GPS and "dead reckoning"

We are frequently asked how well the Motion Computing tablets' GPS performs when mounted in apparatus or when leaving the station.  The concern is that it will take too much time for the GPS to acquire a signal from the satellites before allowing the driver/officer to map a route to the emergency.

With almost all modern GPS antennas this is not an issue.  Sometimes referred to as "dead reckoning" but in the industry it's called an "almanac" or internal memory to record the recent satellites used by the GPS.  For example, the almanac can predict satellite positions up to 3 days in advance.  This results in signal acquisition in less than 15 seconds and usually within just a few seconds.

The bottom line: use a modern GPS receiver connected via USB to your Motion Computing vehicle dock and you'll be in great shape to respond quickly.

At Allegiance Technology, we don't sell the GPS receivers but one of our partners recommends the USGlobalSat BU-353-S4 which can be found on the web for under $65.  It mounts with a magent.  You can find more information on exact specs at the USGlobalSat website.

Pennsburg Borough Emergency Management gets their Motion Computing R12 Tablet!

Post by Pennsburg Borough Emergency Management.

Keep your New Year resolution to make more money by eliminating paperwork problems

Welcome to 2015!  I'm sure you have made some New Year resolutions for your business.  If one of them is to reduce expenses by eliminating redundant paperwork, Toolbox Forms can help.  Our electronic form software allows your field workers to capture information for Inspections, Work Orders and Service Reports onto a tablet.  That information is sent directly to the office where it is quickly imported into your database or accounting software.  We turn those reports and work orders into PDF documents that can be emailed to customers right away.

But...MY GUYS HATE COMPUTERS!

We hear that a lot.  Our custom electronic forms look EXACTLY like your existing paper forms.  This means that your techs don't have to learn something new.  And because our forms software allows them to use a digital pen, your guys will feel comfortable with it right away.

Here is an example of what a form looks like in Toolbox Forms:

It looks almost identical to their original form!  This digital form is better because the techs can use dropdown menus to select most of their choices.  This means less time for them to fill out paperwork (they like that), legible and easier to read text on the inspection form (your office people will like that), and immediate transfer of completed paperwork to the office for invoicing the customer (your bottom line will like that).

So if you're tired of spending money on processing paperwork for inspections and work orders instead of making money by billing customers more quickly, give us a call at 215-441-5580 x1 and we'll be glad to show you how it works.

Have a great New Year!

Motion Computing CL920

Announcing the release of the Motion Computing CL920 Tablet

Rugged, Lightweight, Connected and Ready for Business

Reduce downtime and increase productivity overnight. Our sleek new CL920 Rugged Platform is a giant leap forward in our CL-Series with faster processing power, enhanced connectivity, increased durability and superior image capture software. With support for both Windows® 7 and Windows® 8.1 applications the CL920 is ready to stand by your side now and in the future. 

The CL920 withstands the rigors of a tough workday – dust proof and shock-proof for uninterrupted reliability - rain or shine. Built around an internal magnesium frame and fortified with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 the tablet features a new signature Motion dot-pattern design for a ruggedized, non-slip surface texture. See what other accessories you could pair up with this tablet!

As a mobile professional, speed is your ally. With the latest Intel Pentium quad core processor, the new CL920 Tablet is 69% faster than our previous model. Combine that with 4G LTE for rapid connectivity and the CL920 gets work done in a flash. Click here to see the CL920 Specifications.

Order yours here!

Go Paperless with ToolboxForms

North America's Largest Tank Trailer Manufacturer Goes Paperless with ToolboxForms #DigitalFormSoftware

About ToolboxForms

ToolboxForms is the software division of Allegiance Technology. In business since 2002, Allegiance Technology is a leader in the development of custom electronic forms solutions for wide-ranging industries. Our digital form software helps organizations convert existing paper forms used in the field, manufacturing plant or office into electronic forms that can be easily filled out with a special pen on a tablet PC.

