MIS developer Clarity Software launched a new Deliveries Module with a remote working iPhone App at last month’s Sign & Digital UK show.

The new Clarity Software Deliveries Module works in conjunction with the Clarity Proof of Delivery iPhone or iPad app and is intended for use with tracking on-site work such as deliveries, fittings, installations, maintenance, equipment drop-offs and surveys. The company says that site teams often arrive back at the office with a mountain of accumulated job paperwork. Using the Deliveries Module, job information is recorded and sent back to the office via 3G or Wi-Fi as soon as it is completed using the Proof of Delivery App. Users receive job completion and sign-off directly from site and can raise an invoice instantly, accelerating cashflow and aiding profitability.

It’s also useful for commercial print deliveries, the company says. Marketing manager Emerson Welch explains: ‘Commercial printers will have immediate visibility of a delivery being made in the same way that a FedEx, DHL or UPS courier would get a digital sign-off at delivery destination, with photos if required. It also ensures a record of customer satisfaction has been taken in case a challenge is made at a later stage regarding the job.’

The Deliveries Module creates and displays all on-site jobs in an Outlook-style diary view on the office-based Clarity Professional MIS, with real-time status such as scheduling, work in progress or on hold, highlighted using simple colour codes. Users can view the job progress as their fittings team or third party contractors carry out and complete them.

The associated iPhone App is used out in the field. It communicates via 3G or WiFi to synchronise data automatically back to the Clarity Professional Deliveries Module. Operators can organise their working days with jobs and their reference numbers shown in a list. As they work the app updates itself in real time from the main MIS. It can handle multiple jobs from multiple contractors and uses the iPhone’s Maps App for location mapping. On-site job start, hold and stop times are recorded. Photographs can be taken on the phone and stored in the associated Clarity Professional job folder.

Instant record capture

Customers can sign off jobs on the iPhone or iPad screen using their fingers, and these signatures are time stamped for future reference. The App can also be used to take job notes on progress, issues, successes and feedback.

The price for the Deliveries Module is £600 +VAT, but it can be rented for £33 per month. This assumes users already have the Clarity Professional MIS installed. An average system for five users would cost approximately £4000 for a purchase contract (plus support), but it is also available for rental: the same system would cost £200 +VAT per month. The Proof of Delivery App is free to download, but needs the purchase of job credits to operate. These aren’t expensive: blocks of five cost £10, or £200 buys unlimited credits for a year. Mr Welch says: ‘If you are carrying out more than two to three jobs per week then it pays to take the annual option.’

‘The response we are getting to Deliveries is phenomenal,’ said managing director Richard Gamlin. ‘The immediate returns on investment are plain to see. And it’s not just for sign and print companies – all businesses that carry out site visits or site work can see a huge benefit from using it. Video producers, POS fitters, surveyors and office equipment installers have already expressed an interest. There is no doubt that this new functionality will directly increase bottom line profitability.’

Clarity is now developing the app to include a document function to for receiving job-related files such as site plans, design drawings, site passes and certificates. This delivers documents in electronic form to iPhones and iPads for field operatives. Mr Welch explains: ‘For instance, if a printer was delivering to a large customer site, exhibition complex or controlled area they may need to show documentation to get in, or may require a map of which entrance to use. They may also receive security statements, images of the existing installation if maintenance is required, details of the job workflow process and so on. Once again it means less paperwork, instant information and the ability to receive job documents without having to go into the office or wait for post to arrive.’

Contact: www.clarity-software.com/deliveries