Blue sky thinking…..the following is possible with the technology we have today! Sounds SCI FI?

Everyone has a unique ID chip to allow wireless ID in a split second (may be the chips will be implants in the future). Medical staff in the hospital emergency room all have handhelds. The handheld scans the ID chip and opens the patient record. This could include who, medication currently used, next of kin, blood type, donor etc.
Decisions can be made instantly as the right information, is with the right medic and at the right time.
It then becomes a tool of the job, just like a needle or other medical equipment.
This thread could be taken off in many other innovative areas, the above is really step one…..

Windows CE Development Projects
Here at igroup we have successfully completed a number of Windows CE development projects. Windows CE is optimised for devices that have minimal storage—a Windows CE kernel may run in under a megabyte of memory. Since its initial release, Windows CE has evolved into a component-based, embedded, real-time operating system. It is no longer only targeted at hand-held computers. Many platforms have been based on the core Windows CE operating system, including Microsoft’s Windows Mobile 2003, Windows Mobile 5.0, Smartphone 2003 and many industrial devices and embedded systems.
igroup have created projects based on Windows CE to interact with attached hardware devices, serial ports and even touch screens. Throughout the development process we use a strict PRINCE2 based software development cycle, as well as rigorous testing methods to ensure the software created is of the highest standard.
If you have a project which you feel would benefit from igroups’ vast knowledge of mobility solutions, please contact our friendly sales team who will be more than happy to discuss your available options with you on +44 (0) 845 838 2184.

igroup –A Microsoft Certified Partner
It gives us great pleasure to announce that igroup is now a Microsoft Certified Partner. What does this mean? Microsoft Certified Partners are independent companies that can provide you with the highest levels of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and hands-on skills. Microsoft Certified Partners encompass a broad range of expertise and vendor affiliations and their real world perspective can help you prioritise and effectively deliver your technology solutions. Microsoft Certified Partners have demonstrated expertise. Each Microsoft Certified Partner must employ a minimum number of Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs) who have a demonstrated level of technical expertise and the proven ability to deliver solutions featuring Microsoft products. MCPs must pass certification exams developed by Microsoft.
Here at igroup, we employ 5 MCPS who specialise in various Microsoft technologies from networking to web development to programming.
To add to our credentials, we have also achieved Microsoft Competencies in Mobility Solutions and are certified Small Business Specialists. So if you are thinking of a mobile solution, why not speak to igroup? We can deliver quality solutions. Don’t just take our word for it, take it from the worlds largest company Microsoft! Call our friendly sales staff on +44 (0) 845 838 2184.

Many customers are concerned at the ongoing data costs of a mobile solution.

The design and architecture of the solution will impact on how data thirsty the solution will be. As a rule of thumb browser/web based applications use more data, as the web page will need to be loaded many times in one session.

Rich applications can be set just to pass changes i.e. just the data

Although many telecom carriers now offer unlimited data useage and allow block purchases and useage among multiple users.

The cost of data is dropping all the time and will become minimal like fixed line telephony in the next year or two.

It is affordable now and ineffect will be free in the near future, bundled with other services from telecom providers.

PDA engineering software for field based workers.

Today I was with potential customers in the North East of England. We help many customers who have engineers in the field. The high level topics are always related and it may give you a starting point or assure you everyone has similar considerations and challenges!

Consumer PDA or rugged device?
Bespoke or Package?
How do you get a blue collar traditional workforce to adopt new practices?
Where does the ROI come from?
Not many other companies in our industry have implemented the new technology…are we pioneers or fool hardy?
What will it cost?

You are not alone !!!!

Today we covered the above and in other blog posts we touch on the above issues or view iField Service product.

In mobile solutions it is not just the developers who have to know a lot about mobile solutions. One of the most challenging jobs is that of project manager. Not only do you have to have good project management skills (Prince 2) but you have to have a very good grasp of the technology and terminology. For me at igroup I often get involved early on in a project. This helps me not only to understand what needs to be done, but also the technology that we will be using.

