PUBLIC SECTOR

Airport -
Add mobile handheld device front-end to Work Order system

Background
Our client had an existing Work Order system. However, updates could only be made directly through PC/terminal screens. This meant that paper copies of all Work Orders were given to the Field Maintenance crews who would mark them up with information on hours spent and parts used, then return them so this information could be manually entered into the system. This paper-based system was time-consuming, cumbersome, and error-prone.

The Challenge
The client was pleased with the scheduling/dispatch and Work Order tracking capabilities of the existing system, so it had to be retained. Thus, the client wanted VisionMAX to create a front-end that would work on a mobile handheld device that would interact wirelessly with the back-end Work Order system.

The Solution
VisionMAX was able to leverage the design from a previous VisionEngine-based project for this client. In that project, curbside attendants use mobile handheld devices to scan authorization forms that allow limo drivers to pick up passengers who have previously arranged a ride.

For this project, VisionMAX created a new set of software programs that transmit work orders to the mobile device, including drawing-file attachments. The field maintenance crews are able to use their handheld mobile device to update the work order wirelessly with information on the work performed and synchronize this with the back-office system.

The Results
The new system provided the following benefits:

• Field Maintenance crews were able to eliminate paperwork (100,000 work orders/yr)
• Information on work orders is updated in real-time on the mobile devices and automatically synchronized with the back-office system
• Up-to-date and more reliable information provides management with a better tool to track progress on work orders