How much will Glimpse™ cost? ⇑
Glimpse™ pricing is scaled, based on the number of items of plant in the fleet and the hardware that is required. Glimpse™ can be provided on a software only basis, or with hardware. Payments for Glimpse™ may be made on capital expenditure basis, or alternatively the hardware and software may be paid for on a rental model - to suit your business needs.
In either case, there are one off installation/training/licensing costs and ongoing running costs to cover upgrades, updates, support and data transmission. For a customised quote for your business, contact us.
How much will Glimpse™ save me and what are the other advantages? ⇑
By using Glimpse™ you will be able to streamline the entire business management process of your hire company, from booking jobs through to job invoicing. At any time, you will know exactly where your plant fleet is and with a few mouse clicks be able to schedule operators on to jobs.
With Glimpse™ installed, you will get a signature showing "proof of service delivery" to the office before the operator and plant have even returned to the base, so you will be able to invoice and send copies of signatures to your customers immediately - improving cash flow and reducing the number of unbilled hours.
What technical support is provided? ⇑
Symltech provides technical support during office hours. Our support can be accessed via the telephone or via email. With your permission, a Glimpse™ software engineer can link to your computer system via the Internet to solve problems and demonstrate solutions to any problems you are having. We aim to solve any technical problem that you experience within 24 working hours.
How much can the system be customised? ⇑
We have worked hard to ensure that the software is applicable to all types of hire and so it should require minimal customisation.
Where a missing feature is required, it can usually be accommodated. The cost of customisation is dependent on the complexity of the enhancement, how applicable it is to other customers and how urgently it is required. If the feature is applicable to all Glimpse™ customers and is not urgently required, then it will be added as part of the ongoing continuous improvement program at no cost to existing customers. If it is an enhancement that is required by an individual customer, immediately - then the cost will be based on the complexity of the change.
Can I leave out some bits, such as GPS tracking? ⇑
Glimpse™ is intended as a complete system. The GPS tracking is an integral part of the solution and as such cannot be "turned off".
Can signatures stored in Glimpse™ be copied? Are they secure? ⇑
Signatures in the Glimpse™ system are stored in an encoded format within the SQL Server database. Whilst it is technically possible to copy any data stored in a database, it would be possible to determine that this had happened because the data would be "too perfect" a copy. Repeated signatures by the same person show considerable variation. Copying digital data preserves every single detail - therefore it is possible (with sufficient expertise) to copy a signature, but it would be possible to see that had happened by analysing the data.
Can I prevent some office users from editing data? ⇑
Glimpse™ requires a user to login with a username and password combination. Individual users are assigned a privilege level which restricts the types of operations they are permitted to make within the system. A user with no login details will not be able to use the system at all.
Can I produce print outs from the system? ⇑
Glimpse™ allows much of its information to be printed, such as operator job summaries, receipts, invoices and reports. Glimpse™ has been designed to facilitate additional reports being added, quickly and easily. Custom reports can be written for an individual customer by Glimpse's software development team at modest cost.
How will the system data be backed up? ⇑
Because Glimpse™ will contain a great deal of business critical information, we recommend the installation of a tape backup system in your main server. The correct hardware allied to a properly designed backup routine will ensure that you never run the risk of serious data loss.
My paper system lets me give my customers a receipt when they sign for a job. Can Glimpse™ do this? ⇑
When an operator obtains a signature from a customer, the receipt can be automatically posted, emailed or sent by fax (if this facility has been configured). Any combination of these three receipt methods can be specified at the time of signature. Duplicate receipts can be printed by the administrator from the office at any time. A receipt includes the basic job details and a copy of the signature.
What information does my customer receive? ⇑
The PDA displays the type of service provided and the times/duration to be signed for. The invoice can optionally display both the signature and a map of the job route (as required).
What hardware do I need to run the system? ⇑
All of the required hardware can be supplied by Symltech, however, we can arrange to install Glimpse™ on your existing hardware if it is suitable:
Office server/administration PC minimum spec:
| CPU: |
Pentium P4 |
| Memory: |
256Mb |
| Disk Space: |
500Mb available |
| OS: |
Windows 2000 / XP |
| Graphics: |
1024 x 768 in 24bit colour |
| Display: |
15" Screen |
| Sound: |
Not required |
| Printer: |
Strongly recommended |
| Internet: |
Broadband connection |
| Backup: |
Tape backup solution strongly recommended |
| UPS: |
Battery backup solution strongly recommended |
What software do I need to run the system? ⇑
To run Glimpse™ requires a license for the following packages: MS Word MS Excel MS MapPoint MS SQL Server Sage Line 50 (Optional)
All or some of these licenses can be supplied by Symltech as required.
