but the adoption is exp pected to change dramatically with the rrise of this new, lower-cost model. NUMEROUS BENEFITS So what are the beneﬁts ﬁt to this solution? There are many. For staarters, with route optimization installed on a smartphone, not only can you save 10 0 to 20 percent in mileage, fuel, maintenan nce and delivery payroll (think two-three eextra deliveries per driver per day), but you can now re-optimize routes on-the-ﬂ ﬂy, making unexpected deliveries proﬁ ﬁtable rather thaan costly. Clerical work gets eliminated, as alll end-of-day work is electronically batch up ploaded. An hour per driver per day is saveed in routing and dispatching time, freeingg dispatchers and drivers/technicians to perrform more proﬁ ﬁtable work. Dispatchers aalso have another couple of hours freed u up every day via electronic dispatch, and they can improve routing and forecasting, ffurther improving customer delivery and serrvice efﬁ ﬁciency. Most companies thaat implement the multi-function ﬁeld man nagement system available via new mobile ssmartphone/tablet technology are able to imp prove proﬁ ﬁts by an average of $20,000 to $40 0,000 per driver or technician. Most of these ssavings come from improved efﬁ ﬁciencies thaat help companies reduce payroll and ﬂeet ex xpenses. Best of all, with smaartphone apps for point of sale invoicing, ro oute optimization, ﬂeet tracking, inventory trracking and more, you’re using a device that you can get virtually ll ffor ffree!! M Mostt companies that go this route ﬁnd that by re-subscribing for their present ﬁeld cell phone plans, their cell phone carriers subsidize the costs associated with purchasing a new smartphone or tablet. They are able to get the newest military spec, ruggedized smartphone or tablet for next to nothing, and can do it again in two years when their contract is up. LOWER OPERATING COSTS Imagine a ﬁ ﬁve-truck operation getting an additional $150,000 in bottom line proﬁts ﬁ via the new mobile technology that is available now. This is the new way businesses in our industry are going to grow proﬁts ﬁ and fend off the ever-increasing costs of doing business. Some companies that implement smartphone apps are ﬁnding an opportunity to invest more in sales, marketing, customer service and growth, while others are taking the proﬁts ﬁ as a windfall. This new software can be used on smartphones and tablet computers, which are readily available and relatively inex- pensive, making upfront equipment costs as little as one tenth of what they used to be. Employees only need to learn one device and software system, and the company can upgrade Diagram2: software quickly and easily. Consolidating Some of the solutions and multiple applications beneﬁ ﬁts are as follows. on a smartphone • Route optimization or tablet reduces equipment costs. software enables companies to complete Samsung Note 2 Intermec CN3 more deliveries and/or Screen Size 5.5” 3.5” service calls per day. RAM 2,000-64,000 MB 128 MB • Real-time wireless disSpeed 1600 MHz 520MHz Weight 183 grams 454 grams patch software increases Cost $200 $3,000 to $5,000 safety because drivers Year of release 2012 2006 Can act as full time cell Yes No (typically drivers and techs and techs automatically carry a cell phone and plan) get all new jobs directly Signature capture Yes Yes on the phone/tablet so Turn-by-turn directions Yes (included) Yes (may require additional fees) Access to online apps Yes (included) No they don’t have to stop Battery life 16 hours talk time 13 hours work, drive to the side of Barcode scanner Yes (included) Yes (may require additional fees) the road, or play phone tag with the dispatcher. paring to replace the Note 2 with a faster • A combination of electronic dispatch and more powerful Note 3. and instant route optimization can Another important advantage is the free up dispatchers to perform other functions, because the time they spend ability to consolidate all the mobile software on one device, which can mean lower routing is cut from hours to a few expenses for hardware and training, comminutes. pared to multiple-device solutions. There is • Point-of-sale invoicing from a smartno downside to the lower equipment costs phone or tablet means no more lost associated with smartphone-based apps, paperwork; reduced customer invoice because the smartphone apps can support issues; fewer invoice errors; and faster customer payment. The system can con- features similar to those supported by costnect to a printer on the truck and record lier handheld devices. all delivery/service information, prints ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES exact costs, discounts, taxes, additional Another beneﬁ ﬁt of using smartphones fees, time, date, special messages, etc. is that they are easy to protect with afterIt helps your drivers/techs work faster market protective cover solutions that make and makes their jobs easier. the devices waterproof and shockproof. • You can simplify your onboard These are available online or from a local technology and eliminate the need for multiple systems like GPS ﬂeet tracking store. Also, with the growing popularity of smartphones, companies are ﬁnding their equipment, single function point-ofemployees to be familiar and comfortable sale computers, route optimization using the devices. solutions and inventory tracking Additionally, insurance policies for systems. smartphones are inexpensive in comparison to a few years ago. A company can purchase GOOD SCREEN SIZES Some wonder if the viewable screen on insurance on smartphones, tablets and new smartphones is large enough. In fact, other mobile devices through a bank or the newest smartphones have larger screens phone company for pennies every month. Smartphones and tablets are helping than the best handhelds being sold today. Here is a quick comparison of the Samsung delivery and service companies connect Note 2 and the leading handheld sold in our to their ﬁeld employees and improve their performance – and bottom line – like never industry, the Intermec CN3, above right. New smartphones actually provide an before. Don’t get left behind. Check out upgrade from the best handhelds presently the new smartphone and tablet technoloused in the industry, and Samsung is pre- gies today. July 2013 • 29