Portal opens the door for engineers

The latest breakthrough in mobile technologies is enabling field service engineers to have instant access to information whenever they need it.

The first of its kind, the Interchange eMobile Engineer Portal is a full-function web-based application, designed specifically to enable engineers to reduce downtime and boost productivity.

By using an XDA web and voice-enabled Pocket PC and either GPRS or GSM connections, engineers can log in and access details of work in progress, receive and monitor spare parts stock, prioritise daily work schedules and keep the office informed of developments.

The portal has been developed by Interchange Group, which has over a decade's experience of delivering mobile solutions for field service engineers.

Managing director, Phillip Jones, said:  "We see the eMobile Engineer Portal as a real turning point in the way that field professionals work. By combining mobile technologies with our expertise, we have broken all the traditional barriers that meant engineers always had to return to the office to collect paperwork and information.

"Having access to everything they need via the Pocket PC and the portal means they are instantly more productive, which not only benefits them, but also the business."

The portal can be easily integrated into a company's existing field service management and helpdesk systems and Interchange's technical consultants and web developers can provide the level of support you need.

The extensive feature list includes the ability to prioritise outstanding calls, display customer information, update call status and access email. In addition, because the software is web-based, it means there's no lost data if the mobile device becomes faulty.

Plus, engineers can use the same handheld browser to access other web-based corporate or Internet resources, such as on-line product manuals, repair guides or customer site diagrams.

 The O₂ XDA is one of a range of mobile solutions offered by Interchange and combines leading-edge functionality with a bright, full-colour touch screen. It comes complete with personal productivity software including Pocket Excel, Pocket Word and Pocket Internet Explorer.

Interchange will be demonstrating the eMobile Engineer Portal, and the XDA, on their stand at the Service Management Europe Show.