SAP Mobile Business extends the reach of service management beyond desktop
PCs and wire-bound networks. Employees and business partners can tap into
collaborative business solutions anywhere and at any time, leading to increased
productivity and decreased costs. SAP Mobile Business is comprised of a range of
applications and connectivity options that support mobile devices, including
laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and cell phones that utilize
wireless application protocol (WAP) and iMode.
Select capabilities supporting service management in SAP Mobile Business
include:
Mobile asset management � With the mobile asset management
capabilities in SAP Mobile Business, field service employees receive
complete instructions and background information for service calls via
mobile devices � including up-to-the-minute information on customers,
equipment, facilities, and assignments. Mobile asset management enables
service workers to process a repair contract while in the field. Via the
mobile device, service engineers can look up previous maintenance and repair
history, view the set operations for a work order, and even order tools and
materials needed for the job. After completing a contract, engineers can
transmit the report via wireless devices as needed.
Mobile service � Mobile service functionality in SAP Mobile
Business comprises processes such as streamlined planning for service
personnel on the move, with at-a-glance overviews of assignment times,
priorities, and status. Field staff can view detailed descriptions of
customer problems and instantly notify the call center, dispatcher, and
other relevant people of any changes. Service confirmation enables quick
reporting to company headquarters on details such as the problem type,
repair time, parts used, and other relevant information.
Mobile sales � SAP Mobile Business provides a broad range of
mobile sales functionality. For example, sales order management allows field
forces to select and view up-to-the-minute product information from
catalogs, to call up pricing information, and to create sales orders and
quotations in real time. Account management functionality enables the
monitoring and tracking of key information about customers, prospects, and
partners. Opportunities management enables the sharing of information about
new leads.
Mobile procurement � This functionality extends the efficiency
and cost savings of online procurement to mobile work forces. Users can
easily create one or more shopping carts, view catalogs by product group,
and select the specific catalogs required. A convenient full-text search
function helps users quickly locate the right products. Users can add items
to shopping carts, change item quantities, and delete individual items or
entire carts. Orders can be entered and automatically approved, or forwarded
to managers for sign-off.
Mobile warehouse management � Radio-frequency devices can be put
to a variety of uses in the warehouse. SAP's software supports more than
forty mobile productivity-boosting transactions for tasks such as picking
and put-away; packing, unpacking, and re-packing; freight loading and
unloading checks; inventory queries; mobile printing (as for pallet labels,
for example). Mobile warehouse management enables direct, synchronous
communication between the hand-held and the back-end system, eliminating the
need for middleware. This functionality enables more effective use of
personnel and equipment for receiving, storage, and shipping tasks.
Accurate, paperless data entry saves time and trouble. Real-time inventory
control with synchronous online monitoring of all stock movements maximizes
transparency while minimizing administration overhead. Instant availability
of information on inventory levels, storage bins, and other resources
enables better coordination and reduces flow times.
