 WHY DATA
COLLECTION AT ALL?
Typical Standard Software computer based "receipt".  Great strides have been made with deploying existing applications via "thin clients", remote desktops and the like, but there is still a strong case to be made for "distributed" computing. Yes, it is possible to take an existing application from an existing system, Accounting, Inventory, Shipping, etc., and deploy that application "wholesale" to the "point of work", and eliminate the need for paperwork, redundant, and untimely data collection, but is the objective to make the mobile worker a "clerk" or to assist them in doing a more effective job, speed up data collection, and eliminate mistakes at the "point of work", and using many existing applications falls shot on all of the above. We can assist you in deploying devices to extend your existing software and applications into the workplace. It is not hard, and for some it works very well, but not for many. For many, there is a better way, and we have been providing this better way for more than 25 years. 
 Bar Code Inventory Tag Receipt Screen on Windows Mobile Device When we design and deploy a system, we are interesting on moving the point of control to the point of work, and in the process improving the timeliness, quality, and quantity of collected and shared data. This can be done in several ways, but as with all things, there is a way that "works", and a way the really WORKS! One of the prime objective of distributed data collection, computing and reporting is to put the right amount of power and data that is required right out there in the workplace at the point of work to gain control and direct activity. This is done in a way to make the system survivable in all circumstances, even when the Server and the Network completely collapse. After all, bad things happen, and according to Murphy's Law, they will happen to you, and with annoying regularity. Deploying a system that relies on the Server (Cloud) and network for data is just asking Mr. Murphy to hit you in the face - hard. That's why we use completely independent devices, with their own data source, and programming to support all of our SYNTEGRATECH® systems use actual Windows 7, Windows Mobile, Windows CE, or Android based devices, perfectly capable of running and controlling the process we have intended them for without any connection to the Cloud or the Network. You should do the same. 
 Next, there is the issue of intuitive ease of use. Most, if not all of the Accounting, MRP, Warehousing, and similar systems that are deployed were built by "programmers" who expect that data entry will be done by "intelligent clerical" people. The interface is designed that way, and the controls (edits) built into the systems are oriented that way. When you deploy these same systems to the point of work, either they need to be highly modified, or try to turn the mobile worker into a "clerk", which they generally are not, and with sometimes very awful results. When we use VisualCE or DroidDB to construct an interface to "control" the point of work, the people and the activity that goes on there, we rely on a simple "question and answer" model. First, remove the complexity, next remove the confusion, and last remove as much of the possibility for error as feasible - that's the question and answer method. Ask a simple question, say Part Number, then compare that to data you are expecting, if an error is found, provide instant feedback to mobile worker, otherwise ask the next simple question. Move on. It is the "KISS" method, but in the palm of your hands. Yes, it takes some programming, and yes, it takes some experience, but the results can be a very beautiful thing. Even if the Accounting or ERP system only fits 85% of your requirements, we can make the activity that transpires at the point of work fit you 99.9%, and that is a tight fit! 
 Then there is the fact that one data collection sequence done in a very simple fashion can be made to "feed" several applications in the Accounting, ERP, Warehousing, Payroll, Costing, etc, Systems. It is sort of like voice activated data collection, it seems like a good idea until you try it. It takes a very long time to "say" a 20 character part number, and only a fraction of a second to scan it with the handy bar code provided. In fact the worker using the SYNTEGRATECH® based system, might be done and on to the next task - actually accomplishing work - before the voice enabled worker is done answering the first prompt. That's it, instead of having to fill out data in several screens using the standard software you use, we can collect data in one simple process, and using ODBC and other methods update several sub-systems (screens) when it is time, even immediately, with what we like to call "fresh killed data". So that's not all, obviously, if you spend the money to deploy or modify and deploy you current standard software out into the workplace, when you change this software, you need to do and pay for this for the new and improved software again (and again and again....). If you construct a simple data collection process that is independent of the standard software, it fits you better for sure, but it also is just that - independent. So, when you change the Standard Software, you merely have to change the data exchange between the Data Collection and the new Standard Software, much less of a task, not to mention that you don't have to retrain everyone everywhere, only the "clerical" staff that deals with the Standard Software. Wow, you could save a lot of money and time later, if and when you make a change, as well as get a better solution, more fit and control at the point of work, more timely and accurate collected and shared data, and a whole lot less errors now - merely by installing a SYNTEGRATECH® system of data collection and reporting. Seems like a good thing to us. 
 So, there are a bunch of reasons why folks make the choices they do, there is always another flavor of ice cream, another promotion, another approach. It is what makes the world go around. Mostly, we expect in business we are making these choices based on information that we can count on and that is right, but as things "evolve" it is sort of like the old adage, those who don't know history are bound to repeat it. If you listen to the latest and greatest people out there, promoting the latest and greatest solution, you may miss a few things along the way, and making a decision based on partial, or even worse, wrong information can be deadly to you, your job and your company. We think you should find out as much as you can, before you jump to avoid the leap being fatal. Sure, we can put in all the whizz bang newest equipment, networking, redundancy, and the like, but that still is no substitute for a "bullet proof" approach that puts you in control, is simple and intuitive to use, responsive and timely in operation, and works no matter what, even when there is rain coming out of those IT "clouds". Be a smart worker, manager, owner and and seek consultation with SYNTEGRATECH®, before you make a very costly mistake. After more than 25 years, and thousands of systems that "WORK!", perhaps we would be those people who do know history, and are unwilling to let you repeat it! |
|
|---|---|
  |
|
 |
|
|
A great place to start is the SYNTEGRATECH® System Building Seminar hosted at your company location. SYNTEGRATECH® offers a Toolkit of off-the-shelf hardware and software - only the best, least expensive, most competent and reliable available. SYNTEGRATECH® can provide any and all manufacturer's equipment, but are captive to none. SYNTEGRATECH® can provide everything from Consulting to Complete Turnkey Systems, both off-the-shelf and tailored to your very specific needs. Please let us know, if and how we may help you. Please contact us for our most up to date offerings, latest prices, and additional information. |
|
 |
|
Contact SyntegraTech at:
|
|
SYNTEGRATECH