See how we can convert your paper form to a Toolbox Form. http://toolboxforms.com/demos.

R12 vs F5

You heard it here, we're heading to New Orleans in a little over a month from now and we'll be showcasing two of our favorite rugged tablets: the R12 and the F5. Now while they both have their own awesome features, you may be wondering what is the difference between the two?

                         


We put together a graphic to compare the two tablets side-by-side. The R12 has a bigger display, longer battery life, and weighs lighter than the F5, but the F5 has the convenient handle that makes it easy to carry around. Check it out below to see more comparisons!

Next Month, We're Heading to New Orleans!

In a little over a month, we will be heading to New Orleans for the annual four-day FIREHOUSE Software Education and Training Seminar (FHETS) event. We had a great time last year talking to fire department officials about the benefits of switching from paper to tablet PCs. This year, we'll be showcasing Motion's most recent rugged tablet launch, the R12, as well as our customers' favorite, the F5te. Save the date, mark your calendars, and plan to come visit us at FHETS to see and try out our rugged tablets.


About FHETS

The FIREHOUSE Software Education and Training Seminar (FHETS), is an annual four-day event held each year in a different region of the United States. Clients and prospects from around the world come to attend FH related training classes, discuss their department's uses of FH applications, and network with fellow colleagues. FHETS 2014 will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana September 23 through September 26, 2014. For more information about FHETS, please visit www.myfhevents.com

Motion Computing R12

Motion Computing F5

Allegiance Technology Partners Recognized As A Trendsetter!

A few weeks ago, members of the Allegiance Technology Team traveled to Motion Computing's headquarters for a very special recognition. John Hill, CEO of Allegiance Technology Partners, received the 2013 Motion Computing Trendsetter Award for being an outstanding and leading partner of Motion Computing.

Visit our website: www.alltp.com

Call Mark Shniderson at 215-441-5580 Ext. 100 

for more information about our rugged Motion Computing Tablet PCs! 

Clay Fire Territory Can't Get Enough of Our Motion Tablets!

Allegiance Technology met with Clay Fire Territory at the Firehouse Show back in 2012. After purchasing their first Motion Computing J3600 tablet PC this past November, they decided to go ahead and order 4 more to equip all of their vehicles. Congratulations Clay Fire Territory!

Allegiance Technology Delivers an In-Vehicle Solution to Your Business!

Since 2001, Motion Computing has been a leading global provider of mobility solutions for business. Our In-Vehicle Solution was built after years of experience successfully designing rugged tablets and accessories for the field service industry.

Motion's In-Vehicle Solution includes a range of docks, mounting devices and computing accessories that meet both the safety and quality standards demanded by fleet managers of utilities, first responders, law enforcement, construction and other field service organizations.

Let's take a closer look.

Our docks are specifically designed to be fully compatible with all Motion tablets. A consistent, low-profile design between the dock and tablet allows for easy adjustment and minimizes vision obstruction.

No sharp edges & a tightly secured design ensure passenger safety.

Our docks are lightweight, rugged and shock-tested with an integrated lock that easily locks and unlocks. A secure latch allows for simple one-handed docking and undocking.

And, because we know how important connectivity is for your mobile workers -- our docks offer full port replication for maximized connectivity and an integrated cable management system to keep cables in order.

At the heart of our in-vehicle solution is a unique, patented Tilt and Rotate mount designed for dashboard-mounting. We also offer traditional floor mounting and retrofitting services. Whatever your fleet requires, we can deliver the proper mounting solution.

The dash mount design offers the ultimate in flexibility and user comfort with a wide range of adjustment angles. The tilt & rotate cartridge is machined from aircraft grade aluminium and hard anodized for maximum durability.

The standard parts and modular construction of our dash mount lower on-going re-installation costs by making it easy to share parts among different vehicles.

