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PFW IntelliDealer R6V05
Interface Optimization

Graphic Design=Software Power

PFW Password - spring 2007Software should be
easy to use. The design of a user interface affects
the amount of effort expended during input and the
interpretation of output. The quality of that interface affects the psychology and physiology of the user,
with the simple goal being the creation of a system
that is effective, efficient and satisfying to use. When
that is accomplished, users—and the company for which they work—are empowered
and require less costly training. Ross Atkinson, PFW VP of System Architecture & Design, notes, “IntelliDealer has also, once again, given us the opportunity to address some
long-standing issues by utilizing the environment and the core architectural foundation that IntelliDealer was built on. It has allowed us to look at things in a different light and bring a streamlined, seamless approach to developing new products and enhancements.”
In order to capitalize on the graphical user interface, logical and powerful visual cues
can be implemented into the system’s design. PFW IntelliDealer, owing to its browser-
based context, provides these graphic aids and the following examples, present in
IntelliDealer R6V05, show IntelliDealer’s strength of design:

1-Tab Indicators
Flipped or folded tabs assist workflow, as they indicate that data is present on that
particular tab.

2-Required Field Indicators
Highlighted fields—configurable in the color of choice—now boost data entry. As well,
the mandatory fields are contextual and change, as per the details of the screen, e.g., equipment by type and status.

3-Reverse-colored field indicators
For example, Job Codes, where color-reversed fields indicate job codes that have parts associated with them, while the non-reversed fields represent codes that do not; or in Parts Invoicing, where the red Quantity Issued field indicates that there is not enough available quantity to fill the order. Another example is Rental Counter, where the cell reversals indicate either rate overrides or memos.

4-Hyperlinked Error Messages
Error cause and recovery is now available, should improper entry occur. Screens
immediately pop-up the specific error and recommend the correct operation
or entry

5-Table Row highlighting
On select IntelliDealer screens, usability is improved through the use of row highlights,
ensuring that information is read and selected accurately.

6-Page-Through Part Numbers
Parts lists can now be navigated more effectively via new forward and backward
control arrows.

7-PFW IntelliDealer Browser
PFW has developed an easy-to-administer, made-for-IntelliDealer interface. Currently
in beta testing, the IntelliDealer Browser contains no address bar/URL line, so that users are essentially locked into their IntelliDealer session. The browser features more usable screen area, which is a boon for users, owing to the fact that the screen is stripped down, with menu bars and other extraneous elements removed. Users can perform update checks from within the software and, when the user hits the “Red X/Close” button for
the main browser window, a signoff is triggered. The user will then be taken to the required Restart page in order to properly close out any screens before they can end their session. The “Back” and “Forward” arrows, the F5 “Refresh” key, and the backspace keys have all been disabled for navigation use from within the main browser window. As
well, the “right click” contextual menu has been disabled from within the main window.
The PFW IntelliDealer Browser: just one more example of R6V05 evolution.

As illustrated, it’s clear that PFW IntelliDealer owes at least part of its steady growth to
its graphic—see browser-based—context. Software release R6V05 is a prime example
of what is possible in such an environment. Please see www.intellidealer.com for more
release information.