iPhone Business Strategies

iPhone Pros and Cons

2009-01-22T15:43:00.000-08:00

I have and use an iPhone as my primary mobile computing device. It has some exceptional features including:

GPS
Easy application uploading and updating
High speed Internet
Crystal clear screen
Rotating views
Good Camera
Many great operational features for ease of use

However, the iPhone has some problems or is missing some key features that are required by business users including:

GPS fails to track fast enough to use while driving
GPS fails to pinpoint the location of the user
No TASK function - Apple has not included even a basic TASK function. Many of my colleagues use the standard Microsoft TASK function regularly, and Apple's exclusion of this simple but useful tool is strange
No CUT and PASTE function - The exclusion of this feature is another strange choice by Apple - who wants to retype every note or phone number that needs to be moved around on the iPhone....what a pain. My only guess is that Apple wants to train us to email everything to a desktop or laptop for editing....very strange and inefficient
The keyboard on the iPhone is clever, but Apple makes another very strange choice to limit the email keyboard to portrait view only. The Internet browser permits a landscaped keyboard which is very nice, but the keyboard in the email only allows portrait...this view of the keyboard is too small for fast and effective 2 fingered typing. Why would they limit the keyboard in the very application where fast typing is most required?
The landscape view of an Internet browser is too small for viewing. It is nice that they try to show you a complete view of a full sized website, but it is too small for real use. You continue to find yourself enlarging the view and scrolling all around the website to view it. Not convenient or enjoyable.

I spent some time reviewing all of the applications available on iTunes for the iPhone in December 2008. There were many interesting applications, but there was an obvious lack of real business applications. I consider real business applications as running relational databases and synchronizing or communicating directly with recognized business software applications like SAP. Where are the applications that extend workflows from ERPs into the field?

The lack of real business applications again points to the challenging environment of mobile software. The market is so fragmented that mobile users will find it hard to find a mobile version of their exact ERP or Field Service application. This means companies will need to develop their own customized version, use an experienced mobile software development company or use a mobile software development tool kit from a company like MobileDataforce.

Why is it hard to find a mobile version of your office software? Software companies need to find markets where they can build one software application and then sell it many times to make a profit. In IT environments where customized database applications and customized workflows are the norm, mobile software companies are not able to pre-build mobile applications. They don't know how you want the application to function or what data you need in the field. This must be configured on a customized basis in most companies. Therefore, companies need to work with a mobile software company that can offer a cost effective, very flexible mobile software toolkit so you can take advantage of their tools, synchronizing technologies and application development environments to keep the development costs reasonable.

iPhone Apps

2008-08-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, August 5, 2008 the Wall Street Journal published an article called Ringing Up Business With iPhone Applications by Raymund Flandez. I take issue with some of the comments points and comments in this article. In this article, an example of a business application is a collection of digitized medical flashcards that work on iPhones. I don't consider that kind of application, a real business application.

The article also suggest these business applications, at $39.00 are expensive. OK...let's talk. Real mobile business applications are extensions of key business applications that are run in the office. These mobile business applications enable you to integrate mobile devices with large, complex database applications that include workflow automation, database queries and business automation.

One challenge that Apple faces today is that their software SDK (software development kit) does not include synchronization technology that enables software developers to easily move data between a database applications in the office and the iPhone.

Another criticism I have for this article is suggesting that $39.00 for a business application is expensive. Expensive is of course relative, but significant business applications can often be worth $39,000-$390,000 to companies that can automate and mobilize their mobile users.

- Kevin Benedict

Nine Reasons the iPhone Apps Platform is Lacking

2008-08-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

Larry Borsato of the Industry Standard wrote an insightful article recently on the Nine reasons the iPhone apps platform is lacking. Tiny companies, developing tiny applications, with tiny investments may be interested in developing tiny mobile business applications for tiny niche markets, but any significant software company that develops industrial strength mobile applications would be unwilling to work under the present conditions set forth by Apple.

- Kevin Benedict

MobileDataforce Announces iPhone Software & Development Services

2008-07-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

MobileDataforce® Announces iPhone Software Development Services

New iPhone software development services enable businesses to deploy custom mobile business applications to the popular iPhone

Boise, Idaho— July 17, 2008 – MobileDataforce®, a leading provider of mobile software solutions for businesses, today announced a new professional services offering for users of the popular Apple iPhone.