One of the first things to do is to make sure that all the requirements have been gathered for a Mobile Solution project. Our Analysts will perform all the requirements gathering, including finding the business rules, user and business requirements. Making sure that the client has given us all their requirements is very important and also any assumptions the client may think we know about.

One important part of a mobile project is to manage the procurement and delivery of the hardware. The hardware is often as important as the software. Both have to work in harmony with each other. To a user, if one does not work then the whole solution does not work.

In part 2 I will talk about the aspects of project management that need more consideration in a Mobile Solution than in a normal project ……

Construction Software for PDA’s can allow many benefits -

A few applications -

Time and attendance
Checking deliveries onto site
Ensuring contractors meet project windows
Meeting health and safety requirements
Site surveys
Inspections
Monitoring stock and materials
Turning paper into an electronic format

I have worked with a number of construction companies and this established industry has huge potential gains from mobile computing.

More info on the web site here.

Just a few ideas to get the old brain thinking…….

PDA blog

Has anyone seen any other useful PDA type blogs - hardware focus?

Assessment, Maturity, Mobility, Seamless, Solution.

What do the above five words mean in this context?

Assessment - of current business processes and requirements is the first step of a project.

Maturity - A mix of mature technology and companies now exist, although tread carefully as a number of companies will still use you as the lab test.

Mobility - Is using the technology to drive process and productivity, do not let the vendor bog you in technology.

Seamless - The most successful projects link intergration of other systems and stretch the enterprise into the field.

Solution - Even if you buy a packaged application, the solution approach is still needed. What about hardware, data/sim cards etc?

For more info - go to the igroup web site and select downloads - free useful info.

“Can you work on Saturday?” said the MD.
Not another day in the office!
“I want you to come to Bedford with me to pick up a new car.”
I didn’t realise the car was being picked up from the race track there.
We were driven around the track. The boss in a Jaguar racing car, I preferred the four wheel drive.
The set up was amazing and we both thoroughly enjoyed our time there.
I was even paid which made my day even better!
Guess where the next away day for the staff is!

Life on the road meeting new customers and valued current customers needs to be effective. After each meeting how do you keep records, make notes of promises? Some good sales people are not the best record keepers and enjoy the “sell” not the paper work!

If the company CRM system is on a pda device, the sales person can look up information as they “go”. e.g. Prior to a call the account history can be pulled down to the device and refresh the mind before the meeting.

During the meeting orders can be processed on the spot!!!

Post meeting - the record can be briefly updated and the individual is up to date and does not have to start on updating the crm, when home or the following week…..

For more info have a look on the igroup web site - we have iField sales - a packaged application that is a CRM handheld solution.

Steve.

“Modern technology is great,” said one of our colleagues, but, “I have always found my way around the UK and Europe by using a map.”
Last Sunday the person concerned set off with an office colleague to visit a country pub in Shropshire.
A journey which normally takes 15 minutes, she decided had gone wrong when one and a half hours later they were driving around the lanes of mid Wales!
Luckily the guy in the passenger seat was new to the area and gallantly said he had enjoyed the ride in the sunshine.
The drivers excuse, “I am normally driven to the pub, I was trying to locate, by a friend!”
On returning to the office it was suggested she visits our website and read of the benefits of iVehicle Tracking

One of igroup’s latest successful projects has been for Kah:systems, part of the Manheim group, who are based at Harrogate in Yorkshire.
The project was based on iReport.
iReport is a scalable and flexible reporting solution that integrates sophisticated, powerful reporting functionality with enterprise applications for effective information delivery. With iReport, organisations can mine data hidden in applications and deliver information to end users, enabling them to gain greater insight into their businesses and make timely and critical decisions.
Thanks to Stuart Newcombe of Kah:systems for his collaboration on the project.

Juniper Systems - Archer Field PC
The following device is worth considering, if you need a rugged device in a pda form factor. Why?

It has windows mobile 5
IP 67 (thus very rugged)
Feels right i.e. ergonomic
Great price - starts at £850 !!!

You can also add many peripherals to the device to have multiple applications!

For more info visit the hardware section on the web site where you will find other Juniper Systems products . Plus many devices from all the leading players.

Steve.