Field Technologies recently released their Field Mobility 2012 special report which includes feedback from a sample of 327 readers.  The report provides a real-world take on the features and functionality you should look for in field workforce automation solutions.  45% of respondents with mobile workforces that use automation software cited the following top 10 features and functionality of field service software:

1. Ability to integrate with back-office systems
2. Ability to update remotely
3. Customizable
4. Ability to work untethered (without wireless connectivity)
5. Real-time data transfer
6. Scalability
7. Ability to support multiple goals/functions
8. Rapid deployment framework
9. Multi-platform support
10. SaaS/Cloud-based

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about our end-to-end mobile field service solutions that provide these features and functionalities.

In our Oct. 28th post I provided additional information about the Panasonic Solutions enterprise-grade Android tablet and the microsite they launched in Sept.  In early Nov. Panasonic held a launch event for the Panasonic Toughpad A1.

Panasonic’s Toughpad A1 is targeted as a solution that provides the popular form factor of a tablet with the ruggedness required by many enterprise applications.  The Toughpad A1 provides field workers with access to the tools they need and withstands drops and abuse.  Check out the video below to see what the Panasonic Toughpad A1 can do for field maintenance workers.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about the Panasonic Toughpad A1.

Aberdeen Group recently released a research report on the key trends in the path to service revenue.  They surveyed approximately 150 service organizations to understand these key trends and the report also documents best practices relied upon by leading service organizations.  In the report, the importance of mobility tools was rated at least a 4 out of 5 in every category, including:

• Reducing errors
• Growing service profitability
• Improving customer satisfaction

According to the report, equipping field technicians with mobile computers is the key to improving workforce utilization and efficiency.  By doing so, service organizations can raise productivity over 23%.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn about our mobile field service solutions.

In our Sept. 21st post I announced the release of the Grapevine Push-to-Talk Android client.  The Grapevine Android client has recently been updated with new enhancements, including:

• Display event / pending messages counters in the notification area (number of pending messages shown in circle)
• Support for moving Grapevine to the microSD card
• Option to bring Grapevine to the foreground on incoming messages
• Notification option for all unanswered calls

The Grapevine Android client is interoperable with the Windows Mobile and Blackberry clients. This fulfills the needs of customers requiring instant communications between field workers equipped with rugged Windows Mobile devices and managers with consumer devices.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about Grapevine Push-to-Talk.

On Monday it was announced that Grapevine Push-to-Talk, DecisionPoint’s cloud-based Push-to-Talk software, is now certified on the Panasonic Toughbook U1 ultra mobile rugged PC.  The Panasonic Toughbook U1 is a cross between a tablet form factor and a handheld form factor and is ideal for mobile workforces that require a device that can withstand all-day use in demanding environments.

The Grapevine Push-to-Talk certification on the Panasonic Toughbook U1 adds to the already extensive list of certified devices approved for use with this solution and fulfills the needs of customers requiring instant communications from a tablet that was previously unavailable.

For additional information about this certification you can read the entire press release here or download a copy.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about Grapevine Push-to-Talk.

DecisionPoint’s partner Mobile Epiphany recently announced the release of Touch Inspect v3.0.  Touch Inspect is industry-leading mobile business process software for asset tracking, field inspection and other mobile workforce solutions.  Now Touch Inspect is even more powerful than before with v3.0 boasting several new features, including:

• New Formatted Data Grid-customizable Excel-like grid gives users the option to complete all or portions of their workflow.
• Configurable Custom Home Screen-users only have the buttons they need on their home screen to simplify workflow.
• Streamlined Actions-automatically save work while it is being performed, redirect users to other screens and set completion status of workflow. No more manual steps for workers.
• Depleting Lists-removes list items as users select from single or multi-pick lists.  Perfect for lists used repeatedly , but where previously selected items shouldn’t be available.

And more!

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about Touch Inspect business process software.

We talk a lot about the operational improvements businesses realize when deploying mobile computing systems, but mobility also improves customer satisfaction.  Keeping customers happy is critical for success and mobile solutions enable you to increase convenience and provide exceptional service.  How are businesses utilizing mobile technology to better serve customers?

1. GPS fleet tracking ensures you’re optimizing your resources so field workers arrive on time for service calls.
2. Mobile payment at the point of service makes it easier for customers to pay with debit and credit cards and mobile printers provide on-site receipt printing to complete the transaction.
3. Optimizing schedules and tracking mobile inventory ensures that field workers with the right skill level are sent to jobs with all the parts they need.

With a mobile field service solution your customers will receive service in a timely manner, have the convenience of payment the way they want and repeat trips can be eliminated so you fix issues during the first visit.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about end-to-end mobile solutions that increase customer satisfaction.

In our Aug. 1st post I provided a brief introduction of the soon-to-be-released Panasonic enterprise-grade Toughbook Android tablet.  Panasonic recently launched a microsite for this much anticipated mobile computing device.  The Toughbook Android Tablet microsite provides information about device specs, product news and various solution applications such as:

• Field Sales
• Hospitality
• Retail
• Government
• Healthcare

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about Panasonic Toughbook tablets.

Through its nationwide direct store delivery (DSD) system, Bridgford Foods delivers, stocks, and replenishes microwaveable sandwiches, luncheon meats, pepperoni, sausage, beef jerky, and baked goods to thousands of retail stores in all 50 states.  When Bridgford Foods upgraded to Datamax O’Neil microFlash 4te printers they increased employee productivity and reduced service and material costs. 

Download the Datamax O’Neil case study to learn more about the challenges the company faced and how DecisionPoint Systems worked with Bridgford Foods to deploy Datamax-O’Neil’s microFlash 4te printers to solve their problem comprehensively.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about our end-to-end mobile solutions for Direct Store Delivery.

DecisionPoint Systems recently announced the latest release of the Grapevine-Push-to-Talk Blackberry client.  Version 1.10 features the following new enhancements:

• Vibration notification options
• ‘Over’ beep to indicate finished talking and listening for reply
• Support for separate Wi-Fi and mobile network settings

The Grapevine Blackberry client fulfills the needs of customers requiring instant communications between field workers equipped with rugged Windows Mobile devices and managers with consumer devices.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about Grapevine Push-to-Talk software.