- 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
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.
Auto Appearances - PDAs, Handhelds and Mobile Software Application
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.
Wal-Mart and Mobile Handheld PDA Solutions - Symbol MC50
Appforge Users - What are the Choices?
- Use .NET to develop mobile applications and a mobile application platform
- Use a "rapid application development solution for mobile environments" like MobileDataforce's PointSync Mobility Platform.
MobileDataforce® PointSync is a complete mobility platform, used to rapidly design, develop and deploy business critical mobile applications to the field force. The PointSync® Mobility Platform is an enterprise class solution architected to provide database centric applications with full bi-directional synchronization and security for use on handheld computers, Smart Phones, Tablet PCs and Laptops.
It really depends on if your interest is a cool IT development project, or if you simply want the mobile application done so you deploy and start using it. If your interest is really the completed project, not the development experience, then using the PointSync Mobility Platform is likely going to get you deployed in the field in a fraction of the time and with a lot less cost and effort.
If you would like a personal demonstration of the PointSync Mobility Platform click here.
Mobile Software Solutions and Breakfast in Boise
Otterbox and the iPAQ Handheld PDA Drop Test
Question - What does MobileDataforce do with old HP iPAQs?
Answer - We place them in a variety of rugged Otterbox cases and drop them to see if these handheld PDAs will break.
Details: We dropped the HP iPAQ many times from 8 feet. We used 2 different Otterboxs and we could not break the iPAQ inside. We then used a rugged iPAQ case from HP. The rugged case shattered, but not the iPAQ. So if you had a large number of HP cases, the iPAQ would be fine.
TDS Ranger & Trimble Ranger Rugged Handheld Computer
Although one of the larger rugged handheld computers, the shape is very agreeable to the grip and the weight is reasonable. One of our customers is currently using this device in the context of mobile autobody services.
Unscientific Analysis of the Mobile Software Market for Handheld PDAs
Handheld Computers & Rugged PDAs Everywhere
When you walk the halls of MobileDataforce you will see desk's covered with PDAs, rugged handheld computers, bar code scanners, cradles, satellite domes, etc. On a pass a few minutes ago I saw the following:
- Intermec CN3
- Psion Teklogix's WorkAbout Pro (different sizes)
- Socket SoMo (and Socket Bar code Scanner)
- Symbol MC70
- Palm Treo 750 (700, 650...)
- HP iPAQ
- Dell Axim
- Symbol 9000
- T-Mobile MDA
- Samsumg
- Casio
- Mobile Mapper CE
- Itronix Duo-Touch
- TDS Nomad
- Mobile Printers of all kinds
A paradise of mobile gadgets, Windows Mobile applications,cradles and cables that we are testing or deploying at sites around the world.
Two weeks ago one of our senior engineers had a Psion Teklogix WorkAbout Pro on his desk. It was sent to us from a customer in the UK, shipped from the Netherlands and manufactured in France. It contained a specialized RFID radio in it that we configured to work with the PointSync Mobility Platform. This solution was going to be used on RFID enabled "wheelie bins" or large trash containers. What could be more fun?For those of you pondering how to choose the right hardware for your company's needs, please follow this link and download the document called, "Selecting Appropriate Handheld Computers."
Enterprise Mobile Software Solutions, Buy vs Build
- http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/10/buy-vs-building-enterprise-mobile.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/10/more-on-buy-vs-building-mobile.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/10/more-on-buy-vs-building-mobile_06.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/07/buy-vs-building-mobile-solutions-for.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2007/06/off-shelf-mobile-applications-vs.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/01/buy-vs-building-mobile-software.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/01/reusable-mobile-frameworks.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/01/mobile-solutions-consultants-nightmare.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/01/enterprise-mobility-framework_12.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/03/rad-tools-for-mobile-applications.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/05/choosing-your-erp-mobile-client.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/06/mobile-solution-that-took-24-man-years.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/10/mobile-software-platforms-and.html
New WorkAbout Pro Rugged Handheld Computer from Psion Teklogix
The second generation WORKABOUT PRO, more rugged and more feature-rich than its predecessor, enables you to significantly change the wireless handheld device in the field, as your work requirements evolve over time. Psion Teklogix is leveraging existing expansion modules from our first generation WORKABOUT PRO, which are fully compatible with the second generation, providing our customers and partners additional investment protection. The new WORKABOUT PRO supports a variety of field installable expansion modules including scanners, imagers, RFID modules, Wireless LAN (WLAN) Wireless WAN (WWAN) radios, and more. Psion Teklogix takes flexibility to the next level by offering a Hardware Developer’s Kit (HDK) that allows you to develop your own custom expansion modules to address your unique business needs. Some recent developments include expansion modules that take fingerprints, read cattle ear tags, and scan passports.
MobileDataforce has seen many of these devices deployed in rugged conditions with excellent results.
Interviews with Kevin Benedict
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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...