Mobile Automation Tools

• Mobile automation tools allow you to automate common tasks. B2M Productions/Polka Dot/Getty Images

  A mobile device is any type of pocket-sized device that allows you to have similar functionalities as a desktop computer. These include personal digital assistants (PDAs) and smartphones, which also provide calling features. Automation allows you to streamline commonly used processes, and you can use automation in different processes or environments, including mapping or testing.

TestQuest Pro

• This program allows you to automate tests, including performance, functionality and load tests. Load or stress tests involve making a large number of requests on a system to determine how much the system can handle before it crashes. You can run tests on both virtual and embedded systems. An embedded system performs a single or a handful of tasks. You can also run tests on applications and target devices and create evaluations to determine what the end-users' experience will be if they use your system. This TestQuest Pro program is for industry experts, especially those using a type of enterprise platform. As of 2010, this program costs between $7,500 and $25,000, depending on the version of the program.

SFA

• The Alltel Wireless Sales Force Automation Solutions for mobile devices allow you to automate the sales management process and allows a sales force to have constant contact with the home office. This suite of tools helps your team keep track of appointments, as well as keep logs of emails and phone calls. You can also automate commonly used procedures, including audits, work orders and surveys, and customers can obtain real-time order status updates. You can also transmit sales force information, including pricing and inventory with these tools. Pricing depends on users. Contact Alltel Wireless for a product quote.

FAAR 3

• FAAR 3 software allows you to automate the mapping process. It uses a graphical user interface (GUI), which allows you to run processes using check boxes and radio buttons as opposed to writing code or programs. This program features a tracing option, which shows you the connections between objects, and you can customize the GUI screen so you don't see certain items such as symbols or text. A free demo version of this program is available for use for a limited time. You must, however, purchase the full version when the demo period ends and you must contact the company for a price quote. This tool is compatible with Windows 2000, NT 4.0, Millennium (Me) and XP.