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MobileDataforce PointSync 3.0
Mobile software helps eliminate paperwork
in the field
By Elaine S. Silver
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| PointSync 3.0 is
a mobile software application that replaces the need for
paper forms in field operations. |
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Could there ever be a paper-free construction site? MobileDataforce
Inc. has a vision of the future that doesn't include paper.
MobileDataforce developed PointSync 3.0, a system to develop
mobile software applications to work with construction field
operations. "PointSync allows you to create an electronic
version of your paper form," explains MobileDataforce
CEO Kevin Benedict. "You can have a library of different
forms-health and safety forms, time sheets, scheduling sheets.
Any kind of paper form can easily be put on a hand-held on
the foreman's or supervisor's belt."
The move from paper to hand-held computers can have a serious
impact on productivity and general business efficiencies.
Benedict gives an example of a company that already had finished
$5 million worth of painting, repairing and installing fire
hydrants. "But, all the information about the work completed
was sitting on clipboards waiting to be inputted into the
company's computer," he says. Having those forms available
electronically could have made a significant difference in
the company's cash flow, he explains.
MobileDataforce has online training that teaches users to
create the forms. There is no programming required. The training
program walks users through sets of questions based on their
responses and forces them to enter the correct information
for the particular form and project. "However, it does
help to have the person setting up the forms understand the
database the forms will be sent to," Benedict says.
For companies that want to outsource the set-up, they can
fax the forms to MobileDataforce, which then will build the
mobile form for a $115 hourly fee. PointSync will work on
any device that runs either Win CE.NET or Pocket PC with a
mobile connection.
PointSync costs $395 for the license for each hand-held device,
$2,995 for the server and $1,995 for the software development
kit and 20% of the total cost for annual support.
A return on investment calculator on MobileDataforce's home
page helps companies determine PointSync's cost effectiveness.
Software applications are available on the Web site for a
30-day trial.
After a company replaces its paper forms, it can start mining
the information stored in the database created by the data
sent from the field. A supervisor can easily find, for example,
a list of all the equipment orders placed during the last
30 days and what equipment is available at that moment.
Benedict says that once a company begins to take advantage
of mobile technology, it experiences an evolution of sophistication.
PointSync can incorporate bar code and radio frequency identification
technology into hand-held devices.
"Over the course of a year or two, companies can eliminate
all the paper sitting on the back of the pick-up truck,"
Benedict says.
MobileDataforce
3380 Americana Terr.
Suite 360
Boise, Idaho 83706
208-384-1200
www.mobiledataforce.com
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