Windows Mobile Route Sales Invoicing Project Backgrounder

The goal of the project was to develop a Windows Mobile application to replace the current software used by the route truck drivers. The current system used ancient hand held computers, printers, and a Windows 98 computer to transfer data to the AS400 Mapics ERP system. It was a huge support burden on the IT department. The hardware was obsolete and replacement units were no longer available.

We decided to create a Windows Mobile managed application. We selected Symbol 9000 Series Mobile Computers. Then decided on Zebra RW420 series mobile printers.

The application allowed the driver to perform the following tasks:

• Enter and maintain a sales order
• Enter and maintain a credit memo
• Enter and maintain a future sales order
• Enter and maintain a donation order
• Enter and maintain payments received on account.
• View item information, including Item price, quantity on hand, descriptions
• View open invoices and aging information for a customer
• View customer information, including address, payment information, aging
• Sync order information with SYSTEM 2000. The main ERP Package
• Sync Master Data information from System 2000, Mapics XA6, and some in house AS400 files.
• Price check product on the truck.
• Print Invoices, ROA Receipts,  and Statements

Hardware and Software used on the project:

• Symbol 9000 series mobile computers
• Zebra RW420 series mobile printers
• Visual Studio 2005
• SQL Server Compact Edition
• Symbol Mobile Developers Kit
• PrinterCE.net Printer Software
• Visual Basic .NET
• Compact Framework 2.0
• Windows Mobile 5

Application Highlights:

• Routes can sell to some of the same customers.  The system contains a series of tables to allow a one-to-many relationship of routes to customer.
• Sync process connects directly to the AS400 Web Server. It uses a secure wireless network established in the warehouse.  This allows the driver to refresh his device's data anywhere anytime.
• Sync process only transfers the changed items.  This reduced the sync time immensely.
• Sync process has error recover built in.  Orders cannot be lost.
• A series of programs was developed on the AS400 for IT to recover transactions. This allows IT to recover transactions from a history database without the need for the device. 
• View the status of each sync. This reduced the need to contact a driver to see if they uploaded the orders from the day's route.
• System actively manages inventory. Reducing quantities as product is sold.  Helping the driver view his inventory more accurately.

The company using this application sells 90% of their product by route sales.  It is a critical part of their business.