MobileDataforce has for years been developing mobile software applications and helping our customers develop and deploy mobile enterprise software applications around the world on the Windows Mobile and Pocket PC operating systems, we are now adding the capabilities to develop enterprise mobile business applications for use on the iPhone.

About MobileDataforce®
MobileDataforce® is a leader in the development of enterprise class and business critical software solutions for use on mobile computers including Smart Phones, Handhelds, PDAs, Tablet PCs and laptops. MobileDataforce has sales offices in Europe, North America and in Australia to support their expanding customer base and sales channels. Privately held, MobileDataforce has been mobilizing business solutions since 2000. For more information, please visit our website at www.mobiledataforce.com.

iPhone Business Application - Printing Industry

2008-07-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

MobileDataforce has just started a very cool mobile business application for use on the Apple iPhone. My team has over 50 years experience developing custom mobile applications and are excited about using their experience with the iPhones. As much experience as these developers have, they still get excited over new and cool technologies like the iPhone.

This iPhone business application involves the following:

Login to an office database application from an iPhone
Enter Sales Order information on the iPhone in the field and transfer the order to the database application in the office
Enter Shipping information on the iPhone and transfer the information to the database application in the office
Initiate credit card processing on the database application in the office
Receive acknowledgement of Order acceptance and CC processing
Activate a work flow process that initiates order fulfillment and shipping

This is just one of many iPhone applications and projects that MobileDataforce is reviewing and/or developing for our customers at this time. It is fun, but challenging as Apple has not provided complete tool sets for iPhone development yet. Currently we must develop many of the tools ourselves to address the needs of the enterprise business application market, but eventually Apple will offer more tools to simplify the most common enterprise integration needs.

Let the fun begin for the iPhone enterprise application market!

Apple iPhones & GPS Functionality for Field Service Automation

2008-06-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

One of the coolest features of the Apple iPhone for businesses is the integrated GPS functionality. Companies can use these features for a large variety of purposes including:

Adding time and date stamps PLUS GPS coordinates to work orders as a way of proving the time, data and location of work performed
Enabling service technicians and delivery vans to be tracked in near real-time.
Helping drivers reach their destination faster and with less fuel
Associating job estimates to a GPS location
Locating and identifying the location of various pieces of equipment and other assets
Associating conditional assessments for asset management with a GPS location. This can be used to locate buildings, walls, sidewalks, sprinkler heads etc, that require repair

The list can go on forever because there is a HUGE amount of value in adding geospatial information to just about any field service activity.

Developing iPhone Software Applications for Enterprises

2008-06-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

In this article on iPhones for business use, Robert Poe says that he doesn't believe business applications will be available in the near future. I am not quite sure what he means. I can run web apps on an iPhone now for mobile work orders, inspections, asset tracking, field data collection, etc. Perhaps he is referring to applications that are downloaded and reside on the iPhone.

The avaialable iPhone SDK, beta version, allows companies like MobileDataforce to start building mobile business applications today. However, distribution would have to wait until Apple enables the distribution on iTunes or some other means. So for now, there are many business applications that can be used on the iPhone, but as web apps through the browser.

Apple Should Eat their Own with an iPhone Business Application

2008-06-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

In this article I wrote on December 27, 2007, I gently mocked Apple Stores. Why? They were selling iPhones and Apple computers, but using Motorola's handheld pcs for their business. This just isn't right!!! They need to be talking to MobileDataforce now. With Apple's new SDK for the iPhone, MobileDataforce can help Apple use the iPhone instead of Motorola's handheld computers in Apple stores.

iPhones and Enterprise Computing - What are Your Plans?

2008-06-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

My team develops mobile business applications every day. We deploy large mobile software solutions around the world. We are very experienced in the realm of enterprise mobile computing, however, I can tell you that many of my developers are getting very excited about developing business solutions for use on the iPhone.

How many companies will choose to deploy mobile business solutions on the iPhone? Information Week reports that nearly 35% of large companies are involved in the iPhone beta development program. Seems high to me...I bet many are rogue programmers, not part of an official beta testing project. The Information Week article goes on to say:

But Apple's success in driving the iPhone into businesses, and making it more compelling for consumers over competing devices from Palm, Nokia (NYSE: NOK), or BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (NSDQ: RIMM), will depend on how well developers take to the software development kit, which is tied to the application programming interfaces that expose the services within the iPhone's operating system. Those services include tying applications to the device's touch-screen interface, new global positioning system for location-based applications, security protocols, and multimedia functions.

