TUP has successfully ported its Mobile Device System (MDS) from traditional handheld devices to smartphones and now enables the aviation sector to streamline its logistics processes more quickly and cost-effectively using a native Android app.
Smartphones will significantly transform (intra-)logistics in the future. Those in charge at TUP are certain of this. That is why the software provider is now also advancing its Smart-Mobile-Logistic in the aviation sector. After all, every airline must log and maintain records of every installed batch number (individual part). This is one reason why maintenance at this level requires a spare parts inventory with 24/7 availability and the highest process quality.
MDS app on smartphones and handheld devices
Customers can now choose between three levels of convenience tailored to their specific project. Thanks to the scalability of the MDS app, the application runs on:
• Smartphones with built-in cameras,
• Smartphones with external scanners (ring scanners),
• Specially designed MDEs with built-in scanners.
“The software itself consists of two parts: the software core and the actual MDS functions. Across all projects, we can already say in the early implementation phase that the current functionality can be quickly ported to all existing and new projects,” says Günther Pfisterer, Aviation MDS Project Manager at TUP. “The customer receives a ready-to-use operating system with hardware tailored to it and simply needs to install the MDS app. Of course, they are free to choose their own end devices (comfort zones).” And, of course, traditional mobile data entry—MDE for short—without Android remains part of the portfolio. Mobile data entry is a method for collecting and storing data using a portable data collection device (handheld).
“With an affordable device, customers can get started in the world of MDS more quickly and easily. Initial tests no longer require costly investments; customers can now set up their own test environments using inexpensive entry-level smartphones,” Günther Pfisterer continued. “In practice, the scanning functionality in particular will prove compelling. The developers have ensured that the scanner—regardless of the device—can process multiple barcodes simultaneously when needed.” Consequently, if there are multiple codes on the product (box), the employee no longer has to use laser guidance to target the required code. The MDS scanner simply takes a photo of all available barcodes, and the user then selects the required code with a finger gesture—all in a matter of seconds.
100% data capture accuracy, precise batch tracking
Every smartphone is ready for use within minutes: All that’s required is to download a small configuration file to the device via a QR code (scan), which then configures the necessary device settings. The configuration file needs to be created only once and can then be used for all devices in the respective project. In addition, thanks to the HD displays built into the smartphones, employees have access to significantly more information. This allows them to access processed data in real time, evaluate it promptly, and then correctly store the goods or assign them to the right recipient. The smartphone thus makes it possible to enrich cryptic details with foolproof supplementary information. The result: Manual data entry errors are largely eliminated, the targeted 100-percent booking quality is ensured, and precise batch tracking is guaranteed.
To avoid disrupting the ongoing operations described above, standard functions such as phone calls and text messages are disabled; only the MDS functions are available. The necessary settings and other administrative measures are loaded onto the smartphone exclusively via the aforementioned QR code and can only be configured by authorized personnel. This prevents any tampering.
