Getting key information to and from field workers is a critical part of many Council operations. Whether it be details about equipment, work orders, inspections, patients, clients, animals or order processing, in the ideal world this information would be available in real time and at all times to support the mobile teams in their business tasks, sometimes on a 24/7 basis.
As eager as many are to take advantage of mobile technology the problem for most is that the software systems Councils use to hold their mission critical data is often not designed to share this information with the mobile world.
As a result, details of the thousands of clients built up over a number of years, or key data on the asset register, is locked away on the office network. It is inaccessible to the mobile workforce and liberated only by drastic and often costly actions, such as replacing the existing software or by investing in significant development.
A Melbourne technology company may have the solution. Using an innovative new software product they can enable Councils to deliver their existing Windows products to remote and mobile users, partners and customers. This will give them access to key business information from anywhere, on any device with a browser, including mobile phones and PDAs.
Access to the Council’s data is secure with each user getting only the information required and in a format that fits the screen size of the device they are using. All this is achieved without the Council having to change its existing software products and with no risk to existing data.
The technology originates in the UK and already a number of Councils in England are benefiting.
Cambridge County Council has recently used it to give ambulance staff immediate and secure access to Council’s social care records while out on the road. This has improved their efficiency and productivity, helping them make decisions that enhance the service to their clients.
The approach is a huge improvement on most other mobile data solutions due to the following.
- Minimum impact on the business.
No need to replace or modify the existing business software, it remains untouched – no development needed.
It is non invasive therefore there is no risk to the Council’s existing data.
When it comes to the mobile device there is no requirement for any additional software as the solution uses the browser already available.
The solution can send as much or as little information as required to the mobile device. This information can be different for each user and for each device making it secure and easy to use.
No duplication or synchronization of data.
Regardless of the nature of the operation or the software currently used, the solution aims to provide a simple, rapid, cost effective way of getting real time information to and from the people in the field.
For further information about this new technology contact Ian Wilcock at eMotion Communication Technology on 0413 804244 or (03) 9589 0072.
* Copy supplied by at eMotion Communication Technology
