In the second week of July 2015, a utility giant from Germany signed up for a mobile workforce management solution through a leading provider of supply chain solutions. The energy enterprise has a core project through which it will plan and control the deployment of “smart meters”. These meters automatically transmit electronic readings to the energy supplier. In-home displays give customers real-time feedback about their energy usage and costs. The utility company will receive accurate meter readings without sending employees to read the meter. A task force will install 400 different types of meters for almost 20 million consumers. Of course, the massive amount of time, effort and money saved from not having to send employees to read meters will save the company a fortune.
The obvious question is why would a business undertake a project of this magnitude? Simple, it’s because it wants better data collection, improved planning and wants to have information at its fingertips rather than sending someone to get it from millions of homes on a monthly basis. This is the beauty of a mobile workforce solution because employees and the company on a whole can conduct business on the go.
If your competitor is a farsighted and perceptive corporation, it is extremely likely that they have planned and adopted solutions for their mobile workforce also. They may already be able to locate and manage their mobile workers while automating and optimising tasks with the help of specialised applications. While you shouldn’t be prompted to close shop and wind up your business because the scenario is dismal, you should understand that your competitor currently has a definite edge over you if they have adopted mobile workforce solutions. Following are the three most oft-cited benefits of mobile workforce solutions your competitor is enjoying.
Extended Reach
Mobile solutions provide support to workers in remote locations and eliminate the need to travel to the organisation’s physical office to report information. This of course saves massive amounts of money. Employees of a manufacturing concern may be delivering shipments, helping install products or performing maintenance and repairs. Through mobile workforce solutions, shifts are scheduled optimally; ensuring that all available employees match the day’s demand.
If a key player in the industry arms themselves with a simple GPS-based mobile workforce tracking application, they have the upper hand. When an unexpected order comes up or a customer requires a technician, they will know immediately who to dispatch. By having knowledge of the employee closest to the customer, who has the most suitable skills and/or vehicle, the organisation will send out the right person at the right time to the right place for every task.
Improved Productivity
A mobile workforce solution equips employees with tools that wipe out logistic barriers. Time wasted without such a solution can instead be productive; executives can use their internet-enabled devices to connect to the corporate network and relay vital information. They can do all their reporting in real-time and managers can use such information in a timely manner to further success.
Similarly, it is easy to collaborate and give feedback on organisation-wide projects that require instant responses. For a sales force, the ability to fully access certain information e.g. client records, can be of immense help. Imagine being at the client’s office and providing sales quotes or updates on inventory, instantaneously.
Traditionally, once back at the office, employees can finally create field or sales reports. Usually, it results in a couple of inaccuracies. However, by having a program such as Office365, an organisation figuratively lets its employees take the office with them. By creating and updating documents in real time, there’s a definite improvement in quality and accuracy. As an added bonus, managers can review /sign important documents, approve drafts and prevent project delays.
Growth in Business
Money saved through mobile workforce solutions can be reinvested into the business for growth. There’s less gas being used for commute and fewer resources need to be put together for large meetings. If a large number of workers are logging in remotely, a business does not require physical premises when planning to expand.
People plan better meetings online, they are able to attend from a variety of locations and keep discussions efficiently to the point. This means there are no longer any physical ‘wasted meetings’ and overhead costs are reduced.
Through the use of mobile workforce solutions, businesses are no longer limited by geographic boundaries. They are able to seek bright talent and recruit without concerns about moving their employees physically.
Final Word
The success of a business is ultimately dependent on its products and services. At the same time, by signing up for the latest in mobile workforce technology, businesses break conventional shackles that may be holding them back from doing business.
While such solutions may currently seem like helpful add-ons, they are increasingly becoming a necessity. As practices around the globe change, it is recommended that you consider investing in mobile workforce solutions. Experience firsthand why mobile technology is your path to success.
