Database Reference
In-Depth Information
availability of service parts, and perform technical analysis and troubleshooting from an off-line
mobile device in the field.
Mobile applications can add value in the following manner:
◾
Direct availability of current information
: Sales professionals in the field require current
information on products, prices, offers, and conditions. Similarly, central sales and market-
ing departments are focused on current customers and buying behavior. Mobile applications
enable a communication channel for automatically providing all relevant information to
both parties.
◾
More flexible work process and working conditions
: Mobile applications enable sales profes-
sional to access commercial applications independent of the time and location.
◾
Fewer interruptions and delays to work processes
: Mobile applications enable eliminating many
steps in the manual processes, rendering the processes to become faster and more efficient.
◾
Increased return on investment (ROI) due to better use of existing systems
: In addition to the
usage in the office, the latest information can also be accessed by additional professionals in
the field rendering more effective use of available information without incurring additional
costs (other than those of the access devices).
A mobile client refers to a mobile application installed on a device such as laptop or
table PC. A mobile client has its own local database that is used to store data when
the machine is unconnected and running in an off-line mode until the user can con-
nect to the company network and trigger an automatic bidirectional synchronization
of data between the mobile device and the enterprise data via SAP NetWeaver MI. SAP
NetWeaver MI supports any device that is compatible with NetWeaver MI, including most
MS Windows mobile devices.
SAP CRM Mobile applications allow field sales and service professionals to access SAP appli-
cations and customer data from a variety of devices and operational modes, including connected
(off-line) mode for laptop or tablet PC or connected (off-line) mode for handheld devices such as
PDAs and smartphones or a real-time online version for select laptops and handheld devices such
as Blackberry.
8.7.1 SAP CRM Mobile Sales
8.7.1.1 Mobile Sales Laptop
The Mobile Sales Laptop solution provides the most comprehensive functionality of the three
alternatives including contact management and activity management. It provides a full-feature,
off-line solution for notebooks or tablet PCs that are only occasionally connected to a network.
The Mobile Sales Laptop solution offers
◾
Account management
−
Account planning
◾
Activity management
−
Calendar and task management
