The Desktop Dispatcher

Bug Reported

2011-01-17T18:10:00.000-08:00

We have had a bug reported by one of our users.

Who's affected: It looks like some copies of The Desktop Dispatcher FULL VERSION ONLY, are affected.
The problem: On an open work order, when parts are listed in the lower part of the work order, and then changed to a different part, the changes may not carry over when the job is closed out.

The fix: We have squashed this bug and if you are affected, we have a new version available to download. Unfortunately, this isn't a simple patch. This is a fresh install and will require you to follow the following instructions.

Open your existing program and go to each of the layouts and select "Show all Records" from the records pull down menu.
Rename your existing directory where The Desktop Dispatcher is installed. ....program files/Custom Desktop Solutions to ...program files/Custom Desktop Solutions old.
Download and install the new program www.DesktopDispatcher.com/demo.exe
Call or email for a new registration number.
Go to each of the layouts and import records from the old program into the new. Videos are available on our website that can help guide you through this import process. http://www.desktopdispatcher.com/dispatch-software-help.html

We apologize for any inconvenience and stand ready to assist.
If we can be of any help, please let us know.

Mark Fleming

Bug Fix

2010-11-11T17:02:00.000-08:00

We have fixed a bug in the full version that, under certain circumstances, caused duplication of records in the customer list and inventory files.
Visit the Downloads section and follow the instructions to update your program.
If you have experianced this problem and didn't know abou it, we will be happy to help clean up your files to remove the duplicates. Just let us know if you need help.
Sorry for any inconvenance.

Mark

Update available

2010-09-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

Hi again,
We have an update available for users of our full version.
You can get a patch and installation instructions from our website in the downloads section.

This update makes it possible for techs to sync no matter what window is open on The Desktop Dispatcher and fixes some other minor syncing issues.

We have also added an optional script that can automatically update the sync file, so you don't necessarily have to click on the "Sync to Phone" option.

New Features

2010-02-05T17:45:00.000-08:00

We have added two new, optional timers that will automatically run scripts to help automate the program. One for appointments that will search for appointments that are coming due soon and another that will keep the iDispatcher window the active window while the program is idle, allowing techs in the field to sync with their phones.
We have added color indicators to the parts area of the work order to signal when on hand quantities are running low or out of stock.
We have redesigned our website and added several videos for training and demo purposes. Check out http://www.DesktopDispatcher.com

What can be done on the iPhone vs. BlackBerry

2009-08-06T19:05:00.000-07:00

I just want to start by thanking the folks at FMWebschool.com for creating the plug-in that lets us sync our FileMaker based solutions on the iPhone and BlackBerry phones.

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.

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.

Please take a moment to sign up as a follower so we can keep you up to date.

If you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact us. We love hearing from you.

Thanks for your time.

Mark

Custom Desktop Solutions

http://www.customdesktopsolutions.com/

CstDskSol@aol.com

The Desktop Dispatcher on your BlackBerry

2009-08-04T03:49:00.000-07:00

Just an update about using The Desktop Dispatcher on smart phones.

Everything seems to be working well on the iPhone. We hope to have it for sale on iTuens within 2 weeks.

We are currently working to bring The Desktop Dispatcher to BlackBerry users as well.

Currently, you can load the calls onto the phone, call the customer from app., get a map to the location from the app, and email the customer from the app.

The Desktop Dispatcher on your iPhone

2009-06-06T05:04:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to announce that you can now use The Desktop Dispatcher on your iPhone.

Any business owner, who owns an iPhone, knows how much they rely on it to act as a one stop source for email, maps, sms, news, g.p.s. and more. The possibilities are endless. For example, we have adapted our Desktop Dispatcher to run on an iPhone. Imagine this; you’re a service based business with multiple technicians. Using The Desktop Dispatcher, you build a list of calls for your tech. and then the tech. wirelessly syncs (while in the office or on the road) his phone with The Desktop Dispatcher to get his list of calls. With the jobs now on his phone, the tech. can

Call the customer from the work order by tapping on the phone number field.
Get a map to the job location by tapping on a button.Change the status of the job. (the status will sync with The Desktop Dispatcher )
Take a picture with the build in camera and store it on the work order.
Record audio notes right into the work order.
Capture signatures.
Email the customer, right from the work order and even attach a .pdf file of the work order.
View his calls in list view or form view.
Sort his calls, by any field.
Wirelessly sync with the office after each job, to update the office and get new calls.
Using other apps. available on iTunes, locate other techs.

If, as a business owner, you're worried about your service technicians, using their iPhones as a toy, keep in mind, you can lock out some of the features on the iPhone.

For a limited time, this new feature is free. That is, we will not charge for existing customers to update, or new customers to purchase this feature. However, if you want to use this feature, you will need to purchase the FMTouch application from iTunes. While we have always given updates away for free, we consider this an upgrade.

That's all for now.

Have a great day.