Product category:
RFID hardware and software
News Release from: IDC - Intelligent Distributed Controls | Subject: Computing technology
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 10 December 2007
Wireless systems monitor job status at
any time
Latest mobile wireless computing technology provides real time visibility of service operations, efficient listing of assets and asset management.
It also includes the ability to manage and procure stock efficiently, and proof of service for any companies managing field service teams The IDC package allows managers to see the status of any job at any time, enabling them to optimise their service process and maintain high levels of customer approval
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 28 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Intelligent distributed system removes risks
The ever increasing size, sophistication and complexity of sortation and handling systems demand greater flexibility to deal with product variation and changing supply demand.
Cut control costs in conveying applications
A new distributed control system reduces substantially the overall project costs and complexity associated with centralised control systems in conveying applications
In addition, as data gathered from the IDC system is available in real time, costing and invoicing can be performed much more quickly, with positive implications for the cash flow of the service organisation.
Key to the IDC system are personal PDAs, which hold the daily call schedules for each field engineer.
The PDAs are equipped with embedded barcode readers that enable scanning of items, such as cameras, alarm panels, fire panels (etc), which have been previously equipped with unique bar codes.
Further reading
Intelligent tag reader tracks in real time
Set to revolutionise the efficiency and reduce the costs of warehouse distribution systems, an intelligent tag reader tracks products/objects in real time.
Mobile data capture for ERP return
Simplitrak provides a gateway or middleware between the RFID readers and the WMS or ERP system which processes the streamed data from the readers and only passes on that which is essential.
The PDAs are used to collate the asset installation and equipment barcode information.
This information is then sent to a central database, eventually building into a full list of bar-coded equipment and asset installations for each site.
The field engineers also use the PDA as a means to record job details, such as start and end times, and as proof of equipment inspection upon a maintenance job.
These details are used to produce a PDA-based report, which is available in real time, enabling the costing and billing process to be performed within minutes of job completion, if required.
In addition to its data capture and reporting capabilities, the PDA is also a phone and integrates with Sat Nav via an integral GPS unit, which provides multiple functions: it keeps the service engineer well directed; provides centralised tracking of the service engineer, for re-direction if required; and allows the client to keep in touch with the engineer on the move.
The field service co-ordinator can also inform the next customer when the engineer is due to arrive utilising the ETA for the next job or site from the Sat Nav system and if there is a need to re-route engineers, this can be undertaken easily based upon engineer availability and proximity to the call location.
The next step in the development of the system is already ongoing: IDC is producing a common software gateway, which allows transfer of all relevant data from the PDA into the customers existing IT system.
In addition, the facility for request calls with a set priority is under development and will be integrated into the system shortly. Request a free brochure from IDC - Intelligent Distributed Controls ...
• IDC - Intelligent Distributed Controls: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
