Method and system for managing spaced placard supports

p0001The invention relates to a method and a management system for the management of spatially separated poster holders.

p0002In the conventional management to be carried out at spaced poster holders work, for example by field staff, are distributed from a central point before starting work work instructions to the individual employee. The evaluation of the work carried out by the Centre takes place only at the end of the workday.

p0003The communication between headquarters and the field staff has been improved by portable telephone sets, but employees are temporally significantly impacted in the center by phone calls with sales representatives. In addition, the exchange of information shall be entered in an additional operation in a data processing.

p0004Furthermore, permits such an operation very little control of the services provided by the field staff benefits. It is also disadvantageous that can be difficult to judge the respective current status of all field service activities, since the information on the executed orders are only available at the end of a working day at the headquarters respectively.

p0005From DE 43 21 754 A1 discloses a method and an arrangement for carrying out the process is known in which the levels of spatially distributed bulk containers are transmitted continuously or at intervals to a central station. The transmission can take place over wire lines or via radio. In the center, the data is evaluated and transferred to trucks, which then hit the bulk container for emptying. The panel will use the received level data of spatially distributed bulk container before a route optimization for vehicles. A passing vehicle can query level data via radio from one of the bulk container.

p0006A disadvantage is that only data can be collected, and no flexible and efficient communication of work-related data between geographically distributed vehicles and the control center is possible.

p0007From DE 39 33 795 A1 a device for detecting amount of household waste is known. Here mülltonnen specific data (eg dustbins type, volume) are stored in a passive transponder as a data carrier. The data stored in the transponder are read out by an interrogator which is located in or on a refuse vehicle.

p0008Here too, it is disadvantageous that no interactive exchange of data between locations spatially distributed (ie the bins) and a control center is possible.

p0009The present invention is the task of the invention to provide a method and a system available with which to plan various work on spatially distributed poster holders efficiently and flexibly to coordinate and monitor, in particular, a continuous monitoring of the condition of all the poster holder to be possible should.

p0010This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a management system with the features of claim 12.

p0011By the inventive solutions are centrally stored and processed information, which are necessary for the processing of spatially separated poster holders, provided locally available in simple and rapid manner. Typical tasks involved in poster holders, are replacing an old against a new poster and maintenance. Here for example is used for the preparation of layout plans for posters according to the invention, a mobile computer unit.

p0012The process or management system enables paperless processing of all steps that are incurred in the management of spatially separate poster holders, as well as monitoring and logging to be carried out work. About a determination becomes an employee by a time stamp to track work monitoring well. By identifying the poster holder is ensured that a work to be carried out is performed in the right poster holder. Moreover, it is with the system according to the invention possible to read or enter work-related information, so that a field staff quickly and efficiently with its head office can exchange information.

p0013Preferably, the central computer is used for the preparatory work that have to be done at the poster holders spatially distributed. In particular, the sequence of operations is determined by the central computer, so that the Centre always has an overview of the necessary work during the day.

p0014Also preferred are read by a data reader of the mobile computer unit bar codes as identification information of a poster holder, whereby a particularly rapid and reliable identification is possible. It is preferable to confirm the execution of operations also by reading bar codes, for example, are mounted on a replaced part as a poster. A transfer of this information to the central computer allows a central registration and verification of all steps. This headquarters has always been in control of the tests performed on the spatially separated poster holders work.

p0015In a particularly preferred embodiment of the process images of poster holders or pictures are taken from the poster holders work carried out with an image capture device of the mobile computing unit. These images are used among others as evidence for clients that they were carried out in the desired manner.

p0016Advantageously, the central computer used in the inventive process the data transmitted from the mobile computer units data to create documents or billing lists, which the bookkeeping is automated and simplified.

p0017In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the data transmission takes place via a wireless connection, such as a mobile telephone network. A particularly flexible communication between field staff and headquarters is possible.

p0018existing agents are preferably on the central computer used for the optimization. This short term changes in orders by the central computer can be detected and processed, which duly amended information is transmitted to the mobile computer units. The inventive method thus has a significantly increased flexibility compared with conventional methods.

