Overview
FM Mobile is an integrated vertical solution, comprising a J2EE server
and a client application (on Pocket PC 2002 device). By integrating
with the back-end system of an enterprise, like MAXIMO®'s COMPUTERISED
MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CMMS), FM Mobile provides enterprises
with a mobile solution to manage their field workers, particularly
those in the property facilities management business
Unique Features of FM Mobile Work Order Module
The basic package of FM Mobile primarily deals with the remote despatch of work orders generated by a back-end system and the remote filing of job reports into the system.
Multi-Lingual Support
FM Mobile supports UNICODE and is capable of displaying texts in multiple
languages including traditional Chinese and simplified Chinese, Japanese,
Korean, etc
Multi-User Management
Multiple users may be supported on any single PDA by means of password
validation of each user's profile.
Receive Work Orders and Order Updates
A technician who logs onto the server at the beginning of the day
will get all outstanding orders assigned to him. During the day whenever
there is any change in the back-end system, the FM Mobile server will
automatically be updated and this new message will be stored in the
queue for despatch to the destined recipient. The message will be kept
in the server until the next communication session with the field technician.
In the event of a communication link disruption, the message will be
retained in the server until retrieved in entirely, so that all messages
will be guaranteed delivery.
Access Work Order Information
Related information like service details, artisan assignment, problem
description, materials planning, cause-remedy table, and checklists
etc. from the back-end system on the PDA. Through a one-click button
on the PDA, the technician can open a web browser to retrieve from
the back-end system technical manuals, history of the equipment or
inventory for trouble shooting hints.
Complete Job Reports
The technician, upon completing a job, may fill out on the PDA a
job report containing details like job report status, cause-remedy
report, materials consumption, labour hours, checklist report and customer
signature. Text messages may also be sent by the technician to the
central server as special remarks or for follow-up. The data captured
by the FM Mobile server will be automatically input into the back-end
system.
Conduct Transactions Off-line
All work orders despatched to a technician may be stored in the PDA
for reviewing off-line anytime, so that radio transmission costs may
be minimized. Likewise, job reports may be completed off-line before
transmission to the server. Work orders and job reports stored in the
PDA may be erased according to schedules set by the user.
Dynamic Checklist Generation
The system user may create or update checklists easily without any
program compilation or software update in the PDA.
Optional Add-Ons
Instant Notification
In the interests of battery consumption savings, it is desirable that
work order retrievals are initiated by the client software in the PDA.
In the case of emergency orders, notification alerts may be sent to
the destined recipient via SMS.
Create New Work Orders in the Field
Technicians may create additional work requests on-line via the PDA for
the central office to take follow-up action.
Instant Messaging
This optional add-on allows each system user to track the on-line status
of each group member, and to text message with one another. This facilitates
messaging between the central office and field technicians and among
the field technicians themselves. Messaging may be conducted over SMS
or GPRS depending on the message bearer of the PDA hardware and to
both on-line as well as off-line recipients. The sender may also specify
the message acknowledgement method he expects: no acknowledgement required;
auto acknowledgement upon receipt; auto acknowledgement upon message
opening; and manual acknowledgement by PDA user.
Centralized Message Repository
This optional module allows all messages exchanged over the FM Mobile
system to be stored at the server and made available for review by a
designated client software. This feature will be useful in the event
that the central office allows technicians to transfer work orders among
themselves, in which case, the FM Mobile server will need to keep track
of all transfers for updating back-end accordingly.
Bar Coding
FM Mobile supports the use of bar codes for capturing and validating
data, to identify equipment, parts and locations.
Customer Benefits of FM Mobile
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Eradicates paper work and unnecessary foot traffic
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Eliminates lost or duplicate work orders and errors
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Reduces lead time in reporting by mobile workforce
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Provides maintenance staff with more accurate and up-to-date information
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Allows a more effective resource deployment platform
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