We would like to wish you all safe and happy holidays!  We will return next week with our regularly scheduled blog post.

In past posts I’ve provided information about the multiple benefits that GPS solutions provide, such as fuel savings, increased security and improved driver productivity.  DecisionPoint’s partner GeoMicro offers 3 Software as a Service products that quickly enable you to achieve desired ROI for your field workforce automation deployment.

• Mobium GPS turns any Windows Mobile handheld computer and smartphone into a GPS navigation system with turn-by-turn, GPS guided and voice prompted route guidance.
• Mobium GPS Fleet Tracking System records the movements of all the vehicles in a customer’s fleet with current location, historical (breadcrumbing) data and geofencing and alert options.
• AltaMap Routing Engine provides route optimization designed and developed to create routes based on user-specified origins, waypoints, and destinations. It provides turn-by-turn driving directions, distance, and estimated drive times for the U.S. and Canada.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about integrating turn-by-turn navigation, GPS tracking and route optimization into your operations.

Last week I provided some of the responses regarding field service software from Field Technologies recently released Field Mobility 2012 special report.  Some additional responses from the survey that were quite interesting involved handheld mobile computers, device form factors and features.

According to Field Mobility 2012, 81% of respondents currently use handheld mobile computers in field operations.  When asked what device form factor they would be considering for their next refresh the results were as follows:

• Tablet – 51%
• Laptop/Notebook – 66%
• Handhelds – 78%

Respondents also cited the following top 10 features and functionalities they look for in mobile computing devices:

1. Wireless communications capabilities
2. Processor power/speed
3. Battery life
4. Ruggedness/durability
5. Ergonomics
6. Memory/storage
7. GPS
8. Camera
9. Windows OS
10. Bar code scanner

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about our field workforce automation solutions and mobile computing systems that meet the requirements on the top 10 list.

This new video from DecisionPoint’s partner Zebra technologies showcases the multiple uses for Zebra’s products and where they show up in people’s everyday lives.  I think this video is very interesting and shows how bar code and RFID solutions for retail, hospitality, logistics and more—truly impact customers daily experiences.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about Zebra products and our end-to-end bar code, RFID and mobile solutions.

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.

DecisionPoint and Zebra’s end-to-end kiosk solutions provide you with everything you need to enhance the shopping experience and improve customer satisfaction.  In fact, retailers deploying kiosk solutions are improving customer satisfaction by an average of 58%.

We’d like to invite you to visit our Kiosk Solution Microsite to learn more about the broad range of kiosk applications that we offer.  And while you’re there, be sure to check out the Zebra video that showcases how retail kiosk solutions will positively impact your business.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about our kiosk solutions that provide everything needed for success.

The new ET1 Enterprise Tablet from Motorola Solutions takes retail applications to a whole new level.  From task management to real-time inventory details, the ET1 provides the information and tools you need to boost employee productivity and efficiency while increasing customer satisfaction.  Check out the video below to see some of the features and application capabilities.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about the Motorola ET1.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) Annual Convention and EXPO will be held January 15-18, 2012 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in NY.  NRF 2011 drew 22,000 attendees from 82 countries and the 2012 conference is offering more than ever before.

DecisionPoint will once again be exhibiting during the EXPO with Motorola Solutions and we’re looking forward to seeing you there.  The EXPO will take place Jan. 16-17, 2012.  Be on the lookout for additional information about the mobile retail solutions we’ll be exhibiting in the coming weeks.  You won’t want to miss NRF 2012, so register early!

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