Motion understands that when it comes to fleet managers -- safety is key. Our in-vehicle solution provides several safety-enhancing features.
• Integrated motion sensors limit the use of computer displays while the vehicle is in motion.
• For fleet with a driver-passenger set-up, the optional Swingaway solution allows full computing access for the passenger, even when vehicle is in motion.
• And, a built-in admin tool allows the fleet manager to configure what applications are accessible by the driver.

Motion partners with experienced professional installation companies. Our installation partners use the highest quality mounting parts and ensure cables and wires are properly secured, sealed and hidden for the utmost safety and performance.

Motion understands every fleet has different workflow needs. And, we've designed a flexible, safe, performance-enhancing and durable in-vehicle solution to meet those requirements. Contact Allegiance Technology Partners today to learn more.

First Priority Purchases Their FIRST Tablet PC

Congratulations to First Priority Emergency Vehicles for purchasing their FIRST Motion Computing Tablet PC - the F5te - and deciding to start their process of going PAPERLESS at their company!

First Priority Emergency Vehicles is a supplier of new or pre-owned ambulances, fire fighting apparatus, rescue, or first responder/command units. They also provide a comprehensive remounting/refurbishment of your existing emergency vehicle(s) as well as perform expert maintenance/repair service to keep your emergency vehicles in a response-ready condition at all times.

The Motion® F5te Tablet PC delivers uncompromising levels of power, performance and usability. Offering up to the 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7 vPro™ processor for optimized mobility, the F5te packs in a full work day with up to six hours of battery life and a hot-swap battery feature for extended performance.

Visit our website or give us a call at 215-441-5580 for more information on how going paperless can benefit your company!

PECO Field Techs Train with Motion Computing Tablets!

Our friends at PECO use our Motion Computing F5t tablets to test their field workers in order to evaluate how each field tech would perform in real life conditions. Supplied with their own software, they use the inkable pens to check off on their paperless form what each trainee does correctly and incorrectly. These things may include whether they put their hard hats on before completing a task or if they follow a safety procedure the correct way. 

These tablets help PECO with their training operations in order to meet & exceed the high expectations and demands from their customers across the tri-state area; especially when bad weather hits.

If you're interested in trying out these rugged, high performing tablets, call Mark Shniderson at 215-441-5580 x100 or email him at mark@alltp.com

Make Allegiance Technology your tablet and software solution!

Visit our website for more information: www.alltp.com

Check out our Facebook page to see more pictures! 

Taft Engineering Goes Mobile!

Case Study on Taft Engineering

"Overall, the systems has proven to be an extraordinary asset to the company and our day-to-day operations."

-Cory Hesterwerth, Product Support Manager

Taft Engineering Company Profile

Headquartered in Centennial, Colorado since 1998, Taft Engineering is a rapidly growing company that was having difficulty managing paper forms due to common setbacks such as time lapses and inconsistencies. Taft Engineering is a Manufacturer’s Representative firm for premium HVAC and plumbing companies.

Business Problem

Like many other paper-based companies, paper was weighing their company down. Business operations such as accounting and customer correspondence posed a challenge for the company.  
According to Cory’s experiences, “having a lag in receiving paperwork and the inconsistency that it offered made it difficult to communicate with the customer”.  

The mounds of paperwork not only slowed down their operations and productivity, but were also slowing down the growth process of their rapidly growing company.  They searched for a solution and found their cost saving solution through Allegiance Technology.

Solution

Allegiance Technology put the money back in their pockets. Taft was losing too much money with its paper form processes, therefore by integrating tablets and a software solution Allegiance ultimately eliminated all paperwork for Taft. 

It is also very easy to learn.  Cory states that “John Hill offered awesome guidance in getting under way with the tablets”. Allegiance offers any interested business a free demonstration of our solution as well as any assistance for current clients with integrating our solutions properly into your business. 

The write-to-text feature caught their attention. Cory points out that “the user friendliness of the write-to-text function was a big question for us but it has proven to be very easy to use and accurate”. Taft’s technicians write on the tablets just like they use to on the paper forms. Another feature that the service techs at Taft use is the camera feature where the techs can take pictures with the tablet and attach them to their work orders. Each and every day Taft utilizes the tablets to process the work orders, along with any picture from the job sites or documentation of site visits.

