June/July 2003

Microlise, the mobile and networked systems integrator and logistics software developer, has been quick off the mark to add a smartphone-based option to its real-time proof-of-delivery and mobile computing suite.

The company says there are situations where they offer a genuine alternative to more sophisticated handheld computers or PDAs (personal digital assistants).

The company says the appeal of the latest Java-enabled phones is that, whilst they may not support "sign on screen" signature capture, they can deliver many of the real-time benefits of mobile computing in the proof-of-delivery process for a fraction of the price.

Microlise adds that some recent mobiles such as the Nokia 7250 and the Sharp GX-10 offer an alternative to on-screen signature capture through their built-in imaging ability. A captured signature image can then be uploaded as part of the POD data, the company says. Where barcode scanning is required, a dedicated barcode scanner attachment from Symbol (replacing the existing battery cover) can be used on phones such as the Motorola iDEN range.

 

Microlise acknowledges that the PDA option will remain more appealing for many mobile applications, and points out that PDAs and phones can be mixed and matched in a single system, so operators have the maximum flexibility.