p0019It is particularly advantageous if short-term changes in the order sequence is indicated by acoustic and / or optical signals of the mobile computer unit.

p0020In an advantageous embodiment of the process of replacing an old poster is confirmed by a reading of a bar code on a new poster and transmitted to the central computer. This can be a simple way of monitoring the working hours to perform.

p0021In a further advantageous embodiment of the method the mobile computer unit displays instructions for the technical review of a poster holder. The results are entered into the mobile computer unit and transmitted to the central computer. In this way, the maintenance work can be flexibly and efficiently managed and monitored in the way.

p0022Advantageously, the inventive method is used to automatically create credits for those who carried out the work on the spatially separated posters. Here target times will be taken into account. The settlement of the work performed is greatly simplified.

p0023In the management system of the invention, a central computer is provided with means for the preparation and management of information activities to be implemented on a poster holder works. A mobile computer unit provides a means of communication with which works that have to be done to spatially distributed poster holders, efficiently perform planning and monitored.

p0024Advantageously, the data input and output of the mobile computer units via a menu-driven system is carried out. Through the use of structured input and output menus the data transfer between the central computer and the mobile computer units and the use of mobile computing devices is greatly simplified.

p0025An advantageous embodiment of the mobile computer unit comprises a bar code reader, optical or audible alarms and / or video recording equipment.

p0026the central computer and the mobile computer units exchange Advantageously data from over a wireless network (eg mobile phone network).

p0027In one advantageous embodiment, the data transmitted between the central computer and the mobile computer units data time and employee IDs, so that the central computer is used for work time determination in a simple manner.

p0028In a further advantageous embodiment, the central computer includes means for optimizing work processes. This short notice necessary changes in simple and efficient manner can be implemented.

p0029Advantageously, the mobile computer unit on an acoustic and / or visual alarm device that indicates a user as to a message headquarters.

p0030Advantageously grasp the enterable or einlesbaren in the mobile computer unit work-specific information to the start of work, so that a simple way, a control of working hours is possible.

p0031The invention will now be described with reference to the figures of the drawing of several exemplary embodiments. Show it:<dl id="dl0001"><dt>To FIG. 1.</dt><dd>a schematic representation of the method and management system of the invention;</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>a three-dimensional schematic representation of a mobile computing unit;</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>a menu structure for data input and data output of a mobile computer unit;</dd><dt>Fig. 4</dt><dd>an illustration of a menu sub-item for processing a current order; </dd><dt>FIG. 5 shows.</dt><dd>an illustration of a menu sub-point to take a picture with the mobile computer unit;</dd><dt>Fig. 6.</dt><dd>an illustration of a menu sub-item for performing maintenance.</dd></dl>

p0032Figure 1 schematically shows a method and a system for the management of a plurality of spatially separate poster holders first

p0033The management system includes a central computer 4 and a plurality of mobile computer units. 2 The mobile computer units 2 carried by field staff or subcontractors that are to carry the poster holders 1 works. Between the central computer 4 and the mobile computer units 2, information via a wireless network 3 such as the mobile telephone network D2, replaced.

p0034A field worker examines the course of his work on consecutively poster holder 1, where various works have to be done. So among others have old posters with new posters are exchanged or technical equipment, such as fluorescent tubes, are reviewed. In the presence of a malfunction of the field staff to perform minor repairs on site.

p0035To carry out this work, the field staff requires different information that are provided to him by the management system according to the invention are available.

p0036The sequence of a typical order to carry out work on a poster holder 1 to be displayed.

p0037The central computer 4 all incoming orders for work are recorded on the poster holders 1 and automatically routes and work instructions (eg adhesive lists) summarized for each sales representative. Routes are doing economically optimized by appropriate programs, such as the shortest lines connecting the poster holders 1 are selected.

