Mobile app (for iOS and Android)

Overview of the EstVis mobile client – features, common tasks, and how it works with Desktop Server and Workflow

Overview

The EstVis mobile app (iOS and Android) is a compact client that brings key EstVis workflow capabilities to smartphones and tablets. It partly duplicates functionality available in the Workflow app and also provides mobile-specific tools designed for frontline shop staff: photo documentation, barcode/DRL/VIN scanning, invoice scanning, QR-based parts transfer, and on-the-spot Work Authorization generation and signing.

Mobile clients connect to your shop's Desktop Server (local or remote). Many operations require the Desktop Server to be reachable; however, using the mobile app reduces manual steps and speeds up data capture at the vehicle.

Key features

• Photo documentation
  • Guided photo templates for insurance and repair-stage requirements.
  • Direct upload to the case folder on Desktop Server and automatic assignment of descriptions.
• VIN and DRL scanning
  • Capture VIN and DRL barcodes using the device camera to auto-fill vehicle and customer data.
• Invoice scanning and posting
  • Use the phone camera to scan supplier invoices and upload them to the case folder for recognition and posting.
  • Multi-page scan support (iOS) and image adjustments (crop, filters, rotate).
• Work Authorization generation and signing
  • Generate a pre-filled Work Authorization PDF and send a link to the customer for electronic signing.
  • Staff can fill and sign Work Authorization on-site using the mobile client.
• Parts and materials handling
  • Scan incoming parts and invoices to update stock and case parts lists.
  • Parts status color coding (not ordered, ordered, received) is visible in Workflow and synchronized with mobile.
• Parts transfer via QR codes
  • Transfer parts between employees: the receiving staff scans a QR code generated by the transferring staff to record the transfer and update inventory.
• Customer communication and notifications
  • Send requests to customers for damage photos, Work Authorization signing, appointment scheduling, and parts arrival notifications.
  • Incoming customer messages and automated notifications are available in-app.
• Offline-friendly behavior
  • Because Desktop Server stores critical data locally, the system tolerates Internet interruptions. The mobile app requires a reachable Desktop Server for most operations; when connectivity is unavailable, capture workflows will be limited until connection is restored.

How the mobile app works with Desktop Server and Workflow

• Desktop Server is the single data source for your bodyshop. Mobile clients (as well as Workflow instances) connect to it over the local network or Internet.
• Workflow (Windows) remains the primary management interface for buckets, case details, estimates, payroll and accounting. Mobile clients are optimized for fast capture and customer-facing actions.
• You can install multiple mobile app instances (unlimited) for different staff members. Each instance must be launched with user credentials that determine available app functions according to user roles.

Typical mobile tasks – step by step

1. Scan an invoice and attach it to a case

   1. Open the app and tap Tools menu at the bottom navigation bar.
   2. Select Invoice scanner, capture the invoice photo(s).
   3. Adjust crop/filters if needed, enter the RO number, and upload.
   4. The invoice is saved in the case folder on Desktop Server and flagged for recognition/posting in Workflow.

2. Capture damage photos using a template

   1. Open the case and tap a required Line (preliminary, supplements, estimate-line photos, complete, invoice photos).
   2. Follow on-screen guidance for the template and take photos in the requested order.
   3. Photos upload automatically to the case folder; EstVis assigns descriptions to ease insurance submission.

3. Create and send a Work Authorization request

   1. In the app's main interface swipe left on the case and tap Send Work Authorization/Damage request or long-tap the case and then tap owner's name to open the authorization form.
   2. Review the pre-filled data, make edits if needed, and send the link to the customer for electronic signing.
   3. Signed PDFs are saved automatically to the case folder.

4. Transfer a part between employees (QR flow)

   1. On the transferring device tap Tools menu at the bottom navigation bar.
   2. Select Parts Transfer in the menu appeared.
   3. The app will generate a QR code to initiate transfer.
   4. The receiving employee opens the mobile app and taps Parts Transfer in the same Tools menu at the bottom navigation bar, scans the QR code.
   5. The transfer is recorded with sender, receiver, timestamp and updated in parts history for managers to review.

5. Scan VIN / DRL to auto-fill vehicle data

   1. Open case creation or edit mode and tap Scan VIN or Scan DRL.
   2. Aim the camera at the VIN/DRL barcode; recognized data will populate vehicle and owner fields.

Security & permissions

• Mobile app access is controlled by user credentials – the same role-based permissions used in Workflow. Staff should use individual logins.
• Desktop Server stores critical personal and case data locally. This reduces exposure to third-party cloud services and allows continued operation during internet outages.

Best practices

• Keep Desktop Server running and reachable on the shop LAN for reliable mobile synchronization.
• Assign unique user accounts to each mobile user and periodically review permissions.
• Use guided photo templates to reduce rejected submissions from insurers.
• Encourage customers to sign Work Authorization remotely to enable pre-ordering of parts and reduce vehicle time in shop.

Troubleshooting quick checklist

• Cannot upload scans or photos: verify the device has network access to Desktop Server and that Desktop Server is running.
• Scans not recognized: retake with better lighting and ensure the document is flat; use crop and filters before upload.
• QR transfer fails: confirm both devices are on the same EstVis account and user roles permit transfers.

What's next

• Getting started
• Installation
• Using Workflow app
• Settings page