As technology continues to advance, more and more industry mobile applications are becoming available for smartphones and tablets. These mobile apps can be valuable tools for HVACR customers, contractors, distributors, and manufacturers.
Here at The NEWS, we will be spotlighting several of these mobile apps each month. If you have an app you would like included in the App Zone, please complete our online submission form. If you have any questions, please email jenanesi@achrnews.com.
Fieldpiece Job Link
Company: Fieldpiece Instruments Inc.
Platform(s): Apple mobile devices
Updated: January 2015
Cost: Free to download
Where to download: iTunes, http://bit.ly/JobLinkApp
Description: Fieldpiece Instruments launched a Job Link™ for wireless real-time measurements on an iOS device. The Job Link app allows techs to view live measurements, get insightful diagnostics, create professional looking reports, and email findings to the office and customer. Fieldpiece JL2 Transmitter is required to link the iOS device with any Fieldpiece wireless manifold (SMAN4, SMAN440, SMAN460), as well as the wireless dual in-duct psychrometer (SDP2). The JL2 Transmitter can be purchased at local distributors and includes a one-year subscription to Job Link Pro.
Quote: “Techs will find this app particularly useful as it links the technical and the business aspects of the field tech’s job. Once it’s set up, the field technician will use Job Link on most jobs he works on as a way to make adjustments based on live measurements and keep track of critical information, such as customer details, system information, measured values, and checks performed.” — Russ Harju, product manager, Fieldpiece
UV Select
Company: UV Resources
Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices
Released: January 2015
Cost: Free to download
Where to download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/UVSelectApp
Description: Input the height and width of an air handler’s coil and plenum, and the UV Resources UV Select™ sizing App calculates the appropriate requirements and cost. The free app uses project-specific measurements to generate UV-C fixture recommendations that best comply with ASHRAE guidelines for ultraviolet surface treatment. The new app makes sourcing replacement lamps easier and more affordable than ever.
Quote: “Traditionally, how to properly size HVAC UV-C systems has been a mystery to many HVAC contractors, facility engineers, and end users. However, this app offers a simple and quantitative approach to system sizing.” — Dan Jones, president, UV Resources
Browning Toolbox Technician
Company: Emerson Power Transmission Corp.
Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices
Updated: January 2015
Cost: Free to download
Where to download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/ToolboxTechApp
Description: Browning® has introduced an upgrade to its popular Toolbox Technician mobile app with a new HVAC Drive Kit Management module and new content for the existing V-belt and bearing modules. Developed for HVAC contractors, mechanics, and building owners, the Drive Kit Manager module recognizes the OEM content for thousands of blower drives produced by major North American HVACR manufacturers every year. By scanning a QR code on the drive or inputting data from the Browning drive kit label on the unit, the user gains immediate access to product information, even without logging in. Registered users can save the information to a personal library as a maintenance record; email the data; set push notifications for system maintenance; and add data on related components, such as bearings, filter, and compressor.
Quote: “The upgrade adds other features requested by current users, such as a sheave interchange database. Bearing installation data is now cataloged by locking types for faster searches, and new installation tutorials have been added. We’ve also upgraded many of the popular modules in the new version, such as the belt-drive efficiency calculator, which now allows emailing of results. Building owners and facility managers can track drive assets in the same way, eliminating the need for logs stored in rooftop units.” — Ian Rubin, director of marketing for Sealmaster®, System Plast™, and Browning mounted bearings at Power Transmission Solutions™.
Breezeworks
Company: Breezeworks Corp.
Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices
Updated: February 2015
Cost: Free to download
Where to download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/BreezeworksApp
Description: Breezeworks is a mobile application that turns any smartphone into a business management tool. By integrating scheduling, customer communication, invoicing, and payments, the Breezeworks app offers a distinct advantage in customer satisfaction, productivity, and increased revenues. The Breezeworks app automates job site logistics, payment processing, and real-time schedule updates. Booking follow-ups, mobile payments, and automatic arrival time alerts can all be performed on the fly from a smartphone or connected tablet.
Quote: “Great app. I use it every day for my maintenance service. It’s extremely helpful and simple to use! And the call from the app developer made me feel important. Thanks — keep up the good work!” — Henry Anderson, Google Play review
HOBOmobile
Company: Onset Computer Corp.
Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices
Updated: January 2015
Cost: Free to download
Where to download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/HOBOmobileApp
Description: The free app, which enables users to graph and analyze environmental data collected with Onset HOBO® MX Series data loggers, brings the power and convenience of Bluetooth® Smart data logging to a greater number of mobile users. Right from their mobile devices, building managers, energy managers, and others can wirelessly configure HOBO MX1101 loggers, view data in graphs, check logger status, and share data in Excel and other applications. HOBOmobile also makes it fast and easy to set up audible logger alarm notifications so users are immediately notified of problems. For example, if temperatures in a data center climb to a point where equipment overheating may occur, or if building humidity conditions reach a point that could lead to mold growth, the MX1101 logger will beep and display alarm notifications so users can take corrective action.
Quote: “HOBOmobile takes the ease-of-use principle to a new level for data logging. It’s incredibly easy and intuitive for anyone to use and brings our industry-leading Bluetooth Smart temperature and humidity data-logging solution to many more building managers and energy professionals already using Android-based phones and tablets in their daily work.” — Scott Ellis, product marketing specialist, Onset
PENTA Mobile Field Service
Company: Penta Technologies
Platform(s): Apple iPad
Updated: January 2015
Cost: Free to install; app requires PENTA software and license key
Where to download: iTunes, http://bit.ly/PENTAMobileApp
Description: PENTA Mobile Field Service empowers field service technicians to receive dispatched work order and customer details on iPads, and to capture and transmit real-time status updates, technician time, equipment time, parts and materials, and applicable notes to the home office. Benefits to service firms include increased technician productivity; increased customer knowledge for better first-visit fix rates; faster and more accurate billing; elimination of unnecessary paperwork, redundant data entry, and inaccuracies; increased customer satisfaction and confidence; and a more profitable service operation.
Quote: “The PENTA mobile field service app has far exceeded our expectations in ease of use, stability, and value to the business. It has enabled our service group to significantly reduce days to bill. In some cases, we are able to bill our customer the same day the work was performed. The mobile field service app has also helped save us many hours per week in back-end labor due to the streamlining of the process within PENTA. The PENTA mobile field service app has been a huge win for Murphy Company.” Aaron Geiger, Chief Information Officer, Murphy Co.
Publication date: 3/16/2015
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