Current System
Small work force is currently using handheld devices (windows CE)to view and update work orders in the field.
Access database (source database) is uploaded to handhelds (entire database)via Active Sync. The Access database is filled with work orders from a different work control system via flat file export. The work orders contain data like: Work order number, Work order description, Location, Assigned Worker, etc.
Users in the field Select their user name (from the source database) and retrieve pre-assigned work order information from the source database.
Then the worker updates the work orders on the handheld, while in the field working. (input via stylus and drop down menus) Data like: Tools used, Travel time, Work time, Parts used, Resolution, etc.
Work Force then returns from field with handheld. Then (via Active Sync) updates the originating source database with the updated databases from the handhelds via active sync.
Handhelds should have not updated overlapping work orders, if that occurs there is an error report generated.
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Development Goals
This process has worked in the past, however now with mobile browsers being capable of easy form input the process is desired to be moved to an attractive web platform that works well with mobile devices. The second improvement that is requested is that the Users GPS location be updated to the web server on a periodic basis.
The system should be able to bring in a flat file (CSV or Excel) of work orders into the system
The system should have a web interface with password and login for workers. (discriminating on the work order access via manager assignment or group membership)
The system should have a web interface with password and login for Managers. (there are different management groups with managers particular for those groups)
Managers should be able to assign the work orders to different workers.
Managers should be able to review completed work orders (edit if needed) then make a final submission to backend publishing
Backend should be able to then generate a flat file with updates back to the originating work control system with work order updates
Since we are using flat files in and flat files out. The programming language is up to the developer. We would like to use the current database migrated to a web based front end (in place of the current Access form). But we are not against creating a new database more suited for realtime updating.
In my opinion this is not a complex system.
