Case study · Software & Business Systems
A 2012 mobile sales system that brought customer, stock, ordering and invoicing information into the field.
Starting point
IAPS Group’s van-sales team used handheld devices to supply specialist parts at the customer’s location. The technology was ageing and costly to maintain, but the working sequence—take the order, check stock, supply what was on the van and send the rest to head office—still served the business well.
Keep the van-sales routine working
The proprietary handhelds and their software were nearing obsolescence. Keeping them running was becoming harder and more expensive, yet replacing the whole process would disrupt daily sales. Staff still needed to take an order beside the van, check what was available and tell head office what remained. The technology had to change without making a proven field routine unfamiliar.
Putting live information in the field
DPM Systems Ltd delivered the system in 2012. From the mobile device, a salesperson could view the customer account, check current product and stock information, create the order and produce the relevant invoice or delivery document. Transactions then synchronised with the head-office system, keeping field activity and central records connected.
Less re-entry at head office
IAPS reported that orders were entered more quickly while staff were with customers, duplicate entry at head office fell and salespeople worked with more accurate customer and stock information. Order and invoicing errors also reduced because information captured in the field flowed back into the central system.
Delivery
Relevant BNR capability today
BNR can shape mobile systems around the actual sequence of field work, including customer information, stock handling, order capture and communication with head office.
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