During NRF 2012, Motorola Solutions introduced the MPM-100 that will be available in April. This exciting new Mobile Payment Module enables the process of any type of payment—anywhere and anytime. When pairing this small multi-payment module with your mobile computers via Bluetooth, workers can accept:

• Credit (capture signatures on mobile device)
• Debit
• Loyalty and gift cards with magnetic stripes
• Chip and PIN-based credit
• Near Field Communication (NFC) payments made via mobile phones

The versatile MPM-100 also boasts the highest level of data security and offers cost-efficient PCI compliance.

Stay tuned in the coming months for additional information about this exciting new device.

Let’s Get Mobile! Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about mobile payment processing solutions.

In our June 30th post, I provided information about the regulatory proposal issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to require Electronic On-Board Recorders (EOBRs) to monitor Hours-of-Service (HOS) compliance.  DecisionPoint’s partner XATA Turnpike offers a comprehensive solution to automate regulatory compliance.

XATA Turnpike’s RouteTracker is an EOBR that is connected directly to the vehicles engine computer.  Engine diagnostic reporting combined with GPS data is gathered to ensure regulatory compliance and to help fleets optimize their operations.  Most On-Board Fleet Management systems utilize a built-in cellular modem or satellite system to communicate data. RouteTracker can leverage the WWAN radio of a ruggedized mobile computer with a cellular radio to communicate GPS and engine diagnostic data via Bluetooth to a Web-based application, TurnpikeDirect.  Electronic driver logs are displayed on the mobile device and are 100% compliant with the most recent FMCSA regulations.  In addition to engine diagnostics, GPS data and electronic driver logs, RouteTracker also tracks speed, RPM, hard braking and IFTA and state mileage reporting, including official forms.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about XATA Turnpike’s RouteTracker.

In our October 20, 2010 post I provided information about some of the mobile solutions that transform the guest experience at hotels and resorts.  Today I’d like to take a closer look at mobile housekeeping solutions and how they enable staff to quickly meet guest needs.  By eliminating the use of paper and clipboards and equipping housekeeping with voice-over-WLAN (VoWLAN) enabled devices, or data-enabled two-way radios, managers can send a list of rooms that need service right to the mobile device, as well as specific information about guest needs.  Room status and updates are sent in real-time to the property management system and the front desk can instantly view availability, so guests aren’t kept waiting.  Managers can also alert housekeeping to customer requests by locating the closest employee and asking them to respond.  Staying connected with the touch of a button also means that housekeeping staff can quickly and easily respond to a guest about a non-housekeeping question or issue right on the spot.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about mobile solutions that transform the guest experience.

Zebra Technologies recently announced the release of their next generation RW420 Route Palette that is compatible with the Motorola MC9500 mobile computer.  This integrated solution for mobile workers combines the Zebra RW420 mobile printer with the MC9500 and is ideal for:

• Route Accounting
• Direct Store Delivery (DSD)
• Field Services
• Salesforce Automation

The route palette was created for use in the field so its rugged design can withstand moisture, dirt and dust and it also provides simultaneous charging of both the printer and mobile device so your workforce can remain productive throughout the day.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about the Zebra RW420 Route Palette and mobile solutions designed for field workers.

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.

Mobility provides a variety of ways for delivery and installation crews to better serve customers.  When a consumer purchases an item that must be professionally installed, they want it done right and in a timely manner.  With a mobile device in hand, field workers have access to detailed information about the work order in real-time.  Eliminating paper processes and providing your workers with mobile devices enables:

• Efficient routing and dispatching
• GPS capabilities
• Access to detailed work orders
• Access to installation diagrams
• Signature capture for proof of completion

When combined with a mag-stripe reader and mobile printer, field workers can even process payments in the field and provide customers with a receipt on the spot.  Access to detailed job tickets also enables employees to upsell while on location by offering warranty agreements during installation.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about mobile solutions for home delivery and installation.

Repair technicians have multiple tasks throughout the day and paper processes for work orders, parts orders, time sheets and mileage reports can quickly degrade productivity.  With an automated system field technicians receive detailed work orders on mobile devices.  Technicians are able to use their time more effectively by tracking their time worked, completed repairs and mileage—all while on-the-go.  The transmission of detailed repair information right to a mobile device also minimizes the time that dispatchers spend answering questions about specific work orders.  Eliminating paper processes also provides these additional benefits:

• Immediate reporting-information about completed jobs is logged in real-time
• Accelerated billing cycles-real-time reporting from the field enables the faster creation of invoices
• Minimize delays-requests for additional parts can be sent immediately to the parts department

Detailed records can also improve business processes by allowing management to make more informed decisions about ways to better serve customers.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about mobile workforce management solutions.

It is important to consider how the design of a mobile device will impact productivity, performance and employee safety.  An ergonomic design provides a comfortable form-factor that is designed for all-day use and reduces the risk of RSI’s (Repetitive Stress Injuries).  Some key considerations for selecting an ergonomic design include:

• Device weight
• Comfortable shape for scan-intensive applications
• Keypad design that maximizes efficiency
• Easy-to-read display-inside or outside
• Visual/Audio cues after bar code reads

As you can see, there are many factors that should be considered and there are also multiple choices for different environments and applications.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about ergonomic mobile devices and what features are right for your application.

In our Sept. 20th post we provided some basic information about perpetual inventory.  Today I’d like to provide more information about how mobile applications and perpetual inventory can increase field-based workforce productivity and improve customer satisfaction.

As I mentioned in my post yesterday, perpetual inventory is a great tool for field technicians that require inventory in their vehicles for repairs.  With a perpetual inventory system your field technicians will increase efficiency because they will know the exact inventory they have in their vehicle without verifying each item themselves.  Technicians can automatically access inventory lists specific to their vehicle to ensure they have what they need for each service call.

The ability to access perpetual inventory via a mobile device also improves customer satisfaction.  Access to perpetual inventory ensures:

• Technicians won’t arrive for a service call without the proper replacement parts
• If an additional part is needed and isn’t on-hand, technicians can access the perpetual inventory system to locate the closest technician that does have the part for quick pick-up or delivery

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about the benefits of combining perpetual inventory systems with your field services applications.

When purchasing mobile devices it is important to think about the various accessories available that will improve productivity and increase employee efficiency.  You may think of an accessory as simply a stylus or a battery, but there are many options and they will have a direct impact on productivity.  Many accessories are snap-ons and provide your workforce with more of the tools they need at their fingertips or enhance the design of a mobile device for increased productivity or protection.  Here are a few examples of accessories that can improve employee efficiency:

• Mobile payment modules or magnetic stripe readers that enable payment processing in the field
• Industry specific carrying cases, such as the DSD Handcart Bag
• Snap-on trigger handles that provide comfortable data capture
• Mobile device vehicle mounts that increase safety
• Mounting cradles designed specifically for harsh environments that can even endure the shocks from forklifts

DecisionPoint has over 30 years of experience in mobility and can help you determine exactly what kind of accessories best fit your needs.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact Decisionpoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about mobile device accessories that will improve your workforce productivity.