p0038At the start of work orders are transmitted to the mobile computer units 2 of each sales representative and stored there. The data transmission can be (not shown) over the wireless data transmission network 3 or an interface 11 for a connection cable or a connection to a data line done.

p0039Is the field staff arrived at a poster holder 1, as it reads with the mobile computer unit 2 a bar 9, which is attached to the poster holder. 1 The read bar code 9 is compared by the mobile computer unit 2 with the information stored there of the work order, so that the poster holder 1, are carried out on the work, is uniquely identified. This identification information is an identifier of the sales representative and a time stamp provided via the wireless network 3 transmitted to the central computer 4, so that the control panel is permanently informed about which field staff has on which poster holder 1 started work.

p0040Once displayed on the mobile computer unit 2 operating procedures have been carried out, the field staff confirms this example by reading a bar code 13 on a newly mounted poster 12. This information is displayed with an employee ID and a time stamp provided and transmitted to the central computer. 4

p0041now on the mobile computer unit 2 of the next work order is displayed and the procedure is repeated in an analogous manner.

p0042Must a short-term order change by the Centre initiated, so management system of the invention allows a rapid change of some or all operating procedures of the sales force, which are stored in the mobile computer units. 2 Also these changes can be prepared by optimizing software on the host computer. 4

p0043After each execution of the order, the central computer 2 transmitted time information leads 4 using the mobile unit of the computer comparing the working time with a predetermined working target time through. Taking into account the work and possibly the working target time is calculated automatically credit for the field staff concerned by the central computer. 4 an efficient and paperless processing of necessary work is thus made possible Thanks to the installed management system.

p0044Overall, the inventive method leads to a significant improvement in the flexibility, efficiency and transparency of the work flow, obtained during the management of conducted at spaced poster holders 1 works. The resources can be used in an optimal manner, and the Centre has at any time an overview of the current status of all field service activities.

p0045Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a mobile computer unit 2, which is durable with one hand.

p0046A touch-sensitive LCD display 5 is used for displaying and entering all information that is necessary to work on the spatially separated Plakthaltern 1 (see Figures 3-6). In alternative embodiments of the invention the data may be input via an alpha-numeric keyboard.

p0047Further, the mobile computer unit 2 has a bar code reader 6 as a data reader on. This can eg attached to the poster holder 1 or a poster 12 Bar 9, 13 are read.

p0048The mobile computer unit 2 can transmit and receive (eg via a modem or acoustic) data wirelessly or via an antenna 8 and an external interface 11th The port 14 is used for power supply via a network or to charge by batteries not shown.

p0049The mobile computer unit 2 includes an image pickup device 7 to a digital camera, an image of the poster holder 1 can be customize with a new poster with the example. This image serves as proof of execution against a client. The captured images can be stored locally in the mobile computing unit. 2 The purpose of an unrepresented here optical storage medium. The captured images can also be immediately or later automatically be forwarded to the central computer. 4 For more efficient management of the data sets, the mobile computer unit 2 means for data compression.

p0050The mobile computer unit 2 has an acoustic signal generator 10, which outputs a signal in short order changes. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the mobile computer unit 2 may also have an optical signal transmitter.

p0051Figure 3 describes the basic structure of a menu-driven software system f ÜR the mobile computer unit 2, which is displayed on the touch-sensitive LCD display. 5 The menu-driven system can thus be used for data input and output. The entry is made ​​as a not shown pen, with which the individual menu fields are affected.

p0052In this application example are as menu "orders", "Pictures Up", "maintenance" and "help" provided. Each of these menu items has a set of sub-items, some of which are illustrated in Figures 4 to 6th

p0053The menu "orders" shows under the first menu item "Current Order" all the information needed for the current work order (see Figure 4).

p0054If you select the second menu item "Completed orders", as an overview of all previously performed jobs appears. The working and set times are shown in particular. Thus, a sales representative can view the information on already completed jobs again.

p0055The third menu item "Next Quest", displays the information for the next contract to be performed. Here the updated work order is shown in each case.

p0056The last menu item "Future Orders" displays an overview of all remaining contracts with the corresponding target times.

