That said, we are limited on what can be done on the two phones by what the plugin will allow us to do and what the phones are able to do. The plug for the BlackBerry is about a year behind the iPhone. As new features become available we will update TDD.
Syncing
On the iPhone, the user can sync the jobs via WiFi, Edge or 3G connections. This means a tech. can sync after each job while in the field. Each time you sync, the calls on TDD get updated automatically. BlackBerry users can only sync via a WiFi or USB connection. This means techs have to sync while in the office or a WiFi hot spot. Some minor technical changes to your modem and router settings may be required. Each time you sync, you need to manually update the jobs in TDD by clicking another button.
From the app.
Both phones provide all the who, what, where and whens of the call. I.e work order number, address, contact, service requested, appointment times etc. Both will let you edit and find records, switch layouts, and view as a table.
The iPhone version will let you enter parts used and time spent on the job as well as store a photograph of your work and capture a signature. The customer can use their finger or a stylus (must be battery powered) to sign the work order using the touch screen. Photos and signatures will sync back to TDD desktop version.
Both phones will let you call the customer from the app, so you don't have to write the number down and then dial manually. Both phones will let you email from the app. Both phones will let you open a map to the job address. However, the iPhone will give you two maps. One from within the app and another that opens the iPhones, Google map app. and (if you have a 3g) show you where you are, in relation to the job address.
The iPhone version allows for related files and records to sync as well. This means, in the app, you can also have a service history and customer contact information all in one place. You will see the service history right on the screen for each job address. With a tap you can see the entire job.
Cost and Licensing.
For now, we are not charging for the added features. We'll call it beta testing. Customers who wish to take advantage of these new features, will need to purchase the plug-ins from FMWebschool.com and update their TDD desktop program (free). Presently, the plug-in running about $70.00. BlackBerry users will need to pay for each phone. iPhone users can use the same app on 5 phones per iTunes account. I know, it sounds unfair, but it's not up to me. Anything you purchase on iTunes is permitted to work on up to 5 devices.
Soon, we will be selling directly from iTunes and customers who have more than 5 devices can purchase ad hock.
What we're working on.
Presently, only the regular version of TDD is able to sync with the two phones. We are working on the full version which will allow inventory control and automatically populate the descriptions and prices when you enter a part number.
We are also working on incorporating barcode scanning so you can use the camera on the iPhone 3g to scan in barcodes of parts used.
Both phones will let you call the customer from the app, so you don't have to write the number down and then dial manually. Both phones will let you email from the app. Both phones will let you open a map to the job address. However, the iPhone will give you two maps. One from within the app and another that opens the iPhones, Google map app. and (if you have a 3g) show you where you are, in relation to the job address.
The iPhone version allows for related files and records to sync as well. This means, in the app, you can also have a service history and customer contact information all in one place. You will see the service history right on the screen for each job address. With a tap you can see the entire job.
Cost and Licensing.
For now, we are not charging for the added features. We'll call it beta testing. Customers who wish to take advantage of these new features, will need to purchase the plug-ins from FMWebschool.com and update their TDD desktop program (free). Presently, the plug-in running about $70.00. BlackBerry users will need to pay for each phone. iPhone users can use the same app on 5 phones per iTunes account. I know, it sounds unfair, but it's not up to me. Anything you purchase on iTunes is permitted to work on up to 5 devices.
Soon, we will be selling directly from iTunes and customers who have more than 5 devices can purchase ad hock.
What we're working on.
Presently, only the regular version of TDD is able to sync with the two phones. We are working on the full version which will allow inventory control and automatically populate the descriptions and prices when you enter a part number.
We are also working on incorporating barcode scanning so you can use the camera on the iPhone 3g to scan in barcodes of parts used.
Againn, we are limited on what we can do by what the plug-in and the phone will allow us to do.
As soon as new features become available, we will update you via our blog.
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Thanks for your time.
Mark
Custom Desktop Solutions
CstDskSol@aol.com
Not sure if you guys are aware of this forum. It has only been open for a month or two. I hope it can help in the developement of the Blackberry software.
ReplyDeletehttp://supportforums.blackberry.com/rim/?category.id=BlackBerryDevelopment