This paper looks at the design and implementation of a wireless data entry system using cheap and widely available personal digital assistants (PDAs) as a hardware platform. This problem is viewed through the context of a small transportation company that is transitioning to a medium-large scale operation and needs a custom tailored solution to improve payroll efficiency and reduce errors. In my report, I detail the design considerations, the user stories, and the pitfalls that come with implementing a new system that interfaces with existing applications.

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My complete Master’s report and presentation used in my defense can be downloaded below.

Download report: Developing a Cost Effective Wireless Data Entry System

Download presentation: Developing a Cost Effective Wireless Data Entry System

This project is an adaptation of an excel spreadsheet that was used for cost estimation. I added in a MapPoint control, so we wouldn’t need online access to work with maps. I also incorporated live Quickbooks data into this application, so that we could create formal quotes with prefilled fields on company letterhead with very little effort.

Here’s a demo of this application:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8lONjMtU88&hl=en&fs=1&fmt=18]

Due to the sensitive nature of this program I can’t release the source code, but if you have any questions please email me.