ATLANTA -

Taking the results of a recent survey of 6,000 active users of AutoIMS’ inventory management system into account, the company revealed Wednesday its plans to offer mobile applications on the Android platform, set to release mid-fall, as well as increased functionality for popular mobile Web browsers.

The survey revealed that Android — which will be home to the first official AutoIMS app — tied with the iPhone, holding 15 percent of the company’s user base.

Though results show BlackBerry is still the most popular platform, holding 25 percent of the company’s user base, with recent research showing “Android adoption significantly out-pacing the iPhone and BlackBerry products, word of mouth feedback and in-house development skills, AutoIMS opted to develop on the Android platform,” officials noted.

As early as next month, auction personnel will be able to access the LiveCRwriter application on an Android device to write or amend condition reports for cars, trucks and a wide array of specialty equipment.

“Considering the low cost of Android devices compared with tablet computers, this will represent huge savings on hardware costs, as well as added convenience and efficiency for CR writers, as the Android app will sync with AutoIMS in real time,” added AutoIMS chief information officer Venkat Krishnamoorthy.

Don Meadows, president of AutoIMS, also offered his opinion on the upcoming releases: “Whether you are a consignor in the field who needs to review damages, enter floor prices, or simply check a vehicle status; or an auction user looking for a better way to write a condition report, the AutoIMS functionality you rely on will soon be available on leading smartphones and tablets"

Though the Android platform will hold the flagship app, the company stressed it continues to test and evaluate the “functionality, security, and practicality” of other mobile gadgets, including Apple’s iPhone and iPad.

“In many cases, users are already accessing AutoIMS via mobile device browsers, providing feedback and wish lists to the company as they go,” the company explained.

“We have been very impressed with the quality and selection of Android devices, the open-source nature of the development environment, and the feedback we are receiving about adoption of the Android platform from our clients,” said AutoIMS lead mobile developer Steve Whitney.

Revealing the most popular smartphone functions among AutoIMS users, the company reported emails and texting topped the list, capturing 78 percent and 72 percent, respectively. Web browsing followed with 56 percent. Contact and calendar management held 46 percent of participating users and social media scored 27 percent. Interestingly, work-related apps were the least popular choice, coming in at 18 percent.

When asked about desired mobile device functionality specific to the company, AutoIMS users responded that they were most interested in vehicle search functions by VIN, account number and work order to check status (63 percent). Also ranking high was the ability to view a condition report (51 percent).
Users also stressed they want a fully functional AutoIMS within the mobile Web browser (38 percent).

In addition to testing and monitoring user preferences across the mobile world as well as preparing for a mid-fall release of the new Android application for AutoIMS’ consignors and auctions, the company also continues to optimize processes and functions in an effort to make life easier for users on the road.

For example, the company’s automated email notifications now contain direct hyperlinks for easier navigation to specific vehicle records from all platforms – especially mobile devices.

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