Verizon Wireless Entices Businesses with Field Force Manager for Android

Since Android development has (admittedly) been a bit slow on the business features side of things, we’re seeing more and more partners implement their own solutions to help keep enterprise money rolling through the Android wagon. Motorola and Verizon have already taken that first step with the Motorola Droid Pro, but now Verizon’s adding more to the mix. They’ve announced that their app – named Field Force Mobile – is now available for those who need to keep tabs on their employees who don’t spend time in an office.

Take a look at some of the key features you can look forward to using below:

• New User Interface – Customers have the ability to use the phone’s touch screen for seamless navigation with intuitive icons to save time when navigating through the application.
• Powerful Search – Customers can use the search bar to find forms, locations and messages.
• Easy Touch Screen Access – A simple tap can add a job to the device calendar.
• Built-In Barcode Scanning – With the addition of a free download of the XZING Barcode Scanner application, customers with Field Force Manager Basic can use the phone’s built-in camera to scan 1D/2D barcodes and capture information instantaneously.

They’ll be offering two paid versions – limited and basic – for $15 and $20 respectively. Here’s a quick rundown of the type of functionality you can expect from each:

• Limited – Available for $15 per month, this option offers management of field teams, including details of current and past travel history.
• Basic – In addition to the benefits of the Limited package, this option, available for $20 per month, adds location-validated mobile timecards and basic job dispatch and, when combined with Google maps and navigation, offers driving directions.

And a couple of example scenarios you can use to determine if this is something that’ll add to the productivity of your business:

Example Scenario:

Challenge 
You have a growing drywall business and need to update your paper-based timesheet and work-order system, to reduce errors and time wasted doing manual input. 

Solution

• • Timecard mobile timesheet solution and EServices Dispatch mobile work-order management from ECONZ Wireless.
  • Service on the Verizon Wireless network.

Results

• • Job data is collected in real time and sent directly to payroll.
  • You’re saving thousands in office support and overtime.

You can take on more work and more personnel with less paperwork.

You can find the app now in the Android market, but know that your phone must be provisioned so you won’t be able to use it unless you’re a business customer with Verizon Wireless.