Can I link Glimpse™ to my accounting package? ⇑
Glimpse™ links to Sage Line 50. Linking to other accounting systems may be possible on request, as a customisation.
Does Glimpse™ provide reporting? ⇑
Glimpse™ includes a powerful reporting engine that can be enhanced with new / custom reports on request. Glimpse™ links to Word and Excel to provide professional printed reporting capabilities.
Does Glimpse™ provide messaging? ⇑
Glimpse™ provides a simple "email-like" messaging protocol that allows the office or the remote dispatch controller to send messages to the operators. Operators are able to reply to and acknowledge receipt of the messages they receive. Glimpse™ allows the administrator to decide whether operators are allowed to send and receive messages between themselves.
What training is provided? ⇑
Training is split into three elements: Training of the operators Training of the dispatcher Training of the administrator
Does it cost anything?
Full training is included in the setup costs of the system.
Is it provided for all operators?
Yes, full training is provided to all operators. Additional training for new members of staff or refresher training after the initial installation may be organised at additional cost.
How long is needed - for operators and for office staff?
The administrators and dispatchers courses are half a day each. The operator's training typically lasts 1 to 2 hours.
Does Symltech help with initial data input?
As an additional service, Symltech can assist with the initial data loading of customer information. Costs depend on the way in which the current data is stored. If the current data is on paper, then costs are inevitably higher than if the data is already in a spreadsheet or other digital format.
How long should we run Glimpse™ alongside our paper system? ⇑
Typically, we recommend a 3 month changeover period from first installation to going completely "paperless", however it is entirely possible to complete the transition in less time if required.
My staff are not computer literate. Will they be able to use Glimpse? ⇑
Glimpse™ has been designed with non-technical users in mind. You will find that the system is very simple and intuitive to use and we provide training which is deliberately pitched at people that may have limited computer experience.
How much information do my operators have to enter into the PDA? ⇑
Symltech has designed Glimpse™ to ensure that only minimal information has to be "typed" into the PDA. In effect the only data input required is a few button clicks, the signature and (where required) job comments.
What PDA devices are supported? ⇑
We can modify Glimpse™ to work with most current PDA's - we currently recommend the HP IPaq 6500 series. This device has a built in GPS and can be used as a mobile phone as well.
How long will the devices last? ⇑
We expect the PDAs to last a minimum of three years in normal use. We provide rubber jackets for the devices to help to protect them from day to day knocks and bumps.
Will I need to provide my operators with both a PDA and a mobile phone? ⇑
If you specify a device other than our recommendation, you may have to, but otherwise no… The PDA will be both a phone and a Glimpse™ terminal.
How often will the hardware need to be updated? ⇑
The hardware will be replaced at the end of the lease period if the system is purchased on a lease agreement basis. Typically this will be after 3 or 4 years. If the system has been purchased on a capital expenditure basis, the hardware will be replaced on request, (at the customer's expense) typically, after 3 to 4 years.
What happens if a PDA is broken? ⇑
Cost of replacing
Prices of PDAs vary over time, although typically they are getting cheaper. Currently the approximate cost of each PDA is £400. However, we advise customers to insure their PDA fleet so that breakages can be replaced under the terms of the policy.
Time to replace
Glimpse™ carries limited stocks of the units that we recommend for use with the system. These are prepared for immediate dispatch and can usually be delivered within 48 hours - except under exceptional circumstances.
Installation of the new device
We will pre-configure the new PDA before sending it out. If the customer prefers to source their own device, then our technical support team will provide instructions over the telephone to prepare the device for use.
Lost data
The Glimpse™ system is resistant to the loss of data on an individual PDA, however if the devices are used to carry other business critical information, then it is the customer's responsibility to ensure that backups are taken to prevent data loss in the event a PDA is lost, stolen or destroyed.
What happens if a PDA is stolen? ⇑
In the event of a theft, a new unit will need to be purchased. We advise our customers to insure their PDA fleet to limit the economic impact of a lost, stolen or destroyed PDA.
Will operators have access to the Internet? Can they download games/check emails? ⇑
Access to email and games is possible with the devices that are used with Glimpse, however these facilities can be restricted on request.