My team are experts on developing custom mobile software applications for large enterprises. We have made the strategic decision to also being the experts on developing large enterprise mobile applications for use on the iPhone. Let the fun begin!!! What applications do you want on an iPhone?

Custom or Off-The-Shelf Business Applications for iPhones

2008-06-12T06:46:00.000-07:00

It is common for our customers to compare the benefits of custom software applications with "off-the-shelf" software. Definition of "Off-The-Shelf" software: A software application that is pre-developed and can be used by many companies in the same industry.

Our clients often ask the following question: Should I buy an iPhone software application pre-developed, or hire mobility software experts to create a custom iPhone application? The answer may be it is better to buy a pre-developed application if they have a business exactly the same as many other companies and mobile iPhone software is available that fits it. The challenge most companies have is that some percentage of their business processes are unique. Some portion of their enterprise software or database applications have been configured specifically for their own unique preferences. Perhaps competitive business processes are the secret to their success. If this is the case - it is highly likely that a customized iPhone business application may be both necessary and advantageous.

Often successful businesses have developed unique business processes, unique methodologies and specific techniques that provide competitive advantages. If you want to continue these practices and ensure your mobile handheld business solutions support these, then a customized mobile software application for your field workforce may be your answer.

MobileDataforce provides mobile software solutions for the iPhone that enable companies to retain their unique and custom business processes that provide a competitive advantage and integrate with their back-office business applications.

iPhones & Managing a Services Company in a Slow Economy

2008-06-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

Slow economic periods are a time for reflection for many companies. Understanding how to react to an economic downturn is one of the hardest tasks for a manager. The focus must be on accomplishing more with less and reducing inefficiencies. How can you provide more services per person, lower administrative costs and reduce expenses, while at the same time providing quality work and great customer service? This article is intended to help start the process of self-evaluation, to explore where inefficiencies may be lurking in the business environment.

The use of mobile technology, in the context of field service automation, is most often driven by the following 12 business motivations:

1. Increasing efficiencies in communicating information between the office and the remote service technician or jobsite
2. Increasing efficiencies in planning and scheduling work based upon location, parts and expertise needed
3. Reducing fuel costs
4. Reducing travel time
5. Reducing error prone data entry activities in the office which are time consuming
6. Increasing productivity by growing the average number of service calls per service technician in a day
7. Increasing service contract sales
8. Increasing equipment upgrade sales
9. Increasing collections with mobile invoicing, mobile printing of invoices and onsite collections
10. Improving inventory control and management by increasing visibility to parts needed, the location of inventory and parts used on each job or service ticket
11. Reducing risks by reminding service technicians of safety hazards and safety procedures on the job
12. Improving management visibility into work done in the field to ensure quality services

These 12 business motivations become increasingly important during slow economic times. In rapid growth periods, inefficiencies are often overlooked because of pressure to keep up with the market and business growth. These inefficiencies are often overlooked because of increased sales revenue. When the economy slows down, however, it is time for companies to re-evaluate business processes in order to eliminate any inefficiencies and bad habits that have developed.

Listed below are some common and costly inefficiencies:

1. Inefficiency # 1 -Wasted time and fuel driving back and forth to the office to pick-up and deliver new work orders, tools and parts: With the high cost of fuel, reducing driving distances is a necessity. Can you dispatch a service technician directly from their home to a nearby jobsite? Can you make sure your service technician has the most common parts in the van before they travel to the jobsite?
2. Inefficiency #2 – Wasting time and fuel by being unprepared for the job and driving around looking for parts: Can you reduce travel time and fuel costs by being better prepared for the job before traveling? Can you ask customers for more information on the equipment such as brand, serial number, year, location, problem etc? Can you ask the customer for a digital photo of the equipment, serial number, etc., and email it before dispatching the service technician?
3. Inefficiency #3 – Sitting outside of a locked and vacant location wasting time waiting for the owner to arrive: Can you set up an automated phone call to let the customer know you are on the way? This avoids showing up at a vacant house or closed business and wasting time.
4. Inefficiency # 4 – Sending service technicians to a distant location, when another service technician is closer, which wastes time and fuel: Can you use GPS tracking on the vans to better know the location of all service technicians so you can dispatch the closest and best service technician for the job?
5. Inefficiency #5 – Missed opportunities to sell more services, parts and equipment to the customer at the time of work: Can you automatically remind the service technician to promote service contracts by using a mobile handheld work order system? This will help increase service contract sales.
6. Inefficiency #6 – Poor scheduling and routing by dispatch managers: Can you schedule service contract visits based on geographic location to reduce fuel costs and wasted travel time? Can a service technician complete more service calls in a day if they are routed more efficiently?
7. Inefficiency #7 – Driving large and heavy vehicles when not required: If you have a better understanding of the parts required for today’s service calls, can you take a smaller, more fuel efficient vehicle to the jobsite?
8. Inefficiency #8 – Poor cash management and collection processes: Can you collect money, swipe credit cards and print receipts from a mobile handheld device to improve collections at the jobsite? Are you wasting time, paper and postage sending out invoices weeks after the work was completed?
9. Inefficiency #9 – Excessive administrative costs: Can you reduce the costs of data entry and administrative staff by automating the dispatch process by using wireless work order dispatch that is integrated directly with your work order management and accounting systems?
10. Inefficiency #10 – Loosing equipment and tools. Can you track the use of specialized equipment and tools to vans, jobs and service technicians to reduce loss?
Every company, upon self-evaluation, will be able to identify additional inefficiencies that can be corrected and reduced. Many of the costly inefficiencies can be resolved by automating and mobilizing field services business processes.

Mobilized iPhone Work Orders

What does an automated and "mobilized" work order system look like on an iPhone? A customer calls in to report a broken heating system. The office staff takes the customer call, enters the relevant information into the work order database application on the desktop computer which creates a unique work order and number. The work order database application, with GIS integration, can compare the location of each service technician to determine which service technician is closest to the work location. The dispatch system can also look at the estimated time the nearby service technicians are committed to completing their existing assignments. Once the appropriate service technician is identified, the work order is dispatched to the iPhone used by the service technician. Included in the electronic work order, is driving directions from his/her current location to the next job location. In addition to the work order information, warranty, repair, users manual, maintenance history and product information can be dispatched to the handheld computer for reference and parts inventory management.

Once the service technician arrives at the location, he opens the work order on the iPhone. Opening the work order automatically captures the service technician's name, the date/time stamp and the GPS coordinates of the jobsite and enters them into the mobile application’s work order.

Next the service technician examines the broken heating system and determines which parts need replaced. He can pull out his iPhone and check whether he has the needed parts in his vehicle inventory, if not, it can automatically search for nearby service vehicles that may contain the part (GPS tracking enables this). If another nearby service vehicle is determined to have the required part, then driving directions can be sent.

When the service technician arrives at the service vehicle with the needed part, then the part is scanned using a bar code scanner to log its removal from the vehicle's inventory and assigns it to the appropriate work order number.

Back at the work site, the service technician runs into a challenge. He has never worked on this model before and needs advice. He snaps a digital photo of the equipment and synchronizes it back to the office. His supervisor reviews the photo and calls him with advice.

Once the work is completed, the service technician signs his name on the handheld computer screen, and has the customer sign the work order screen as well. The service technician prints an invoice on a mobile printer and collects the payment or swipes the customer’s credit or debit card. The collection is noted on the mobile work order and synchronized back to the office.

As soon as the work order is completed and synchronized, the mobile application reminds the service technician to promote a 2 year service contract. The service technician reviews the details with the customer and signs them up for a 2 year service contract. Next, the work order system reviews job locations and priorities and assigns the next optimized work order to the field service technician.

These are the kind of mobile applications that MobileDataforce has been helping companies implement since 2000.

iPhone Software Applications

2008-06-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

MobileDataforce is jumping into iPhone business application development with both feet. We have had three companies in the past month approach us about developing mobile business applications for them to use on the iPhone.

We develop customized mobile business applications all around the world as documented here. Most of our mobile business applications are designed for use on rugged mobile handheld computers using Windows Mobile for engineering, field services or inspections, but our expertise in mobile business processes and synchronization is directly transferrable to the iPhone. In fact, my software developers salivate at the thought of developing more iPhone applications.

If you would like to discuss your thoughts and interests in using iPhone business applications, please contact us or visit our website.