The iDispatcher was originally designed to be a companion app to The Desktop Dispatcher. However, it works very well all by it's self. With just the iDispatcher you can...

• Create and track any kind of service work order.
• Store customer contact information so it auto populates a new work order.
• Store completed jobs so a service history shows on new work orders.
• Scan in barcodes of your parts used on the job (iPhone 3GS only) other devices must enter # manually.
• Create and store an inventory file with barcode information. The prices and descriptions of your parts will show up on a work order just by entering the part number.
• Take photos of your work.
• Capture signatures on the work order.
• Call the customer from the app.
• Email or SMS the customer from the app.
• Get maps to the job address right from the app.
• Get driving directions to the job address.
• Track time spent on the job.

The following screen shots and instructions should guide you through using the iDispatcher.

Part 1) The Work Order

This is the main screen. Each work order has several tabs used to view and edit the work order. To add the first new record, tap on the + at the bottom of the screen to add a record. Then, tap into the Phone field on the screen and type a phone number. We start with the phone number because it is used as a link to the customer list to populate the address area of the work order. To dial or send SMS from the app you must use at least a 10 digit phone number. Then tap into the name filed (second from top showing Mark Fleming in this screen shot) Type in the customer's name, address, city, state and zip. You can tap into the field or use the "Next" option that will appear on the keyboard. While you were creating this work order, you also enrolled that customer into your customer list. The next time you enter a job for this customer, the address area will populate automatically. To enter parts, tap on the "Parts" tab. To edit notes on the job or store a photo, tap on "Misc." To get a map to the job address, tap on the "Map" tab.

Lower down on this screen you can view and edit appointment times, warnings about the job, notes, the service history for this job address, with links that will take you to the completed job.

The "Parts" tab allows you to enter up to 10 different parts or items per work order. Here, the key is the part number. When you enter a part number of an item that is in your Inventory file,(as described below) the app will populate the price and description of the item for you.

Further down this screen you can view the total for the job including labor.

The Map tab allows you to view two maps. The first map is from MapQuest and is part of the app. It doesn't require you to leave the app. It is an inter active map allowing you to zoom in and out even pan.

The second map is accessed by tapping the button at the bottom of the screen. It will open the native Google Maps app on the iPhone, providing your position relative to the job address as well as driving directions.

Note: iPhones with gps work best.

Part 2) Accessing related files.

iDispatcher combines your work orders, customer list, inventory and service history into one database. To switch between files, tap on the layout button at the top left of the screen.(shows Inventory in this screen shot) Select the file / layout you want to view and tap on "Done". In just a moment, the screen will switch to that layout.

The customer list is used to store contact info for your customers. Tap into each field entering as much information as you can. Remember, you must get the phone number (10digit format) in order to build a link to the work order. To add a customer tap on the + at the bottom of the screen. Lower down on the screen you can enter notes about the customer, equipment etc. and get a map to the address.

The Cleared Calls file is where you store completed jobs to build a service history. This feature works best if you sync with The Desktop Dispatcher as described above. However, by manually adding just a few pieces of information, you can have the service history show up on a new work order without having to sync with The Desktop Dispatcher. Just copy and paste the phone number, the service requested, from an open work order and then enter the date completed. Then you can delete the completed work order from the Work Order layout.

The Inventory layout is where you can enter the parts or items you sell. Here the part # is key. When you enter a part number on the work order, the items description and price will be entered for you. Simply tap into each field and enter the information.

iPhone 3Gs users. To scan in UPC and barcode numbers, tap on the "Scan in a new barcode" button. The app will open the camera allowing you to take a picture of the barcode. Once you take a picture, tap the "Use" button in the lower right of the photo preview screen. If the barcode was converted, the number will be entered into the Part # field for you. If not, you will be prompted to retake the photo.

For customers who have older iPhones, you can enter the number manually.

Note: The total in stock field only refreshes if you sync with The Desktop Dispatcher.

Lower down on this screen, you can enter pricing information and store a photo of the item.

The "About" layout will list links to support options as well as access to set the tax rate for your jobs.