RENTAL SOFTWARE
33
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014
ACCESS, LIFT & HANDLERS
InspHire also recently launched InspHire
Mobile, an Android-specific application designed
for oil, gas, construction and other specialty
industries. InspHire Mobile allows users to
control data anywhere and offer immediate
response to issues that may be happening on
another site, effectively minimizing downtime
and improving bottom line.
The new software product provides users
with the ability to access key, up-to-the-minute
business data and execute changes while on
the go. Traditional personal digital assistants
(PDAs), which have been used up to this point
in the construction and energy industries, have
been notoriously expensive due to the cost
of dedicated robust devices, and they have
largely lacked user-friendly interfaces. In order
to provide an easy-to-operate interface for any
level of user, InspHire Mobile is programmed to
take advantage of features already built into the
Android system. All the information users need
is displayed in simple, graphical format so the
application is easy to get accustomed to.
InspHire’s proprietary application allows its
users to complete deliveries, track collections
with signatures, take images at on-hire and
off-hire, and communicate job instructions
to others’ devices. All information is instantly
stored on the user’s company’s InspHire
account, alleviating the need for time-
consuming upload and saving processes.
“InspHire prides itself on being market leaders
of innovation,” says Graham Dobbs, president
of InspHire. “With InspHire Mobile, we’ve
developed a high-functioning technology that is
accessible to all equipment rental companies –
not just those with bigger budgets.[It] lets rental
businesses increase their productivity and put
themselves at better positions in the competitive
market.”
Application-focused
Point-of-Rental’s most recent update is the
company’s Mobile Workforce App. This app
allows workers on jobsites and out in the yard
to stay in-check and in-tune with their data and
accounts.
A web-based application rather than device-
specific, Mobile Workforce can be utilized
with any Internet-enabled mobile device; from
iPhones and Androids to tablets and laptops. The
mobile app takes advantage of touch-screen
user interfaces by “reducing tasks from what
would normally be several time-consuming
steps down to a few simple clicks,” the
company says.
Mobile Workforce allows the mobile worker
to eliminate the paper equation by performing
tasks onsite without having to be granted full
access to the company server.
For example, a driver delivering a boom lift to
a jobsite can open the contract from that site
and take a photo of the item delivered as well as
have the customer sign for it right on the device.
The signature capture is instantly reflected in the
contract, eliminating the need for paper to be
delivered back to the office and filed. Similarly,
if an employee is sent out to survey a site for
delivery and setup, notes can be added to the
contract or reservation, detailing the surface and
size of the area or any other number of logistical
elements. In addition, service personnel
performing maintenance on a portable sanitation
unit can open the service contract from the
jobsite and scan the barcode on the unit to mark
the service completed. The task is then instantly
reflected in the contract, automatically noting
the latitude-longitude location as well as the
date-time stamp.
“We just started using Mobile Workforce and
our delivery drivers love it because it is simple
and easy to navigate,” says Scott Munsterman,
president of First Place Rentals. Munsterman
says the drivers at First Place like being able
to take photos when delivering or picking up
equipment and attaching them to a contract.
“When we delivered a [telehandler], the driver
was able to take a photo of the truck and license
plate for ID and also a photo to show the time
we arrived on site,” Munsterman says. “We also
have our yard crew taking photos of customers
and their vehicles in our own yard when they
are suspicious about the circumstances of
the rental. In just the first few weeks, Mobile
Workforce has helped to prove when and where
the driver dropped off equipment and saves time
back at the office because drivers don’t need
to call in before heading to the next delivery.
Our customers are certainly impressed at how
technologically savvy we are. We enjoy being on
the cutting edge.”
Orion Software has made its all-new Sirius
e application by combining a Windows app
and a web portal with cloud capabilities. The
application is made to be a complete rental,
distribution and service solution. The Sirius
e-mobile application was designed to be used
on a touch screen, eliminating the need for
external mouse use. The company says it is
versatile and adapts to whatever device it is
being used on. The touch-screen interface offers
options to the end users to improve efficiency
without compromising on the completeness of
information. The e Service Management module
on mobile devices is intended for the field staff
to access their schedules and map routes. It is
Point-of-
Rental’s
most recent
update is the
company’s
Mobile
Workforce
App.
Point-of-Rentals’ app allows workers on
jobsites and out in the yard to stay in-check
and in-tune with their data and accounts.