p0057The operation of the image pickup device 7 is supported by the menu "image recording". The first menu item "Image Poster" supports the introduction of a new off-hook poster as proof of a job carried out (see Figure 5).

p0058The second menu item "image damage" is selected, when damage to a poster holder 1 to be recorded. Here is a list of any necessary replacement parts will be displayed that can fill the Außendienstmitarbteiter. This list can be immediately transmitted to the center, which then takes the necessary steps.

p0059Under the menu item "Maintenance" all sub-menu are summarized, which are to carry out the technical monitoring of public importance.

p0060In the menu item "housing" all information for carrying out maintenance work on the housings of poster holders 1 are displayed (see Figure 6).

p0061Under the second menu item "Lighting" is replaced by the field staff information about the illumination device of a poster holder 1. If, for example failed a fluorescent tube, and the employee does not perform appropriate replacement lamp with, so can the mobile computer unit 2 automatically be ordered a new one.

p0062The third menu item "glass" is used in an analogous manner the review of glass panes of a poster holder 1. In particular, the sizes and colors of glass are given. All other maintenance work are summarized under the menu item "Other".

p0063All menus of the mobile computer unit 2 have a "Help" link. Here all functions of the mobile computer unit 2 and the menu-driven system are explained and hints for troubleshooting.

p0064By using a menu-driven system data can be transmitted 2 and immediately processed in a structured form between the central computer 4 and the mobile computer units. This is a significant advantage over the conventional communication with telephone conversations in which it can always be misunderstandings.

p0065Figure 4 shows the display of the menu sub-item "Current job". Here all information is displayed, which are needed for a poster changes.

p0066Of particular importance is the display of the current time and the target time for the start of the current job. This is immediately apparent whether a time gap with the established timetable is.

p0067Even the location of the poster holder 1 is listed. When required, a detailed description will be displayed. By selecting the word "site", a sketch map of the poster holder 1 are displayed.

p0068The first step of execution on a poster holder 1 is the identification of the site by reading the attached to the poster holder 1 bar code 9, the bar code is been read 9, the field is automatically checked on the LCD display. 5 If the location information do not match with the foreseen in the work plan, a warning message is issued. This is particularly important when many poster holder 1 are arranged in a small space and the differences of the sites are difficult to describe.

p0069Also a short description of the new and old poster motif is given, it being a picture of the poster motif displayed by selecting the corresponding line. This can facilitate the unique identification of a poster motif in doubt.

p0070The exchange took place a poster is as confirmed by reading a bar code 13 on a new poster 12, which is indicated by a mark in a corresponding field.

p0071Furthermore, as indicated by a marker in a field if all the data has been transferred correctly to the central office.

p0072In the comments section for general information can be displayed. For example, a sales representative will be informed as the fact that he should check the lighting of a poster holder. 1 At the bottom of the LCD display 5 a current order number is displayed in each case.

p0073Figure 5 shows the menu item "image poster" that is selected when a new poster to be displayed for documentation purposes.

p0074Analogous to the menu item "Current request" of the site and the new poster image will be briefly described. A study carried out holding a poster holder 1 is indicated by a marker in a field. If automatic storage or data transmission to the host computer 4 is provided, the appropriate fields will be marked. With a manual choice enstrechenden lines must be selected, after which in the corresponding fields labels appear.

p0075Figure 6 shows the display of the menu sub-item "Maintenance light". Again fields are used to display and enter information. Find a sales representative a faulty fluorescent tube on a poster holder 1, so he chooses the appropriate field in the "Error" column. Once he has corrected the error, it selects the appropriate field in the "fixed" to. This information is transmitted wirelessly to the control panel so that it is constantly informed that a problem occurred has been resolved. Can not resolve the error by a field staff on site, there remains the appropriate field "corrected" unlabeled. The center is then informed on which poster holder 1 still exist error.

p0076The invention is not limited in its embodiment to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable, the inventive methods of the management system and for performing the method even in a fundamentally different type exercise.