Results

“Our main focus with moving to the Allegiance system was to streamline the service side of our business. Having work orders completed accurately and in a timely fashion has proven to be an invaluable solution. Customers receive timely updates of work performed, accounting can invoice out on the day of service in most cases.”

-Cory Hesterwerth

Motion Computing tablet survives Polar Vortex!

What happens when a polar vortex descends on the United States?

We freeze a Motion Computing tablet of course!

Johnson County (KS) Fire Dept. purchases rugged Motion Computing tablets

Congratulations to Johnson County (KS) Fire Dept. on their purchase of two Motion Computing J3500 Tablet PCs for use in their Engine and Quint.

Their Assistant Chief, Andy, met us at the 2013 FHETS and arranged to get a demo unit. The demo went very well and they bought two units in December and will purchase 7 more in 2014. Thanks for choosing Allegiance Technology!

To learn how your department can try a demo Tablet PC, call Mark at 215-441-5580 x100.

Pekin Police Dept. chooses Motion Computing tablets from Allegiance Technology

Allegiance Technology is proud to announce that the Pekin (IL) Police Department has taken delivery of twenty-two Motion Computing J3500 Tablet PCs for use in their cruisers.  They have also purchased Vehicle Docks made by RAM Mounts for mounting the tablets safely in the cars.  After considerable testing, Pekin Police chose the Motion Computing J3500 over a Dell laptop and a Data 911 system.

About Pekin Police Dept.

The Pekin Police Department exists to provide excellent policing services to those that live, work and visit in Pekin.  For a community of our size we enjoy a very low crime rate.  The officers and support staff of the Pekin Police Department have a strong committment to enhance the quality of life of those in Pekin.  We accomplish this through problem solving, giving prompt attention to problems, and strongly investing in training and technology.

About Allegiance Technology

Allegiance Technology provides Tablet PC and related products to Police, Fire and EMS agencies nationwide.  A Motion Computing Platinum Reseller for over 10 years, Allegiance Technology has an excellent demo program that lets your department try one of our rugged Motion Computing tablets with your software in your vehicles.  We provide a full range of accessories, including vehicle docking station and chargers, carrying cases, desktop docking stations, extend warranties and more.  To learn more about our demo program or ask questions about how Motion Computing tablets can work for your department, call 215-441-5580 x1 and ask for Mark or John.

TabletKiosk Debuts New 7” Business Ultra-Mobile Tablet PC

TabletKiosk Debuts New 7” Business Ultra-Mobile Tablet PC

Fourth Generation, 7” Ultra-Mobile Tablet PC offers enterprise-class computing with dual digitizer and multi-touch input, enhanced data security and desktop compatibility running Windows® Professional or Linux Operating Systems

LAS VEGAS, NV – Global Gaming Expo, October 2, 2012 — TabletKiosk®, a Torrance, CA based provider of mobile touch screen computing solutions, today announced the newest member of its eo™ Ultra-Mobile Tablet PC line, the eo™ a7400 ─ a compact 7” handheld Business Tablet PC designed to run powerful enterprise software programs as well as cloud-based computing apps. The eo™ a7400 offers improved value, versatility and productivity with its small form factor, dual pen and touch input, modular expansion system and the ability to run desktop PC Operating Systems and software applications.  

Powered by an Intel® Atom™ N2600 processor, the eo™ a7400 comes with a 64GB mSATA Solid State Drive (SSD), and features a 7.1” WSVGA, LED backlit LCD with dual mode capacitive multi-touch screen and active digitizer. The screen is auto-sensing and auto-switching and features Wacom pen enabled technology for enhanced signature capture and handwriting recognition.

