The Challenge

A few years ago Weighsoft Ltd decided they wanted to start mobilising data. After much deliberating Weighsoft decided the best option was to write their own backend application –this is where Cobra Mobile Data Solutions was created.Cobra is a development suite programme used for producing high specificationCasio IT-3000 increases productivity and reduces overheadsWeighsoft Ltdapplications. The first application was Weighsoft Livewhere the last of the paper trail was to be deleted from the waste and aggregate industries. Traditionally waste and aggregate industries provide the customer with a ticket when completing deliveries. This ticket is then confirmed and later re-entered into a backend system. This re-entering usually takes around 3 minutes per transaction; so if a company turns over 100,000 units per year that equates to 300,000 minutes. This is what Weighsoft Liveaimed to take away.

The Requirements

Weighsoft Live needed a mobile wireless solution to significantly reduceoverheads and increase speed per transaction. The main requirements of this mobile unit included: the capability to automatically update the backend system, simplicity in design, ruggedness, long battery life, and an internal printer all at a competitive price.

The Solution

Weighsoft looked for three years to find a mobile device that had all these qualities. The Casio IT-3000 was chosen for its ability to meet and exceed all the necessary requirements. Barrie Fox, UK Sales Manager for Weighsoft Ltdstates that ‘in the pastcompanies would rely on drivers completing all therelevant forms and then radioing in when a job was completed. Whereas with the Casio IT-3000 when the customer signs on the screen this feeds straight back to the office.’The Casio IT-3000 improves communication between the office and the drivers, therefore increasing productivity and reducing overheads.

Key Features of the IT-3000

• Lightweight, ergonomic design
• Fast integrated thermal printer
• Flexible communication options
• Rugged build
• Long battery life
• Bluetooth®
• Optional C-MOS imager and magnetic card readers

The Benefits

The IT-3000’s integrated options lower the total cost of ownership and increases the productivity and reliability of the solution. This in turn reduces human error and significantly improves the efficiency of operations, particularly ones that were previously manual. Weighsoft has mobilised numerous companies including Gowan’sSkip Hire. Gowan’smanage approximately 190-200 jobs a day. Previous to taking on the IT-3000 the drivers had to go into the office to pick up a job ticket which, was often a hassle. Kate Goodfellow, supervisor at Gowan’sstates ‘since the IT-3000 we have saved time and created a more efficient smoother running company.’ Barrie Fox adds that ‘the IT-3000 handles the hard-wearing environment extremely well, and the battery life is excellent.’ Weighsoft also feel that the key benefit of the IT-3000 is the integrated printer. It is fast, efficient and it works. Chris Kings, Managing Director for Weighsoft Ltd states ‘The IT-3000 is competitively priced, as most other solutions require you to buy a printer and a mobile terminal.’

The Future

Weighsoft have successfully used their expertise to implement the Cobra package for additional retailers. This includes Exeter Micros who now have niche market software for Meals on Wheels, using the IT-3000. Weighsoft Ltd continue to expand and see the niche market as the way forward. They are able to deliver highly specialised solutions to specific people.

Talking about Casio, Chris Kings states ‘Casio may be big as an organisation, but they are highly personable. We couldn’t ask for more from a partnership, and we hope to deliver many more orders to Casio in the future.’