Key Things to Consider When Mobilizing Workforce

By CIOReview | Friday, August 5, 2016

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In order to serve clients and stakeholders, business leaders are mobilizing their workforce on various aspects for integrating mobile technology into their workflow tools. Some take deep measures and implement critical steps to their business to bring a successful outturn and some dive in without planning and end up in an unsuccessful business growth. As everything transforms to mobility, enterprises must look at the current business ecosystem for a smooth mobility transition.

A study conducted by the market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) reveals that developments in the mobile enterprise application market will reach a value of $938.5 MN, and is expected to outgrow 38.7 percent CAGR to reach $4.8 billion, by 2017.

Also, market demand for mobile app development services will spring up at least five times quicker than internal IT organizations' capacity, reveals Gartner. Looking at the above studies, it can be said that it will increasingly become evident and crucial for firms to take quick consideration on mobilizing their workforce according to the current scenario and on future benefits.

To better understand and to mobilize the workforce, enterprises needs to understand the various options available for developing their businesses. To help CXOs and CIOs take a better decision, here are some of the key areas to concentrate to effectively mobilize workforce:

Understand the Mobile Users

Most organization misinterprets that a single solution can satisfy all users. This leads to frame outdated solutions for the evolved workplace. To overcome this, enterprise should understand their users and their practices and tools they use. Make sure to deliberate on real business and human outcomes. Focus on mobilizing apps of greatest benefit first, while using the larger picture for long-term contriving. Also, check out how the users access their applications periodically, whether at the office or during travel because for different users requires different connectivity to avoid frustration and be productive.

Choosing Compatible Devices

Each user prefers devices according to their task assigned to them. Employ savvy of business applications to pick the best mobile device(s) for each user role. For example, if the user requires using both voice and display-based data applications, then consider handing over them the converged mobile devices such as PDA-style phones, and smartphones. For users who require true keyboard data entry but must economize on weight and size for very frequent use can try ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs). In case of non-keyboard data entry tasks using touch screen and pen, give those users a convertible PC or tablet, depending on user environment.

Select Appropriate Vendors

Choosing a proper vendor—such as device manufacturers, carriers, and systems integrators—for mobile device is a crucial part in the mobility landscape. It is important to know the limitations and consequences that have on the connectivity options—especially the selection of wireless carriers. Also, look for what service plans, features and terms will be asked to admit, and how well do they operate with connectivity needs, if the devices are purchased from a carrier. In addition, have an eye for some users whether they access carrier and private networks from the same device and ask the carrier's support for seamless cross-network roaming and call handoff/application persistence.

Performance Management for Staff

Develop a program to measure performance of mobile staff, have an update on changes to performance management plans and measure daily productivity.

Mobility Costs and Security Risks

Cost of mobility directly depends on the quality of the output and security risks associated with it. Security risk such as device loss and damage need to be taken care of. In case of data loss and corruption from virus, enterprises should have backup and recovery methods.

Design a New Security Model

Designing ‘mobile first’ approach can help in making enterprises more secure. The concept of mobile first improves user experience, agility into the deployment and use of solutions, as well as provides support and ensures that data remain secure outside the shell of “traditional” IT models. Mobility promotes a focus on protecting data in motion and data at rest; irrespective of the server, endpoint device type and location, or network.

Mobility demands support and security throughout all layers of business application, information and architectural model. The main concern should point at achieving data fluidity, functional agility and user experience.