How reliable is the GPRS coverage and can the PDA still operate if it loses GPRS or GPS connections? ⇑
The system will continue to operate if GPS (position) or GPRS (data connection) is lost. The unit is able to buffer data in the event of the GPRS data connection is lost and the system is designed to be tolerant of a loss of GPS signal. Whilst the stored data may contain less location information in the event of a GPS outage, the system will continue to operate in all other respects. The PDA unit will display warnings if GPS or GPRS connectivity is lost.
What GPS units does Glimpse™ use? ⇑
The PDA's that Symltech recommends for the Glimpse™ system contain a built in GPS unit. This avoids the need to have a second item of hardware, with its own separate power supply, insurance etc… It also helps to simplify the connection of the GPS to the PDA. If you decide to specify an alternative PDA to the one recommended by Glimpse, then it may be necessary to purchase an external GPS unit. There are many available on the market and Symltech will be happy to advise customers on suitable units.
How reliable are the GPS units? ⇑
GPS units are extremely simple and are generally very reliable as a result. So long as they have power and a good view of the "sky" so that they can track 4 or 5 satellites, they provide a good stream of accurate position information.
Reliability of GPS data:
The data is typically accurate to about 10 / 15 metres. In perfect conditions, accuracy can be better than 5 metres.
Frequency of GPS data:
Typically a GPS outputs data every second. The Glimpse™ software collects the raw data from the GPS and filters it so that a point is collected every 5 minutes or 10 metres of movement, whichever happens sooner. In this way, the amount of data collected is reduced, without reducing the value of the position information obtained.
What Tablets are supported? ⇑
Where a Tablet PC is required within the system, we are happy to recommend and supply a suitable device. Because the market is rapidly changing, we recommend that you call for our current advice on Tablets.
How long will the devices last? ⇑
We expect the Tablet PC to last a minimum of three years in normal use.
How often will the Tablet hardware be updated? ⇑
The hardware will be replaced at the end of the lease period if the system is purchased on a lease agreement basis. Typically this will be after 3 or 4 years. If the system has been purchased on capital expenditure basis, the hardware will be replaced on request, at the customer's expense, typically this would be after 3 to 4 years.
What happens if a Tablet is broken? ⇑
Cost of replacing
Prices of Tablets vary over time, although typically they are getting cheaper. Currently the approximate cost of each Tablet is £1200. However, we advise customers to insure their Tablet so that a breakage can be replaced quickly and cost effectively under the terms of the policy.
Time to replace
Glimpse™ does not carry stocks of Tablets, so it usually takes about 5 working days to obtain, prepare dispatch and deliver a replacement Tablet.
Who installs the new device
We will pre-configure the Tablet before sending it out. If the customer prefers to source their own device, then our technical support team will provide instructions over the telephone to prepare the device for use.
Lost data
The Glimpse™ system is resistant to the loss of data, as the data is replicated on the central office-based database server. However, if the Tablet is used to carry other business critical information, then it is the customer's responsibility to ensure that backups are taken to prevent data loss in the event it is lost, stolen or destroyed.
What happens if a Tablet is stolen? ⇑
In the event of a theft, a new unit will need to be purchased. We advise our customers to insure their Tablet to limit the economic impact of a lost, stolen or destroyed unit.
How good is the 3G/GPRS connection ⇑
The Tablet will be configured to use a 3G connection wherever one is available. Whilst 3G coverage is improving it is not always complete in rural areas. However, should 3G coverage not be found, then the Tablet will use a GPRS connection instead. This is a lower speed connection, but coverage is much wider and most rural locations are included.
How does data get copied between the Office PC and Tablet PC? ⇑
Data is transferred by MS SQL Server's data replication engine. This provides a robust and industry standard way of ensuring that the data on the office server and the data on the Tablet PC are kept permanently synchronised. Short outages of Internet coverage are absorbed by buffering in the replication engine.
How reliable is the data copying? ⇑
Data copying will be 100% reliable, given that the Tablet and the office databases are both able to connect to the Internet, however there may be a short lag between the data being created on the Tablet and the changes being replicated to the office end of the system (or vice versa). The duration of the lag is dependent on signal strength and Internet connection speed.
Is the Tablet PC optional? ⇑
The Tablet is completely optional. It is intended to allow a company owner/driver to continue to dispatch the plant fleet whilst working away from the office. At the same time, administrative staff back at the office can continue to send invoices and track the fleet independently of the dispatcher. This functionality is not required by all customers and may be added or discontinued at any time. |
