"Ostara Mobile" - A Workforce Management Application That Really is Mobile

News provided by

Ostara Systems Ltd

10 Feb, 2014, 07:00 GMT

MILTON KEYNES, England, February 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Ostara Systems is proud to announce the release of its "new" workforce solution - "Ostara Mobile"

Most organisations who have internal resource that are working remotely have to make difficult decisions about the value added of any system that could be used to manage and assist these individuals. One of the first considerations may well be the device to be used… The eternal debate still goes on as to whether the ruggedised devices are an essential choice? Increasingly businesses are acknowledging that the incremental cost of these devices does not allow for an ROI that will achieve board approval. However, an increasing number of devices are now available that can be accompanied with screen covers and cases for their protection, not to mention comprehensive and affordable insurance. With this in mind the choice of mobile device is growing. Businesses are faced with an ever increasing choice on three main operating systems; iOS (Apple), Android and Windows 8. Although there are other Operating Systems, the sales of handsets in the 2nd quarter of 2013 show a clear top three:

                                     Windows
                                   Mobile/Phone   BlackBerry    Bada      Symbian
    Android (Google)  iOS (Apple)  (Microsoft)      (RIM)     (Samsung)   (Nokia)
         177.9           31.9          7.4           6.2        .838       .631


 

(Source: Gartner)

For this reason the Ostara Mobile Application is compatible with Android, iOS and Windows 8, giving businesses greater flexibility.

Another important element is the differentiation between "remote access systems" that use web browser technology to gain access to data remotely and "mobile applications". Although not official terms, these differing ways of working have fundamental effects on usability and operations. In essence a mobile application is something that can be used on the mobile phone or tablet whether there is access to the internet or not. For engineers, who often will work in the centre of, or in the basement of buildings which then render an internet connection impossible, it is important for them to continue to have access to data to carry out their work and record updates on the device in real time. An application will synchronise any data recorded while "offline" back to the server/CAFM system as soon as a connection is available again. The "Ostara Mobile" solution is such an application, which in addition to providing "offline" capability, is also able to use the functionalities of the phone or tablet to capture not only photos but also signatures that may be required for client confirmation of work completion.

The "Ostara Mobile" solution is not only an operational application that provides the ability to update work being undertaken but is also a quality control platform for the completion of personalised audits that can be completed for any number of reasons, from H&S and technical data collection to customer satisfaction and cleaning audits. "Ostara Mobile" makes use of the latest QR code technology for functionality such as signing into a building to provide confirmation of attendance at a specific site.

"Ostara Mobile" is the workforce management tool that sits alongside the Ostara CAFM system. The Ostara CAFM system is a highly reliable hosted (SaaS) system which leaves you free to concentrate on your core business rather than having to worry about managing servers and systems.

The quality data provided by the system enables powerful, targeted reporting based on real time activities in addition to trend analysis which facilitates intelligent, informed decision-making. This all leads to maximisation of budgets, minimisation of costs and accurate forecasting.

If you feel your business could benefit from a CAFM system that is both flexible and scalable and would like to work with a supplier that has extensive experience in the management of Facilities and maintenance, then take a look at our website for more information - http://www.ostarasystems.com or call us on 0844-332-1225.