Mobile enterprises are companies that use mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, or laptops to carry out core business operations. Their employees can be split up into two groups. First, there are mobile knowledge workers. Their main tasks are knowledge-based and they need a great deal of up-to-date information to carry them out. Then there are mobile field workers – people who perform routine tasks, usually standardized procedures, that are therefore relatively easy to plan in advance.
Ideally, both groups can access almost all company resources and all company data from any location and at any time using a mobile device. As a result, processes are more streamlined, quicker, easier to understand and document, and more transparent – boosting the company’s performance while increasing satisfaction and production levels among employees.
In an ideal mobile enterprise, all processes and structures, as well as software and hardware, are connected: end devices access the email server, instant messaging, and video conferencing systems, and can also connect with deeper databases like customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning, or supply chain management systems.
However, in reality, many companies are still facing obstacles to achieving all-encompassing connectivity. Employees often find it difficult to access the files and documents they need for their work in a simple and secure way from their mobile devices. Users are hindered by too many IT systems and software solutions that are too different, too complex, or aren’t synchronized. It’s not uncommon to have workflows and back-end systems that are not integrated. In many places, usability in the area of voice and data entry leaves much to be desired. Links to social networks and mobile commerce processes could also be improved.
Furthermore, an ever-expanding range of high-performance mobile devices means there is pressure to act. These smartphones and smartwatches are playing an increasingly prominent role in everyday life, and are being used for all kinds of applications, including in the rapidly expanding mobile commerce sector. The habits we acquire in our private lives then gradually cross over into everyday business. After all, employees don’t just want to use their devices and applications at home; they want to use them at work, too. Secure, practical interfaces will therefore become more significant in the future – actually resulting in a rise, rather than a fall, in productivity and motivation among employees.
Mobile enterprises on transformationbeats.com
Here, you can read about the industries and business models where mobile enterprises enjoy the most success. Transformation Beats demonstrates what is required – and how even traditionally structured companies can adopt new approaches with mobile solutions.
