
New Features in Mobile Data
In response to the “wish list” compiled at the April 2010 Users' Conference, we have developed a substantial number of new features for our Mobile Data Service component which greatly expands functionality of this product!
For those of you who have implemented the Quickload function for Mobile Data code updates, you will need to set the following flags under Administration -> Company setup -> Existing company.

Select Service management and click Ok

Click Ok to proceed to the second configuration screen.

In the second configuration screen, you will see several new flags:

Setting these flags will generate your Code Updates so that these options will be pre-configured on your laptop units.
For those of you using the conventional Code Update method, there are goodies here for you too (The Flatrate parts edit and Lookup by Part # or Part description are settings that are configured from each laptop field unit under the Options screen – more on that down the page).
The next two features are configured exclusively from your Service management Administration screen, and are shown below: Print Pos on invoice and Process Mobile/PR day cod.

If your Print Pos on invoice flag is selected, this will display the Purchase Order and its included parts lines on the invoice that your field technician prints from his mobile laptop unit. If, as in the case of a Purchase Order being issued for a Flat Rate call, this is not desired, simply do not set this flag.
The Process Mobile/PR day cod flag will incorporate your Day Codes, and will automate the entry of this into your Service Billing. If this field is checked when you start travel and onsite labor, when you complete the ticket from the Mobile Data Unit and go into the completed file, you will see a day code, which is based on the completed date of the ticket (Example: Payroll Company File states Weekday pay begins Sunday).

As shown here under Service -> Daily processing -> Complete/Update service ticket, reviewing the labor line for this ticket shows the Day code.
On the laptop unit, very little has changed in the way of appearance. Under the Options menu,

You will find two flags that were not previously there.

Setting the Direct parts lookup flag will give your mobile technicians the ability to search parts – or part descriptions – directly from the search function, instead of just parts categories, as was previously the case. If, on the other hand, the category lookup is more convenient for certain technicians, each laptop’s settings can reflect that preference by simply leaving this flag un-checked.
Examples:

Entering “410” and clicking OK will bring up parts with “410” in their code:

Alternately, entering “fan” and clicking OK will bring up a listing of all parts that contain “fan” in their parts description:
The Edit Flat Rate Parts feature will allow you to edit the parts included in your Flat Rate Code:

For example, the Flat Rate open for editing above shows that a single 9” belt is considered standard equipment for the kit on this particular Repair Code. If, in fact, the 9” belt does not need to be replaced, the field technician can alter the Quantity by clicking in that column next to this part, and changing that Quantity to 0:

He will then click Save, and exit back to the main screen.

When the call has been completed, the price of the Flat Rate Repair Code will be unaffected, but this technician’s inventory location will not be debited this 9” belt.
Labor and Parts can also be edited from this screen, in exactly the same way detailed above.
As you can see under Complete/Update service ticket, the Flat Rate line shows full price:

The quantity for the 9” belt – part code B-9 – however, reflects the quantity used by the technician, in this case, 0.


Purchase Order Company File Set Up
Date: Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
Session Length: 1.5 - 2 hours
Session Time: 1:00pm Central Time
Location: Internet WebEx (login instructions to be provided upon registration)
Cost: $200
Trainer: Nelda Schoppert
This session will give you a brief overview of Purchase Order Company File Set Up. You will see firsthand how to use subcontractor and bulk PO’s along with posting to Job Cost , Service and Order Processing.
We expect a high number of attendees for of this session and would encourage you to sign up as soon as possible.
To register please call or email Linda Bishop: (800)-476-0094.


How to get a prompt response from the VMS Support Team!
At VMS we are always striving to improve our Software Support Service by minimizing response time when logging support calls. We believe that addressing your support questions in a timely manner contributes to the success of your company. Therefore, we would like to pass along the following information from the VMS support team.
There are three options for logging a support call: phone, email, and fax.
- A support call can be logged by simply calling (800)476 0094 and speaking with one of our friendly VMS dispatchers. Give the dispatcher your name, company name and a brief description of the problem or question. Please provide new contact information if there is a new extension or phone number.
- Requests for support can also be sent by email to: support@vertical-market.com . This option allows you to attach screen prints and documents. Your request will be logged and you will receive a reply by email. If you send email support questions directly to a support person or other person at VMS, your request will be forwarded to support @vertical-market.com, thus slowing down response time. So always be sure to email questions directly to: support@vertical-market.com .
- The third option for placing a support call is by fax. Our fax number is (850)478 5103. At the time your fax is received, a call will be logged and the fax attached.
If you ever experience any difficulty placing a support call, please do not hesitate to let us know. Our goal is to provide the highest level of service thus allowing you to get the most out of your software.


VMS Referral Program

Please click image to open up pdf document.




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