FOOD-TRAK MOBILE PARTNER

FOOD-TRAK
MOBILE PARTNER
The FOOD-TRAK® Mobile Partner (FMP) is a mobile, wireless data collection tool. This
handheld technology provides food and beverage outlets with an efficient and accurate
method for performing inventories as well as transfer, requisition and receiving functions.
Using the FMP in conjunction with the FOOD-TRAK System streamlines data collection
efforts, increases accuracy, reduces the need for software in the field and saves significant
amounts of time - both at the store and the corporate office.
Overview
System Concepts, Inc. (SCI) pioneered the use of laser-scanning mobile devices in food
service inventory more than 20 years ago. We include this capability in our product line
because it has always been our belief that mobile technology saves time and improves
accuracy. Clients have routinely reported reductions in time required for inventory by
as much as 50%! Introduced as the FOOD-TRAK Inventory Partner (FIP), our first
versions were capable only of counting inventory. Today’s FMP can also be used for
transfers, requisitions, receiving and much more. Along with the functionality improvements, we have taken full advantage of the technological
improvements by introducing one of the first fully-capable food and beverage management mobile device software to be written using the Microsoft
.NET Framework. Our latest FMP is also the first product of its kind to be tested and certified by Microsoft for the Designed for Windows Mobile
designation.
Functionality
Designed to handle many aspects of routine data collection, in some cases the FMP can completely
replace the need for a desktop computer at the unit level. Data entry capabilities include:
• Taking inventory
• Creating shopping lists
• Creating or receiving transfers and requisitions
Available Motorola
• Receiving shipments
• Receiving from purchase orders
Handheld Device Models
• Creating invoices on the fly
Motorola MC5590
• Entering or updating bar codes
Motorola MC9090-K
Motorola MC9090-G
FOOD-TRAK MOBILE PARTNER
Bar Code Scanning
The FMP is optimized for scanning. It can accept many different types of bar codes and can read user-created customized bar codes (typically used for
prepared items or items that do not have a bar code). New bar codes can be scanned and added to inventoried or purchased items on the fly and items can
have as many bar codes as desired. In this way, a single item like Ketchup could be associated with many different bar codes, allowing multiple brands to
be counted as the same item. To save even more time when taking inventory, the process of scanning a bar code automatically increments item quantity.
Scanning the item multiple times increments the quantity with each scan. For those who prefer not to scan, FMP inventory and shopping list forms can be
arranged in shelf order for maximum efficiency.
Usage Examples
A multiple-unit operator running FOOD-TRAK at the corporate office can provide each store with an FMP. As the stores take inventory, receive goods or
collect other related data on the FMP, the data shows up immediately on the corporate FOOD-TRAK System, possibly thousands of miles away. Resort
or concession operators can provide an FMP to each Profit Center or outlet. Each FMP can be used to take inventory, handle transfers or receive goods
throughout the facility. Individual transactions are handled simultaneously and FOOD-TRAK will combine all the individual inventories into a single, full
inventory automatically.
Data Communication
Inventory forms, purchase orders, shopping list templates, transfer templates and static database items are easily and routinely downloaded to the FMP from
the main FOOD-TRAK System. As data is collected on the FMP, it is uploaded to the host as soon as a connection is established. There is also no physical
limit to the number of FMP devices that can be used in conjunction with the host. Individual client licenses are purchased for each FMP.
Hardware Communication
The FMP uses IP addresses to communicate with the FOOD-TRAK System (host) in either of two ways. A communications cradle can be directly cabled to a
workstation which contains the host software or is connected through a local network or the Internet to the host system. Alternatively, the FMP can operate
over a wireless network that is connected to the host system locally or through the Internet. Only FMPs equipped with wireless capabilities can use the
wireless approach. Hardwired (cabled) communication methods are typically far slower than wireless methods, so we recommend the wireless approach
when possible. The other advantage of the wireless approach is the ability of the FMP to communicate constantly with the host. As soon as forms are
completed, they are sent to the host. Database and forms are also transmitted to the FMP as needed. With the cabled approach, only when the FMP is
attached to the cradle can the forms be sent or data received. In either case, it is not necessary for the FMP to be physically located near the server. As
long as the FMP can locate the host system through the Internet or local network, communication can occur.
Purchasing Options
The FMP software can be licensed without hardware for use with supported industry-standard Pocket PC equipment (see configuration requirements), or can
be purchased directly from us as a pre-installed bundle, including the software and mobile device. Wired and wireless configurations are available to match
the needs of the operation requirements and all units are “ruggedized” and configured with scanners.
Compatibility Requirements
Requirements Versions/Models Supported
Host Operating Systems
Mobile Operating Systems
Mobile Device Configuration
Processors
Motorola Mobile Device Models
(supported & carried)
Socket Communications Scanners
Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003
Pocket PC 2000 or higher, Windows Mobile 2003 or higher,
Windows Mobile 5.0 or higher, Windows CE 4.1 or higher
32 MB RAM required, 64 MB or more recommended,
numeric pad or full keyboard also recommended
ARM, Intel XScale, MIPS microprocessors, SH3
9090K , 9090G, MC5590
In-hand Scan Card (Type 1, Class 2 Laser) and SDIO In-hand Secure Digital Scan Card
Motorola mobile device comes with a one year limited warranty. Enhanced and extended warranties are available.
FOOD-TRAK is a registered trademark and a registered service mark of System Concepts, Inc. Microsoft, Windows and Windows Mobile are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Intel and XScale are trademarks of Intel Corporation. ARM
is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. MIPS is a registered trademark of MIPS Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Socket
Communications and Secure Digital Scan Card are registered trademarks or trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc.
© 2009 Copyright - System Concepts, Inc. - 15900 North 78th Street • Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 • (480) 951.8011 • (800) 553.2438 • www.foodtrak.com • ftsales@foodtrak.com