Field Service Anywhere Devices

The Microsoft Field Service Anywhere for Dynamics GP is a robust application that allows remote technicians to perform their work on laptops or handheld devices and communicate with centralized servers.  Thus allowing for more efficient technicians, better service for customers and faster time to billing for your company  Therefore, choosing the right device for your technicians is critical.  While there are some basic requirements for compatibility, there are many more considerations to factor in when making your decision.  Below are just a few things we have discovered and felt it important to share with you.

Thanks and happy shopping!!

Requirements

1) You must have a Windows based OS. On a laptop, most Windows based OSs are supported. On a Pocket PC or Smart device (Pocket PC/phone) either WM5 or the newly released WM6. You CANNOT use Windows Pocket PC 2003 Second Edition or a Palm device;

2) You can use a laptop running a Windows based OS, or a Pocket PC, Smart devices (Pocket PC/phone) with touch screen capability at the current time.

Some Considerations

1) Ruggedized for non-ruggedized devices. Keep in mind, ruggedized devices are quite expensive. Non-ruggedized are cheaper but can break easily if dropped;

2) Storage capacity. While most Pocket PC devices have adequate on-board memory for most technician volumes, they also support memory expansion with removable SDRAM (or mini-SDRAM) cards which have ample space (2GB or more) to handle larger databases;

3) Security: Since most devices now have built-in cameras, you need to check with your customer base to see if they allow cameras inside their facility. Removable memory cards can be lost so data can fall into the wrong hands. WM5 and WM6 do have the ability to purge devices remotely if they are lost or stolen, so this needs to be investigated and managed at an IT level. This is not part of FSA;

4) Keyboards: GUI verses keypad. Some devices have very small keypads. This can be a challenge for most adults with larger fingers. Larger keypads are available as a ’snap on’, however, they can also ‘snap off’ undesirably. Some devices have slide out keypads with larger buttons. Most devices have GUI keypads, but they generally require a stylus. That is OK, but stylus can be lost very easily.  I know, as I have lost more than I can even count;

5) Consolidated phone and FSA device. Some people prefer to have a separate phone with ‘push to talk’ (walkie-talkie) capability. Nextel was the leader in ‘push to talk’ capability, however, more and more carriers may add this capability.  Warning:  Due your research before buying any device to make sure they will support the Windows OS. Also, be aware that having 2 devices allows a technician to talk on the phone while also working on their device,.  However, the trade off is having 2 physical devices;

6) GPS support; Do you need it at all? Most devices can support externally attached Bluetooth GPS devices if it is not already built in to the device;

7) Connectivity; Do you need real-time cellular connectivity or can you simply use a Wi-Fi or cradled connectivity scenario? Cellular connectivity will require a data access fee from your carrier; Wi-Fi or cradled is cheaper since you can go to a ‘hot spot’ or local office.  If you go with a data access plan, do you pay per transaction, per character, or just a flat fee per month;

8) If you want to print remotely, you will need a device that supports Bluetooth; Bluetooth printers are available for separate purchase.  There are several very good Bluetooth printers on the market today;