Going Mobile: Q&A
Seven things to consider before you begin taking your operations to the mobile level.
Make sure that the mobile solution you choose can really deliver the results you expect. Any company with significant field operations has an acute need to share information with its people, whether they're out servicing customers, on the go making pick-ups and deliveries, or working at a remote job site. However, finding an effective mobile solution—and actually getting it implemented— is easier said than done. Cost, complexity, and employee resistance can scuttle even the most badly needed upgrade.
Whose system is this anyway? How many times have you heard, "our technology does it all," only to have buyer's remorse when you learn that you can't do half of what you wanted. Worse yet, when your carefully developed business processes have to change because the application "doesn't work that way" or a promised implementation timeline gets stretched and then stretched again (while your IT budget is pushed to the breaking point).
But it's not that way with DATArrive. DATArrive provides everything you need to get started right from the beginning. DATArrive's mobile engine lets you manage your entire mobile operations using a single, web-based system. Best yet, you can exactly replicate your existing processes and map to all the steps and decisions your workforce in the field will need to make. We'll work with you to make sure your application works the way you do. Modifications to the mobile application can occur without recalling devices or interrupting critical field operations. Plus, implementation is so fast and easy that deployments can take as little as two weeks.
Who needs a million-dollar mousetrap? Build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door. That's true. But if the new mousetrap is too expensive, the world may turn around and go home again.
When you make a business investment, cost is always an issue. It's a rare product that combines "better mousetrap" innovation with low cost. DATArrive can get you what you need today—and tomorrow. Since DATArrive is a hosted software solution, we are able to provide you unique mobile capabilities that are exceptionally affordable. And with our highly flexible application structure, simply start off with the applications you need today—maybe Time and Labor or Dispatch—and then add additional applications when and if you're ready. There's no high-risk investment in IT infrastructure, no astronomical development fees. You can do it all with one engine—DATArrive.
"How does this %*#! thing work?!!" Sound familiar? When you can't figure out a new home appliance, it's merely annoying. But when a worker in the field, fighting the clock to meet deadlines, is frustrated by a process or device that's too complex? You could have a rebellion on your hands.
The truth is, if people find any tool to be more trouble than it's worth, they simply won't use it. So it's no wonder that when workers are given the chance to compare competing solutions out in the field, they invariably choose DATArrive. DATArrive enables them do their jobs faster and better, and it's so easy and intuitive to use that training usually takes only 30 minutes.
Will the technology be "here today, gone tomorrow?" Everyone wants to innovate, but no company wants to commit resources to a system that could be obsolete before it's even paid for. That's not an issue with DATArrive. The DATArrive solution is "future-proof." It can capture information using manual entry, bar codes, or the latest RFID (radio frequency identification) tags. DATArrive works on a variety of mobile devices—cell phone, iPhone, PDA, or Blackberry. Mix and match according to your needs, and update applications remotely. Whichever device you choose, DATArrive puts the entire solution on that one device, so it's more convenient for the people who use it every day.
Will anyone be there who understands what we need? Typically, internal IT staffs are not versed in the latest mobile technologies and don't fully understand all the options or components of mobile strategy, integration, user adoption or support. When mobile platforms and applications are not core to IT domain expertise, it makes mobile deployments harder and ongoing support expensive and time-consuming. Working with DATArrive, you'll notice the difference right away — when there is someone there to provide you support and expertise. A real human voice. A real expert in mobile deployments.
Will my customers see the benefits? What's the point of improving your mobile operations and service if customers can't tell the difference? With DATArrive, your customers will see the difference—immediately. Whether it's proof of deliveries in real-time, tracking their own shipments in transit via the Web, or improved service at their facilities, DATArrive delivers tangible benefits that make customers take notice. Companies that use DATArrive have seen their businesses grow as a direct result of the service capabilities that DATArrive—and only DATArrive—provides.
Can we communicate both ways? How often do your workers have to interrupt their work and call the office to access critical information: Did the customer's order get processed? Is there inventory available to complete the job? Did the crew show up on the job—or not?
With DATArrive, all that information is readily available without having to depend on calls to the home office. Information flows back to the field, enabling your people to make the right decisions and follow established business rules. This two-way information flow saves time, builds trust and empowers your field employees like never before.
DATArrive is the cost-effective, no-risk solution. DATArrive fully supports your existing mobile operations and easily accommodates changes to your operations or infrastructure.
DATArrive provides:
- Applications for any and every mobile need: DATArrive Engine gives you a complete mobile operations system — from the mobile applications and backend system that allows you to run your mobile operations independently. Or, if you choose, you can integrate DATArrive data with other ERP systems.
- Scalability and availability: DATArrive architecture supports hundreds—even thousands—of simultaneous users for fast, uninterrupted access, 24×7.
- Service: DATArrive works directly with customers on their implementation. No "sell and scram" tactics.
- Support for multiple devices: No matter the device—mobile phone, iPhone, PDA, or Blackberry—DATArrive allows you to mix and match according to your needs.
- Get any capability you need: Enhanced GPS functionality to locate workers, track routes, generate driving directions. Or maybe it's barcoding or RFID? Signature capture, anyone? Photos? What you need is what you'll get with DATArrive.