Case Study Information
Short Description
Pell Software developed a custom, mobile-optimized web portal and QR code generation system for Superior Broom to streamline field equipment data access. The solution allows field technicians to instantly retrieve critical machine specifications, warranty details, and component serial numbers by simply scanning a QR code on the equipment, replacing manual lookups with a high-tech, automated workflow.
The Challenge
Superior Broom, a leading manufacturer of commercial sweepers, faced a common industrial bottleneck: the “information gap” between the manufacturing plant and the field. Their customers and field technicians often struggled to quickly identify specific component serial numbers, warranty expiration dates, and model details while on-site or during maintenance. Relying on physical manuals or calling the home office for data lookups was inefficient, leading to increased downtime for critical machinery. The client needed a centralized, secure, and user-friendly way to store equipment-specific data and make it instantly accessible to anyone standing in front of the machine, regardless of their technical expertise or access to a desktop computer.
The Solution
Pell Software architected a comprehensive web application built on the Pell Web Application Framework, ensuring a rapid deployment with enterprise-grade security. Hosted on Microsoft Azure, the system utilizes a high-availability environment including web servers, SQL database servers, and secure SSL encryption to maintain constant uptime.
We built a secure administrative interface that allows the Superior Broom team to manage their entire equipment inventory, enabling them to Create, Read, Update, and Delete records with ease. For every new piece of equipment entered into the system, the portal automatically generates a unique, high-resolution QR code. These codes can be saved as .pdf or .jpeg files, printed as durable stickers, and applied directly to the machinery for field use.
The solution features a robust data architecture that tracks over 20 specific data points per machine, including specialized serial numbers for gearboxes, control ECUs, and hydraulic pumps . To bridge the gap between physical hardware and digital documentation, we implemented a sophisticated file upload system. This allows users to attach photos (.jpeg, .png) or PDF manuals directly to a specific machine’s record, which are then instantly viewable or downloadable by field technicians scanning the QR code with any smartphone.
The Outcome
The implementation of the QR Code Equipment Data Web Portal has transformed Superior Broom’s post-sale customer experience and internal data management. By digitizing the “birth certificate” of every machine, Superior Broom has drastically reduced the administrative burden of support calls.
Date
July, 2020 – December, 2020
We started work on Phase 1 of the application in July 2020 and finished in December, 2020. However, our team has been constantly improving and maintaining it ever since including the addition of new features and adjustments of existing features.
Major Features
- Automated QR Code Generation: Automatically creates unique, printable QR codes for every piece of equipment entered into the database.
- Mobile-Optimized Field Pages: A sleek, branded interface designed specifically for smartphones, allowing for instant data retrieval in the field.
- Comprehensive Asset Tracking: Manage detailed specifications including Engine, Gearbox, Axle, and ECU serial numbers across 20+ fields.
- Multimedia Document Management: Ability to upload and view images and download PDF manuals directly from the equipment’s digital profile.
- Secure Admin Interface: Role-based access control for Superior Broom staff to manage equipment records safely.
- Advanced Data Validation: Standardized text box inputs with max-length constraints to ensure data integrity across the system.
Technologies Used & Keywords
- Core Framework: Pell Web Application Framework, .NET MVC, C#, ASP.NET, SQL, Azure
- Cloud Infrastructure: Microsoft Azure (Web Server, Database Server, Email Server)
- Security & Access: ASP.NET Identity, SSL Encryption, Secure Login, and Forgotten Password Reset
- File Storage: Integrated storage for .jpeg, .png, and .pdf attachments
- DevOps & Monitoring: 24/7 Uptime Monitoring and Application Error Log Audits
Client
Client Industry
Industrial Manufacturing & Construction Equipment
Client Description
Superior Broom is a premier manufacturer of self-propelled road sweepers and construction brooms. Based in Wichita, Kansas, they provide high-quality, high-performance machinery designed for the demanding needs of the paving, construction, and municipal industries. Their commitment to “Superior Quality & Performance” is reflected in their engineering and their dedication to modern customer support solutions.
