Mobile workers: out of sight is not out of mind

Employees like mobile devices because they`re convenient and businesses like mobile devices because they make their employees more efficient. However, for the benefits of the rapidly-evolving mobile workforce to be realised, businesses need to have rules and regulations in place to govern processes and track performances and return on investment, says Cathleen Prinsloo, Product Manager: HP Retail, Axiz.

Thanks to the advances in mobile technology and the constant evolution of mobile devices, mobile wireless solutions are now much more affordable, interoperable, and easier to set up today. However, the costs are still high enough to warrant careful thought, particularly in harsh business conditions where it`s not so easy for IT managers to justify large investments. The implementation of any new process in an organisation must be managed by terms and conditions together with measurables so that management can track progress, improvements, challenges and benefits, Prinsloo says.

"Even though mobile workers are out of the office, the work they do can`t be out of sight. Real-time visibility into labour and production across your workforce is needed to support efficient resource management, accurate job costing, timely billing and streamlined payroll. The inability to efficiently manage the mobile workforce can be costly to your organisation. What`s needed is an automated management system to facilitate the efficient exchange of timely, accurate and detailed information to manage the mobile workforce and its activities, anywhere and at anytime."

There are three types of gains that are realised by the investment in wireless technology:

* Increase in revenue: Is achieved by improving the number of sales when your mobile sales force has access to the company database.
* Reduction of costs: Is achieved by improving employee productivity and reducing down time. The mobile workforce spends more time on business-focused activities by dealing with e-mails and other information while on the move. A large part of the work that arises is dealt with in real-time as opposed to handling it at the end of the day or the day after.
* Unique competitive advantage: Field staff handle calls more efficiently if they can be contacted on the move. Technicians and field reps benefit greatly from immediate access to customer data and information about similar problems.

"Mobile applications are new to many businesses, and initial concerns typically centre on the cost of mobile devices, the usability of applications and whether the benefits justify the investment. Improvements in productivity and operational efficiency readily pay for the investment in mobile hardware and software. The return on investment is strengthened by operational benefits that lead to higher profit margins, including improved job costing and product pricing, more efficient labour utilisation, tighter compliance and better information for management decisions," Prinsloo says.

In conclusion, she says where optimally applied, teleworking contributes greatly to improved productivity. With the escalating challenges of traffic on South Africa`s major routes today and the increased personal responsibilities facing most employees, the mobile working environment affords people greater efficiency at work and, as a result, a greater quality of life.