Mobile computing is no longer a “nice to have” technology. Increasingly more powerful devices, faster networks and the ability to access web applications have made it possible for CEOs and CIOs to think more strategically when it comes to mobile solutions.
By Robert Hughes (Chairman/CEO), FieldConnect
September 26, 2008
We are very lucky to have been able to partner with some visionary customers over the last few years. These pioneering customers shared our vision for how a mobile solution could improve their business. These early adopters have been using our mobile solutions to maintain real-time communication between their field technicians and their main office ERP systems. Some have even combined our geo-location capabilities to track their vehicles, optimize their routes and generate reports that show mileage, gas usage, vehicle speeds and more. These organizations are uniquely positioned to outpace their competition and remain differentiated in a highly competitive economy. That makes me very happy because our customers took a chance on us and we were able to deliver on that vision. These technology pioneers knew that FieldConnect’s mobile solutions would eventually be mission critical and not just “nice to have technology”.
And guess what? It is going to get even better….
1. Powerful devices. 3G iPhones, BlackBerries, smartphones, Windows Mobile devices, laptop and tablet computers. From the beginning, our strategy at FieldConnect was to embrace every device. Why lock our customers onto one device when the world is changing so fast.
2. Faster networks. Recent investments in networks allow for much faster, more reliable communications.
3. Web enabled software. Very light on the device yet it gives you access to powerful software.
4. Location based services (GPS). We can leverage this rich source of data to enhance you business decisions…and reduce costs and liability.
The enterprise solution
We see a real opportunity for mobility to provide even higher returns when strategically deployed across the enterprise. Companies already have achieved many highly successful examples of this Mobile revolution.We have clients who receive new work order requests from their customer via our web customer portal. This request is immediately displayed on both the dispatch board at headquarters and on the supervisor’s handheld device. The dispatcher, whether in the field or at headquarters, assigns the work order to a field technician. That technician performs the service and closes the work order. The whole process can be tracked in real-time, and paperless, by the customer. The dispatcher can also track the technician’s location and assign the next work order by location or optimized route.
There are more succes stories to come...please keep in touch.
Robert W. Hughes is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FieldConnect, Inc. Mobilizing Service management for MS Dynamics and Sage ERP. (Solomon, Great Plains and Timberline).
