Question:  We have started using RSMobile with our drivers and they carry stock of boxes and packing tape on the van.  If a customer wants any of these, they are writing them down on a notepad and we are updating the workorder when they get back. Is there a better way?

Answer:  Since RS-SQL version 2.08 you have been able to create a new workorder for materials and services on your RSMobile device or add them to an existing workorder. In addition, signatures can be captured in RSMobile for specific materials/services sales and receipts can be printed.

If RSMobile lists were defined in RS-SQL, new menu options appear on the Workorder screen when a workorder is downloaded. The menu options only appear if a corresponding list was created in RS-SQL. This is because only materials/services that have been identified and added to a special list in RS-SQL are available for download to RSMobile. If you do not create a list, no materials or services will be downloaded and the menu options will not display in RSMobile. Options for creating the lists are available from the Object and Action grids. The lists are synchronized during initialization and communication with the RSMobile scanner.

To create a Materials list, in Administration, from the Options menu, Setup submenu, select Object. The Object grid appears. In the Object grid, select Material and click Sublist. The sublist of materials displays.

Mark the items you want included on the list. From the Options menu, select RSMobile Materials List. Select Save to save the list. From the Options menu, you can also load or delete an existing list.

That should save a lot of duplicate effort and ensure accurate billing.