Optimizing field service operations with Motorola’s handheld devices

Motorola’s rugged handheld mobile devices offer everything field service operations need to streamline processed and improve profitability in a compact easy-to-carry unit. A variety of options are available depending on the model selected and specific operational requirements.

Siveco China, a Motorola Authorized Reseller for the Asia Pacific region, provides complete turnkey mobile solution including services, software and hardware to end-customers.

Siveco’s bluebee^® mobile solutions are optimized for Motorola’s devices and take full advantage of all their features in order to bring the most convenience and the best ROI to field service teams. This article reviews some of the main hardware functionalities used by Siveco mobile applications.

Siveco’s bluebee^® mobile applications are designed to eliminate or at least limit the usage of the keyboard: instead, users interact with the system using large on-screen buttons, selecting data though pick-lists. This approach results in very intuitive user interfaces requiring little or no training.

Multimodal wireless networking ensures immediate data communication, regardless of whether your technicians are within reach of an in-house wireless network or outside in the field. Data communication is also available through the cradle (connected to a computer via a USB link) for example when the handheld is charging, during the night. Siveco’s data synchronization platform ensures optimal utilization of the available networks based on priorities (types of data) and cost.

Machines, inspection points, work instructions can be immediately identified by barcode reading, removing the need for manual data input, ensuring perfect accuracy… and guaranteeing that technicians are physically present where they should be! 2D barcodes have become widely used (every train ticket in China has one) and can contain extensive data (not only the equipment identification number, but also its technical characteristics, operating range etc.) thus reducing the need to constantly access the central database. The same principle applies to RFID tags.

The integrated camera allows technician to capture photographs from the field, for example defects (a broken meter, a leaking pipe): “a picture is worth a thousand words” to illustrate an inspection report or a work order. Pictures from the field and all related information contribute to the company know-how based and can later be retrieved centrally for analysis or viewed by other field technicians on their own device.

A simple fact, often forgotten by software suppliers with limited understanding of industrial realities, the handheld device is first and foremost a mobile phone, allowing users to directly call technical experts for troubleshooting advice, suppliers hotline or colleagues etc. All contacts are referenced directly from the application (linked to an equipment, part or work instruction).

The integrated GPS allows the central system to geo-localize users (for example to contact the person nearest to location of an incident) but also their actions: all meters on a network can be geo-localized in by simply scanning their barcode tag, every work order is instantly geo-localized by its GPS coordinates and so on.

Maintenance is not a tea party. Engineered to withstand rigorous use in extreme environments and working condition, devices are designed to endure multiple drops, a wide range of temperatures, moisture, dust and more, offering a much longer lifetime and lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to standard commercial devices. Specially designed models are available that comply with regulations for work in hazardous environment, such as potentially explosive atmospheres.

Motorola is known around the world for innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband communications. Inspired by our vision of Seamless Mobility, the people of Motorola are committed to helping you get and stay connected simply and seamlessly to the people, information, and entertainment that you want and need. We do this by designing and delivering “must have” products, “must do” experiences and powerful networks — along with a full complement of support services. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $35.3 billion in 2005. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit: http://www.motorola.com

Tags： VAPP、Motorola、mobile