To ensure safe and secure data capture and transmission, the eo™ a7400 features PC standard connectivity via USB 2.0, 802.11bgn WiFi networking, optional 3.5G WWAN as well as enhanced hardware encryption via TPM (TCG v1.2). Additionally, eo™ a7400 offers an integrated 10/100 Ethernet port for direct access to corporate networks for maximum integrity and connectivity.

To keep workers productive all day, the eo™ a7400 features two Lithium-Ion battery packs for up to six hours of continuous, on-the-go computing. One of the batteries is internal while the second is user accessible and hot swappable. This means that armed with an extra battery, workers can go a full shift without needing to stop and recharge.

“As a specialty Tablet PC hardware manufacturer, TabletKiosk is in a unique position to help our gaming customers determine the most effective mobile computing solutions for their needs,” said Martin Smekal, President and CEO of TabletKiosk. “Since 2004, TabletKiosk has been supplying mobile computing solutions to the casino marketplace, and based on customer feedback, we believe that the eo a7400 will fill a unique niche as a new solution for table management, mobile POS, remote check-in and player tracking.”

Component Interchangeability and New Options for Data Collection

The eo™ a7400 is designed to utilize many of the same accessories and components originally designed for the company’s signature Sahara Slate PC® i500 Tablet PC to better maximize ROI for mixed system installations. Shared components include hot-swappable batteries, external battery charger, Business Smart™ Feature Expansion Modules (including Magnetic Stripe Reader, Barcode Scanner and multi-use MSR+Barcode scanner modules) power cords and digitizer styli (pen).

Additional Features Include:

·         On-board 2.0GB RAM

·         Intel® HD Graphics 3650

·         Intel® HD Audio with 32-bit/192KHz support

·         1x Full Size USB 2.0 port

·         1x MiniUSB 2.0 port

·         1x Built-in SD/SDHC/MMC/xMMC media card reader

·         Built-in front (2MP) and rear (5MP) facing cameras

·         G-Sensor for auto screen rotation

·         Two (2) user-programmable function buttons

·         Built-in VESA compatible mounting capability

                                               

Pricing and Availability

eo^™ a7400 will begin shipping by the end of October 2012.  For additional details, pricing, and to pre-order, please visit www.tabletkiosk.com.

About TabletKiosk®

TabletKiosk is a registered trademark and wholly owned subsidiary of Sand Dune Ventures, Inc. a privately held technology incubator. The company’s line of quality enterprise-grade to rugged Tablet PCs and mobile accessories are designed to optimize productivity in key vertical markets while offering power, flexibility and security. All TabletKiosk products are marketed and sold through an authorized reseller channel and directly through the company website. For more information, visit www.tabletkiosk.com.

HOT NEW Tablet PC: Lenovo X230T

Lenovo recently announced the latest generation of their convertible Tablet PC, the Lenovo X230T.  Featuring a faster Intel Core i7 processor (running at a zippy 2.9GHz), optional outdoor viewable display with Gorilla Glass, Dolby speakers and a 720p webcam and much more.

You can see more information and all the features here.

Tablet PC Case Study: Blasting Solutions realizes 75% time savings over paper forms

We recently completed a case study with our client Blasting Solutions, Inc.  They use controlled detonation of explosives to deslag large boilers.  Before they implemented our solution, they spent several days assembling all the paperwork for their Job Book.  Now, the entire process just takes a few hours.  You can read the full case study here.

Capture video using the Motion CL900

You can use the documentation (rear facing) camera of the Motion Computing CL900 to capture video. This can be useful for field service people to document problems or completed installations. Inspectors can use it to show issues and provide additional documentation for an inspection form.

I downloaded free software from NCH Software which let me setup this functionality in just minutes. You can get the software here: http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/index.html

When you first start the software, it will use the webcam by default but you can go into the Options and under Webcam/Capture Device, choose USB 3M DocCam. That's it and you can start capturing video. I found that using .wmv where it shows 'Record Web Camera as:' gave me the best quality video playback.

If you have other questions about using the CL900 cameras, you can check out this article in the Motion Computing Knowledge Base.

Enjoy!