With more organizations looking for field service applications to streamline operations, it is no surprise that we have seen an increase in the number of mobile software vendors within the marketplace. Please take a few minutes to learn 5 things you should know before you select a mobile software vendor.

1. Proven – Be weary of solutions that have just been released and companies that have just opened their doors. Unfortunately many vendors have gone to market with solutions that have not been properly tested, documented and de-bugged. This can result in problems building your application, training your team, getting support and downtime out in the field.
2. Configuration – Make sure that the vendor’s solution can be configured by a member of your team on a moment’s notice without the need to write any code. It is also important that you have the means to deploy these changes automatically without the need to impact mobile workers, or uninstall and re-install the solution.

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Many service based businesses that are utilizing old paper based methods to manage their daily tasks are also faced with the challenge of how to manage the unexpected. A great example of this is the daily dispatching of scheduled work orders. As a matter of routine, mobile workers travel into the office, pick up a pile of pre-printed work orders, then travel out into the field, and start working. BUT, what happens when someone calls in sick, needs help, is missing a part, a job is cancelled, or an emergency occurs?

On paper it’s pretty easy to explain what happens, everything in the office has to STOP while the dispatcher or service manager figures out how to untangle this mess. Usually this involves multiple phone calls to technicians to figure out job status, parts on hand, etc. Then after you find someone who can handle the additional work, how do you get them all of the needed information about the new job? They will likely need to know the customer name, address, contact information, description of the work needed, parts required, past history, etc.
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Patented MobileFrame Configurable Mobile Application™ Platform Eliminates all Coding for Custom Mobile Applications including Smart Database Synchoronzation with Back-Office Enterprise Data.

MobileFrame announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. patent number 7,730,097 to MobileFrame for its unique 100% Code Free Smart Database that seamlessly synchronizes data between back-office enterprise systems and distributed mobile devices. MobileFrame’s enterprise mobility system eliminates custom programming through an intuitive, user friendly point-and-click desktop, enabling novice computer users to easily create and deploy sophisticated custom mobile applications. With secure Sarbanes-Oxley compliant instant messaging, integrated intelligent networking, prioritized smart synchronization, full remote device control, configuration and management, integrated GPS tracking and mapping, and remote software updates all built into one software platform, MobileFrame significantly streamlines mobile application development, deployment, and administration. Continue reading →

Are you interested in eliminating paper by collecting data on handheld devices? MobileFrame’s Archibus Mobile Management Solution allows organizations utilizing ARCHIBUS™ to bridge the gap between the office and the field by eliminating field based paper processes. We have a full suite of apps, including work order management, building operations, asset management and property management.

This out of the box solution will transform your business. Each application is configurable around your own requirements and better yet, there is no coding required. That means that you can have completely custom apps with no custom programming.

Feel free to watch our online demo at: http://www.mobileframe.com/Media/ArchibusDemo/Archibus%20Demo_skin.swf

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Rapid Application Development Environments

This topic always generates a lot of discussion, so I’m sure this time will be no different. First let’s start with the definition.

Rapid Application Development – refers to a type of software development methodology that involves techniques like iterative development and software prototyping.   Essentially it is a development style that favors incremental development with constant feedback from the end user.   This development process is repeated until the application has been perfected and meets the needs of the user. Many organizations have found that Rapid Application Development or RAD is a fantastic idea, but is requires advanced tools to make this approach a reality. This is where companies like MobileFrame come into the picture.

In order to “Rapidly Develop Applications” it becomes necessary to provide functionality out of the box, to make the development effort easier.

Some of the things MobileFrame does to make it easier to go mobile include: Continue reading →