FIELD HANDS: Making sense of PDAs, tablets and notebooks used by service technicians

摘要

Outfitting your technicians in the field with the right combination of mobile computer hardware and software is a smart move that almost always results in higher productivity on service calls, less paperwork in the field and back in the office, lower travel costs and greater efficiency overall. Mobilizing a worker for effective two-way data and phone communication requires a portable re-mote wireless unit, service management software that can be easily integrated with office service management software, and a wireless connection for data and voice transmission from a mobile service provider. Depending upon the hardware and software, the advantages include the potential to: 1. Query service history while at the job, possibly eliminating return visits; 2. Transfer billing information quickly; 3. Transmit photos of problems or equipment condition; 4. Accept credit card payment; 5. Scan in bar codes for material pricing or inventory; 6. Verify maintenance coverage, possibly avoiding losing billing of a non-covered item or service; and 7. Provide road directions.