Android Data Entry, 3/10/2012 “Android Galaxy, Morgan Divine” Problem Definition Data entry solutions are in ever higher demand as small businesses continue to grow alongside the regulations that govern them. In many situations, laptops, PDA’s, and even desktop computers have been able to meet the data entry needs specific to each situation, However, many small companies are forced to resort to manual record keeping via pen and paper due to the environment and conditions under which the data is to be recorded. This is inefficient for several reasons: Time consuming Expensive implementation Inconsistency and inaccuracy Data analysis is infeasible Difficult to maintain Schedule: -11/1/2011Preliminary Design -12/1/2011Ordered Hardware -1/1/2012Hardware Installed -2/1/2012Basic Control Software Configured -3/1/2012Video Streaming Completed -4/1/2012Optimization Completed Resources $400Android Device $1000SQL Server 2008 $4000Server $400Networking Hardware $200Additional Accessories $6000Total Estimated Expenses 250 hoursTotal Labor Estimate Competitive Analysis In wash down environments where work stations and laptops are inappropriate. In manufacturing QC locations where the size, cost, and relative functionality of other electronic devices is infeasible. In technical working environments where the additional functionality could easily be integrated with existing infrastructure (or as an added benefit for employees!) In applications where the flexible hardware of Android devices allow them to meet the specialized constraints. A good example might be an Electrical Inspector who needs to collect both qualitative and quantitative information. An android device could record his entire inspection (bookmarking the audio file with voice recognition), allow him to take pictures, and provide a user friendly GUI for the quantitative data. Solution Specifications The Field Program is a complete and working application which demonstrates the functionality available from the Android platform in enterprise applications. The Field Program package requires several components: Bluetooth enabled scale, server/database, android device(2.3), Wi-Fi connection to server, and card printer. This program is capable of tracking hours of employees working by the hour while simultaneously totaling the pounds of fruit picked by piecework employees. For tracking the weight, it communicates to a scale via Bluetooth. A tare is subtracted from the weight based upon number of trays used and the known weight of each tray. The Field Program features a tiered login access to restrict the possibility of incorrect payment data (e.g., only the supervisor is allowed to delete records other than the very last one.) Potential Applications The biggest fault in Android in terms of competition with other solutions is in terms of initial programming overhead. Java is a very verbose language in comparison to Microsoft Access, which is often used by small businesses whom this type of customized software would target. Android has the benefit of being perceived as a trend. Android pacts a ton of functionality into a single, affordable, and compact device. Android is a powerful tool in combating the communication and management problems that plague small businesses as they grow. The GPS functionality used in conjunction with messaging, mail, and calendar applications can dramatically reduce management overhead and miscommunication. Engineering & Computer Science Departments Future improvements for the Field Program would be to purchase an external barcode scanner and connect it to the android device via Bluetooth. This would streamline the design and engender more intuitive use. Another improvement may be to allow the editing of completed records by supervisors in the field. Due to security reasons that functionality wasn’t currently desirable. Future Improvement Ideas