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Question

They say it cannot be done. But can it?

Oct 7, 2014 8:58AM PDT

I work for a company that employs agents to call on clients to obtain signatures on documents. At the moment (I'm no tech expert so be kind) the agent logs into our website and accepts the jobs they want to do.

When they accept the job the client's paperwork is immediately visible to them on the website. The agent doesn't download the document or anything like that. The document is almost part of the website (each document is slightly different).

They call on the client; explain the paperwork and the client signs 7 separate pages on the website via the screen on the tablet.

It all sounds very simple. But it is not. The agents are dependent on Wi-Fi and if there is no Wi-Fi the pages won't load so we cannot get the pages signed. 8 out of 10 times we are fine but the other 2 times is a complete nightmare and we are losing clients and some agents due to the stress of it all.

I believe our IT Guys have complicated the system and it is slightly self-indulgent. I ask them for help but they believe everyone (some of our reps are semi-retired) should have the same knowledge as them.

If a rep calls on a client and there is a problem they don't get paid which I believe is really unfair but this doesn't seem to bother the IT guys but it bothers me.


Each rep gets paid per home visit but I thought about letting them print off a blank hard copy which in practice sounds good. But when you take into account that they will be printing off 27 pages and then rescanning them all and uploading them all to email back to the office it's not worth the money. I'm the national manager for all the agents and I wouldn't do it.


I just wish (but I've been told it cannot be done) that there was a way that when an agent accepts the job that they could somehow save this document to their tablet (some have IPads and other have Samsung's + others) and if they were unable to get on the internet whilst being in the clients house they could simply open the document scroll up and get the client to sign the screen and once complete save it and then upload (once they have Wi-Fi again) to the website and email it back.


Obviously I need to know if can it be done? I would need a FREE program are solution and something that is quite simple. I have seen some programs (but they cost money) that seem really complicated.

I really want to help these agents and get one up on the IT guys who don't seem too keen to help.


Thank you in advance.

Vincent

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
So why not use Ethernet or a tethered Cell Phone?
Oct 7, 2014 9:03AM PDT

Seems odd today to limit yourself to WiFi if your income is at stake.
Bob

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Thank you
Oct 7, 2014 9:14AM PDT

Some of the homes the agents visit are out in the sticks. Mobile signal is a problem to and some clients simply do not have internet access. I'm simply looking for a back-up plan. And on top of that some of the agents just don't seem to be able to work the system even though they have had some training. But in my opinion not enough.

I simply want to try and make the process less stressful for them. It I can

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Then it's up to the company for a no connection solution.
Oct 7, 2014 9:30AM PDT

When I did system design I always had an online and offline method. Otherwise how to complete the sale if there is no power?
Bob

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I agree
Oct 8, 2014 9:21PM PDT

This is the point I have been trying to get across to the IT Guys. But they don't seem to be interested. The poor agents (and myself) are pulling our hair out.

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Odd system.
Oct 9, 2014 12:17AM PDT

Maybe that's why I see such meetings happening at WiFi hotspots like Panera Bread and others?
Bob

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Why argue or explain too much
Oct 12, 2014 1:19AM PDT

If the IT guys don't get it, then fire them. yeah, that's hard and maybe the only direct message they'll understand. I guarantee you, they'll become interested. Also, there's nothing preventing you from contacting outside IT sources.

As for your problem, I don't see why you can't have the agents where there is wifi, print out the documents required, YES they can do that using .PDF files. Once those are signed, load them back-in as the secondary source of files as you can't on under those non-wifi circumstances, as in "Plan B" .

tada ------Willy Happy

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Answer
Maybe there is an app for that?
Nov 10, 2014 8:22AM PST

Have you tried apps such as SignNow, SignEasy, or PDF Utility (just naming a few)? There are apps out there that allow a user to take a PDF file they've downloaded, open it, and then add a signature to the document on their device - so not a physical ink signature but instead a signature captured from the client via stylus and touch screen. As for getting the file to the rep you could use email with those methods as well as a secure server login that was set up by your tech people.