Our Mobile Operations solution is a powerful and effective data gathering add-on to our Operations Director and Business Intelligence solutions. It both delivers work instructions to field workers, and gathers job completion information including client signature and camera images. Data is gathered and communicated back to the server by any data link available (WiFi, GPRS, G3 etc). Its low bandwidth usage and light footprint make it ideal for a wide range of mobile communications devices and with a very simple installation procedure.

Data distribution and gathering is completely data driven via the exchange of XML data files, so that every “Job” sent to the PDA can have a different structure and usage. Examples include:

• Job address and contact information
• Map and directions
• Engineering task instructions
• Delivery or collection instructions
• Client authorisation signature
• Customer satisfaction questionnaire
• Sales order form
• Spares used and expenses incurred
• Engineer’s timesheet
• Inventory stock check

Workflow Engine

Information gathered from the field workers is used to instantly update the main database and trigger follow-up tasks from there.

A key component of the architecture is a workflow engine that applies a configurable rules base against events (such as job completion) in the system. So when specified conditions occur, jobs can be automatically generated and sent to the workforce, or email reports sent to key managers to alert them of critical situations that need attention.

SMS Connectivity

In addition to operation with PDA devices, we also offer a bi-directional interface with mobile workers using simple SMS text messages to their mobile phones. For example a simple exchange such as “Collect 3 boxes from this address...” can be later acknowledged by the engineer, and once again used to trigger updates in the main database.

Benefits

• Cut administration costs
• Improve response times
• Provide real-time activity tracking
• Capture proof of delivery
• Fully integrated with back-office management
• Easy configuration
• Low capital outlay and running costs
• Offline operation