IDC's mobile computing solution improves efficiency & reduces costs for service, delivery & field sales-based businesses

IDC has launched a new mobile computing solution that leverages the latest Bluetooth mobile technology to improve customer service, improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. IDC's integrated work solution extends a company's IT office system to the point of service in the field, providing everything from daily work schedules, SatNav, asset checks and history, job completion reporting, instant invoice generation and real time updating of back office systems for parts ordering and accounting using IDC's In4orm reporting software.

IDC's mobile package enables large or small businesses with service support, delivery or sales teams to leverage the latest mobile Bluetooth technology, including smart phones, mobile printers and barcode readers, to transform efficiency and improve operational management. Moreover, the solutions provided by the integrated mobile package are scaleable, ranging from internet- based web browsers to hosted solutions with central servers and multiple clients

With the IDC system, a field operative can turn on his phone in the morning, down- load his jobs from head office, and then schedule his own work for the day. This gives him the flexibility to visit sites where and when access will be more convenient, and to make sure the time travelling is minimised through his knowledge of an area. Full contact details are provided for each job and destinations are automatically located through a TomTom satellite navigation system.

Once on site, the task of the field operative is facilitated by bar coding of all key equipment, which is extremely useful when many components and systems within companies are hidden away. Helpfully, the bar code reader is only the size of a large key fob, making it easy to position within the tight confines of alarm or control boxes, and safe at the top of a ladder when using one hand for balance. The read data itself is downloaded using Bluetooth.

Upon completion of a job, a report is compiled, including quick drop down menus for comments and repairs. The customer can also sign the screen if on-site validation is required. Each job is then downloaded to the office over standard mobile phone tariff network, and the paperwork is processed, invoices raised and reports updated often before the operative has even left the site. The speed and accuracy of data update to the back office systems means that managing field operations becomes far less time consuming, and the visibility of staff and project status is transformed.

IDC's In4orm software is crucial to the update process, as it is used to format and generate the electronic paperwork, and to integrate all the software applications involved, plus the mobile data interchange. In4orm is a bespoke software platform that is robust, communicates seamlessly with each device and the additional applications, while requiring minimal amounts of processing resource, so the mobile devices are not slowed down by the application.

IDC Ltd
Peter Hadley
Tel: 01332 604 030
www.idc.gb.com