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.

Efficient case worker visits are critical to ensure that the well-being of each child and family is addressed and supported in a timely manner.  Case workers are responsible for multiple family visits each day and these involve numerous questionnaires and forms that must be submitted for each inspection.  Automating case worker rounds reduces the amount of time spent filling in paper forms, reduces errors and increases the number of families visited each day.

Converting existing paper forms to electronic forms on mobile computers streamlines operations and provides case workers with more tools in the field:

• Multiple electronic forms and worksheets for different types of visits
• Access historical data including past visits and family information
• Signature capture for proof of visit
• Image capture with ability to add notes for evidence of child condition
• GPS mapping to locate cases for the day and plan the most efficient route
• Date and time stamps for new visits, images and signatures
• Generate and send reports to the back office in real-time

Be sure to check back tomorrow to see a great demo video from DecisionPoint’s software partner Mobile Epiphany that shows how their mobile application Touch Inspect can improve the workflow and efficiency of case workers.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about end-to-end mobile solutions that increase the efficiency of case worker visits.

Most people are familiar with consumer GPS navigation systems and the turn-by turn directions that they provide, but GPS technology has much more to offer than just basic navigation.  Businesses can improve driver productivity with applications like turn-by-turn directions, but equipping workers with mobile computers that feature integrated GPS technology offers many more options to improve productivity and reduce costs.

Mobile workforces collect numerous types of data in the field with their mobile devices and integrated GPS enables additional information about the location, date and time to be captured when they scan a bar code, capture a signature or capture an image.  This provides the additional information needed to track deliveries and services and helps improve operations and increase customer satisfaction.  Additional popular GPS applications include:

• Breadcrumbing-collect historical location data to improve fleet performance, increase safety and reduce fuel costs.
• Geofencing-when a GPS-enable device enters and/or exits a specific area a notification is generated.  Alert customers of arrival, capture duration time of stops and reduce unauthorized vehicle usage.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about mobile devices with integrated GPS and solutions designed to improve fleet productivity.

In our Oct. 30, 2009 post I provided information about the benefits that image capture provides to a variety of businesses with mobile workers.  Mobile computers with integrated high-resolution cameras also provide benefits to retailers working within the four walls.

With a constant flow of inventory arriving at stores every day, there are bound to be some damaged or defective shipments.  Equipping workers with mobile computers or digital imaging devices enables them to capture images of damaged goods at the time of arrival to reduce liability and provide photographic evidence of item condition.  In addition to photographic evidence, retailers can also create and store documentation to streamline the returns process.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about mobile devices with integrated cameras that enable proof of item condition applications.

A geostamp is much like a time stamp, but it records spatial data and typically includes information about latitude, longitude and elevation.  Providing your field workers with a mobile device that features GPS technology and a high resolution camera enables them to append photographs with a time stamp as well as this spatial data.  Geostamping provides accountability of field operations and confirmation that work has been completed at the right place and the right time.  Geostamping is typically used for:

• Proof of Delivery (POD)
• Proof of Condition
• Inspection Services
• Maintenance and Repair

Enable your field workers to provide indisputable confirmation of work completed and increase efficiency.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about GPS technology and geostamping solutions for field workers.

In our Nov. 4th post I announced the release of the Motorola MC65 mobile computer and today I’d like to provide you with the opportunity to learn more about how this device improves efficiency and productivity in transportation and logistics.  The MC65 is loaded with features you need to drive productivity, such as:

• Compact, yet rugged design
• Advanced imaging engine for rapid 1D and 2D bar code scanning
• Signature capture
• Customizable user interface
• Image capture with geostamp capability
• GPS technology

And more.  Download the MC65 Transportation and Logistics Application Brief to learn more about all of the features that will have your drivers completing more stops per day.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about transportation and logistics solutions and the rugged hardware you need for success.

In our October 29th post I announced the release of the Motorola ES400 Enterprise Digital Assistant and provided the opportunity to download the ES400 Field Mobility Application Brief in the November 11th post.  Today I’d like to share this great video from Motorola that summarizes all of the features that the ES400 offers to field workers and mobile task workers.  Learn more about how the ES400 empowers your mobile workforce.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about the Motorola ES400 EDA and mobile solutions designed to increase the productivity of your field workers.

In our April 8th post we discussed the features of Mobile Task Management Solutions and the ways that they provide consistency across retail store locations.  Another mobile solution that provides consistency and improves productivity is a mobile planogram solution.  Planograms are an important part of the retail industry because proper product placement and merchandising is crucial to sales.  That’s why you’ve got to get it right, and not just in one location, but in every store. 

Depending on the size of a store or the shelf reset that is taking place, paper planograms can become quite confusing.  At right is a screenshot from DecisionPoint’s software partner Global Bay that shows the detail your associates will have right at their fingertips instead of relying on a poorly printed paper planogram.  With a mobile planogram solution in place, headquarters captures and sends images and detailed store-specific instructions to mobile devices and store associates are trained on the shelf layout guidelines.  Once the layout has been completed, store associates can send an image back to headquarters for approval.  With a mobile planogram solution you will:

• Eliminate confusion and error
• Maintain a standardized floor and shelf layout
• Enforce product placement guidelines from headquarters
• Improve productivity
• Enable fast transmission of time sensitive layouts

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about mobile planogram solutions and other mobile retail applications.

In our June 23rd post we provided information about some of the healthcare businesses that rely on workers outside of the four walls.  Today I’d like to take a look at the ways that pharmaceutical and medical equipment suppliers are using mobile solutions to better serve their customers and increase efficiency.  With a mobile solution in place you can:

• Schedule drivers with Web-based order dispatching that is sent directly to their mobile device
• Assign and track the status of pickups and deliveries in real-time
• Dynamically dispatch the nearest courier
• Automatically capture and report mileage driven
• Export collected data to the back office for extensive reporting

In addition, the use of electronic forms reduces errors and enables:

• Bar code scanning of prescription number, part number and serial number
• Correct and complete deliveries validated against order line items
• Signature capture
• Image capture of damaged equipment

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about mobile solutions designed for field-based workforces.

Many of you have probably started making the move towards a paperless environment at home and are realizing that saving paper is also saving you time and money.  Businesses can also benefit greatly by shifting from paper to a mobile solution with electronic forms.  The days of clipboards and pens has passed─ it’s time to upgrade to a mobile solution from DecisionPoint that provides your field-based workforce with tools that:

• Eliminate costly errors due to illegible handwriting
• Transmit data in real-time wirelessly to the back office without the need for manual data entry
• Increase efficiency
• Enable signature and image capture for detailed paperwork in the field
• Improve communication with the back office

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about field mobility solutions that increase efficiency by reducing paperwork.