Vanguard is a powerful multi-user field sales system, that runs on Palm handhelds. It is fast, efficient, and can handle large amounts of data. Vanguard allows the salesman in the field to take orders and to print invoices, using a handheld device.
The salesman does not have to carry a laptop, and the device can also be used as a PDA, or even a smartphone. Barcode scanning can be used to improve the speed and accuracy of order taking, and to improve the cash flow of the business.
Key Features
* Supports barcode scanning
* Infrared or Bluetooth printing
* Fast response to user input
* Lists with up to 30,000 items
* Highly scalable databases
* Easy to learn user interface
* Multi-user desktop database
* Sync via cradle or modem
* Free desktop application
* 60-page user manual
* Support available by email
Technical Details
Vanguard has four main components:
1. A Palm application
2. A desktop database
3. Hotsync conduits
4. A desktop application
The Palm application allows the user to take orders, and to print invoices. It is a native Palm OS program, that closely follows design guidelines, and is easy to use.
The desktop database is a relational database, with a very simple structure. Only Microsoft Access and SQL Server are supported, though other systems such as Oracle and DB2 can also be used.
The Hotsync conduits synchronize data between the Palm handhelds and the desktop database. They are standard COM conduits, and can be configured like any other conduits.
The desktop application allows the user to manage the desktop database, to import and to export data, and edit tables. It also contains basic business functions, such as creating orders and printing invoices.
The desktop application is open source, and is implemented as a Microsoft Access database. Both the desktop database and the desktop application can be modified, to meet particular business needs.
