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Dynamics Software Mobile Field Service for Microsoft DynamicsTM AX is the next step in optimizing your field service processes after controlling the back office with Dynamics Software Service Management for Microsoft DynamicsTM AX. Dynamics Software could not exist without offering the possibility to access and edit the back office through Mobile Field Service applications. What are the benefits of a mobile field service solution (online and/or offline)?
- Increased productivity
- No paper work
- Faster invoicing
- Improved service level
- Complete real-time registration of labor, travel time and spare parts
- Improved Service analytics
- Improved knowledge database
- Real-Time Dynamic Planning
- Available for GSM data, GPRS and mobitex communication
- Hardware independent, laptops and PDA's
- Controlled and one-time upgrade possibilities
- User friendly
- Off line and online functionality
In the early 2000's Dynamics Software decided to built a generic interface which can be used for integration with all proven solutions for Mobile Field Service. This interface is based on XML. The interface uses XML messages on MSMQ’s, a Store-And-Forward interface. The interface enables an initial-load (basic tables) and synchronizes mutations. Each change in basic tables will, via XML, be transported to the mobile system and from there transported to the correct PDA, laptop or proper hardware device. Finally, detailed messages for work orders and status changes have been defined. For more info on the interface please contact info@dynamicssoftware.com.
The Mobile Field Service market is a dynamic and innovative market. The market is characterized by many local players with many different accents in their offerings. There are not yet worldwide dominant players like there are in the world of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). This does not make it easy for users to decide for a solution, especially if users want continuity in support and innovation. There are many players offering software solutions for mobile application. Within a couple of weeks a new player can enter the market and configure a solution that fits the needs of customers. Unfortunately the complexity with mobile field service is often underestimated.
Dynamics Software distinguishes 2 major possibilities for mobile field service:
- Online only solutions. These solutions use the internet to access the service management application and require connection to do data entry. There are 2 alternatives:
1. Access to the back office via the Enterprise Portal for Service Management. Service engineers report their hours and used materials when they are online. This solution can also be used as a customer self service tool for logging service incidents/calls and monitoring the progress of the service call. The client (pc, laptop or PDA) does not require an application to be installed, a standard internet browser like Microsoft Internet Explorer is sufficient. We use the standard Microsoft Dynamics™ AX portal tools to access the service management module.
2. Presenting the back office to the service engineer via a Virtual Private Network, Microsoft Windows Terminal Server or Citrix. Service engineers can report their hours and used materials through a simple form
- Online & Offline solutions. These solutions use communication methods like GPRS or UMTS and operate both online as well as offline if there is no connection. Typically processing service process transactions will be done via PDA’s, laptops, ‘ruggedized’ if required. These solutions offer mostly more functionality compared to the portal solution. The clients require an application and database installed in order to have access to data without being online. Synchronization will take place as soon as there is connection. On average these solutions are more expensive than online only solutions.
With respect to the online & offline solutions we separate 2 types of suppliers:
1. Suppliers offering a complete solution ‘’out of the box’’. Our interface by default synchronizes the most important service data: customer, object, contract, items and history. Support of additional logistics transactions (items, van to van transfers, et cetera) make the solution complete.
2. Suppliers offering a platform enabling customers to built a more specific solution. These suppliers frequently offer the basic processes ready for mobile access
Dynamics Software has experience with the following solutions/suppliers:
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