My Technology Addictions

Enviro Health Manager

We were all told that as technology advanced we would have more leisure time, time to spend with loved ones and pursuing our recreational desires. So why do I now find that I need a 10 day week so that I can get through all my work and still end up working most weekend?

Well in my case I can’t really blame anyone else for my need of more days in the week or working through the weekend. I have been in the last stages of software development for the Mobile Audits program that I have developed in my business About Data to be used by Environmental Health Officers of Local Governments.

This enables them to complete audits of Food Premises, Lodging Houses, Public Buildings and General Premises all through a PDA. The information is collected in the field and then on return to the office the PDA is connected to the desktop computer and then all data is synchronized to a SQL Server database.

My business partner Sandra Morley from Sanmor Computing has developed the desktop component of the software. The Enviro Health Manager system that is on the desktop is very complex and includes, Health Notice, Pest Management, Unit Cost and Waste Management.

The software with the PDA component has been tested in the field by the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder over the past two years.

On October 4th and 5th we visited the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder and installed the latest version of the software. It has been upgraded to now include:

: Property based data

: SQL Server data file

: PDA component to manage in the field audits

: Proprietor/manager signature capture

: Fully compliant with the new legislation

: Health Notice, Pest Management, Unit Cost and Waste Management

: Onsite Training

: Ability to integrate the EHM application with LGA’s financial management system

It has been a massive project, and we encountered several hurdles but in the end we have come through it all with a solid product that allows Local Government to manage their data in an efficient and effective manner.

So now all the hard work is done we are on the marketing trail, flyer’s have been produced and are in the process of being sent to all Local Governments in Western Australia. This will be followed by information packs to be delivered in early 2008.

So now you know why I haven’t been around online, and may not be around much in the nest few months. I will now start working on Swimming Pool audits and the list goes on, but I do really enjoy my work so it is all worth it in the long run.

The First Windows Mobile 6 Phones have been launched by 02 Germany. The O2 Xda terra is currently only available in Germany, but hopefully more phones will follow soon. The Xda terra contains the usual Bluetooth, W-LAN , a 2 megapixel camera and a slide-out keyboard.

Ultimate is a new range of Smartphones from i-mate? due for release in Mid 2007, from what specs I have read these Smartphones have a touchscreen but do not include the Office suite, so are more phones than PDA’s. They do state that they have handwriting recognition so maybe the specs have just left out all the features of the phones, we will just have to wait and see. They also have the JAQ4 with WM6.

HP has the iPAQ 500 series Voice Messenger.This is said to have 20 voice commands to allow hands free operation. You can reply to email by dictating the message, listen to email and text messages and start applications by voice command.

So what does Windows Mobile 6 have going for it?

The interface is not a lot different from WM5, is has a Vista look about it.

Microsoft’s Direct Push technology which means you get real time email will be on all devices, and your e-mail will display better with its original pictures, tables and formatting.

The new ‘Calendar Ribbon’ has the Vista look and lets you view your calendar by day view or week view giving you a quick easy way to see your schedule.

Internet Explorer Mobile has been revamped making it easier to search and easier to access your Favorites and History.

For Windows Mobile 5 users, Microsoft said it will be up to carriers and device manufacturers whether they will offer upgrades.

I had a good look around to find when Windows Mobile 6 will be available in Australia but the best indication I can get is mid to late 2007 so we will just have to wait.

Since writing this we have brought a new PDA phone have a look at how we went

Technorati tags: WM6, Smartphone, Device