Stand 430

Armstrong Consultants will be showing the latest version of Service Manager Editions (sme) at the Service Management Europe exhibition 2007. sme is an affordable, truly scalable service management solution, for businesses large and small. This show will see a number of new software features from Armstrong aimed at enhancing the user experience, including a revamped Customer Web Portal, a brand new Engineer Web Portal and Engineer Laptop functionality.

Revamped Customer Web Portal
A key upgrade has been to include an sme module within Armstrong’s flagship product, FocalPoint, to enhance communication between customers and suppliers. This module allows the customer to log support queries via the FocalPoint web portal and subsequently track the progress of the call; whereas previously progress was reported verbally from the support engineers.

As a result of being able to track progress and view accompanying notes, customers are able to email the relevant support engineer directly with further queries and questions. An added advantage of accessing this via FocalPoint is the ability to view financial information such as statement of accounts and outstanding invoices. All information is automatically updated back to sme.

New Engineer Web Portal & Laptop Functionality
For engineers out in the field, Armstrong has developed a new Engineer Web Portal and brand new Engineer Laptop functionality – driven by customer demand. The existing PDA functionality has been translated to a laptop environment, therefore offering more choice to companies whose engineers may already use laptops in the field rather than PDA’s.

The new Web Portal gives greater benefit to engineers by speeding up processes out in the field. Similar to the Customer Web Portal, providing the engineer has internet access on-site, they can view the call notes via the FocalPoint module and close the call on the spot – reducing paperwork and administration time. Once again all information is automatically updated back to sme.

Revamped PDA Functionality
Improvements to existing PDA functionality have been added for Service Management Europe 2007. For customers who require very specific engineer checklists, which could not previously be accommodated by sme, Linked Documents can now be added to a customer record such as Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and PDFs. For example, an engineer can link pictures of damaged machinery to the record for reference.

For companies who service meter-billed sites, meter readings can now be input directly to the PDA’s and fed back to base automatically. Refrigerant Tracking makes it simple for refrigerator servicing to comply with legal regulations regarding coolant tracking.

Comment
Ket Chauhan, Director of Development at Armstrong Consultants, comments on the latest innovations: “The new features of sme allow customers to choose the best way to use the software for their individual requirements. The Customer Web Portal will improve communications relating to support and administration, while the Engineer Web Portal reduces paperwork and administration on-site.

“Many of these updates have been in response to customer feedback. For example engineers at our customer, GoinGreen - the leading supplier of G-wiz electric cars - already use laptops to download information directly from the cars. Now they can utilise their laptops for service information, rather than carry an additional PDA with them.”

To take a look at these and other new features of sme, visit the Armstrong Team on stand 430 at Service Management Europe, The Pavilion, NEC Birmingham.

Alternatively for more information on Armstrong Consultants other products and services visit www.armstrong-consultants.com or call 01582 465100 and speak to a member of the sales team.

ENDS

For further press information please contact Anna Carrington on 01582 465100 or email anna.carrington@armstrong-pr.co.uk


Notes to Editors:

Established in 1993, Armstrong Consultants specialise in the development, supply and implementation of a comprehensive range of fully integrated service, finance and CRM solutions.

With over 1,000 supported sites, and offices in the north and south of England, Armstrong’s proactive philosophy towards software development and configuration enables them to respond to differing system requirements without the need to introduce bespoke solutions. Staying ahead of technology, whilst still providing highly configurable ‘off the shelf’ software, ensures that they can deliver an advanced business solution matched with first class consultancy and support services.

In 2007 Armstrong Consultants was awarded Three Star Status by Best Companies for ‘Extraordinary’ Workplace Engagement and came 17th place in The Sunday Times Best Small Companies to Work For 2007.

PR1058/ACL/080807