
- Sybase & iAnywhere
- Quickbooks
- Microsoft SQL
- Microsoft Navision
- Microsoft's Great Plains
- Microsoft Dynamic
- Microsoft Access
- Oracle
- AS 400/DB2
- MRO Maximo
- Many more...
The integration with these database applications enable bi-directional database synchronization between the mobile handheld PDAs and the office business software applications. This empowers the mobile handheld user to have the same kinds of visibility to enterprise data as someone sitting in a cubicle in the office. In addition, the office can receive near real-time data from work being done in the field. The efficiencies that are available through mobilization can be enormous.
Hawaii & Mobile Software for PDAs, Smartphones and Handhelds
Greetings Folks,
I am back from a wonderful and relaxing family vacation/holiday on the Island of Maui, Hawaii. I tried to forget about mobile software, PDAs, handhelds and smartphones for a few days, but alas, there are people carrying mobile handheld computers everywhere I go!
Let me give you an update on some of the mobile software solutions my team has been working on over the last few weeks:
- Paintless Dent Removal - mobile auto/vehicle inspections, services and repair business solutions
- Bridge inspections
- Mobile work order management applications for ATM service technicians
- Electric Utility - mobile inspection & work order applications
- Building inspection applications for a county government
- Clinical trials - mobile applications for healthcare service providers
- Asset management/conditional assessments and preventative work orders
- Much more...
The key value propositions for many of these solutions are the following:
- Accountability of work and workers in the field
- Accountability of company assets and inventory in the field
- Efficient use and dispatch of field service technicians
- Documentation of work completed in the field
- Efficient and timely synchronization of field data to the enterprise database
- Fast processing and invoicing of work completed
- Inspections and documentation of inspections - for just about everything
- Faster and better customer service leading to happier customers and greater profits
Toilets and Mobile Handheld PDAs
This is a first - MobileDataforce is developing an inspection software solution for inspecting toilets using handheld PDAs. Our team in Newcastle, England is working on a project called WaterSmart. This application is for Water Utility companies to use to help homeowners conserve water and save money.
This is how it works:
- Inspectors swarm into a homeowner's bathrooms and start flushing their toilets, using their showers and filling their bath tubs.
- They measure outputs, water pressure, and the overall water use of a house.
- They use handheld PDA applications to collect all of this data and synchronize it back to headquarters
- The data collected results in recommendations for the installation of water conservation equipment in the home, which kicks-off a work order process
- The work order is dispatched to a service technician that travels out to the home and installs things like; balloons in the toilet to reduce the water in the tank, shower heads that reduce water volume to a dribble and many other clever things...
These mobile software applications are used for mobile inspections, data collection, work order dispatch and synchronization. These are very interesting projects and they allow us to play with cool new handheld PDAs and other mobile gadgets.
Auto Appraisals Using Handheld PDAs and Mobile Software
- Mobile dent repair and minor autobody work
- Mobile Auto Detailing/Valet
- End-of-Lease Inspections
All of these business processes are completed on the mobile handheld PDA and synchronized with a web enabled database.
Reporting from the UK - Mobile Automotive Solutions for PDAs, Handhelds and Smartphones
The mobile solution they were demonstrating included a valuation component. A person could scan a VIN code and the description of the car would pop-up and auto fill the the electronic inspection form on the handheld PDA. The dealership would then inspect the car for damage and the final value of the car would be computed from the valuation database and the inspection.
This solution is used for automotive auctions, auto dealers, insurance and automotive lease return companies.
First the Dell Axim PDA Dies & Now the iPAQ Pocket PC???
LXE Using Animation to Market the HX2 Wearable Computer
LXE is using a cartoon character called the "Scan Man" to market their new wearable, rugged computer called the HX2. The HX2 has a screen made from the same material as a fighter-jet's cockpit windshield and is strapped to your arm.
I haven't spent much time thinking about wearable computers as I focus most of my time on mobile handheld PDAs, smartphones and industrial barcode scanners that run on Windows Mobile OS. Maybe it's time. Here are two interesting descriptions on LXE's website:
- Breakaway ring scanner improves operator safety by preventing snags. (Snags is another word for ripping your finger off)
- Voice enabled with ToughTalk technology. (I wonder if this was tested on sailors?)
This computer enables you to point at a distant object and voice order it to be scanned. The voice enabled computer is strapped to your arm and connected to a scanner ring that fits on your finger. Very clever! I wonder if there are any restrictions on which finger you can use to point?
Inside and Outside the 4 Walls with Mobile Software and Handheld PDAs
Interviews with Kevin Benedict
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Futurist David Espindola’s new book has just been released, "Soulful: You in the Future of Artificial Intelligence." Alex Whittin...
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I had a great time participating in the filming and development of a 10 minute film on digital twins recently. Last week was its premier at...
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In this deep dive with Munich Re (Groups) cybersecurity expert Bob Parisi, we learn how the insurance and reinsurance industry develops poli...