Let's get this show on the road!

Published by Broadlands1 for Broadlands in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Environment, Health, Local Government

Ten years ago, PDAs were virtually unheard of, but today, along with laptops, tablets, touchpads, digital pens, smart phones and other mobile devices, they have transformed the way services can be delivered and information supplied at the point of need. Such massive leaps in technology have completely opened up opportunities for more efficient ways of working while out on the road.

Cost savings and the need to use the most efficient working practices available have driven the developments in mobile working, making it a significant part of any efficiency strategy. Technology and software firms have risen to the challenge, delivering a variety of solutions which can be used across a range of public services – from facilities and estate management, property maintenance for social housing, utilities and delivery drivers, to the police service.

Only last week, Cleveland Police announced they were to replace paper notebooks with electronic pads in a bid to increase the time officers spend on the streets, and unveiled to the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, the ‘mobile data devices’ they will issue to their officers to fill in and submit electronic reports whilst on the beat.

So what are the advantages of utilising this technology? For anyone who spends their work time out and about, visiting clients, customers, or attending site, the benefits are clear – easy and immediate access to information, no more job sheets or bits of paperwork to collect, complete and return (or lose!), less time spent completing reports, real time status updates – the list goes on.

The benefits are not just limited to the users either – because of the enormous productivity gains that can be made, business cases can provide a payback in less than twelve months, and often in less than six.

So it does seem rather a no-brainer, doesn’t it? However, there are some considerations to bear in mind if you want to introduce mobile job management. Although these methods offer huge improvements in productivity, flexibility and business continuity, there are security issues which any organisation needs to be aware of, and must ensure its IT department is able to meet the challenges. The devices used need to be secured effectively, and their use controlled with effective policies and working practices. It is in this area that many mobile businesses have come unstuck, as although they may have remote and mobile working policies in place, they are ineffective if staff don’t follow them or if they are not enforced.

But all these are challenges which can be met with sound planning, keen attention and strong management, and the potential benefits to be gained are significant. It offers a great opportunity to re-examine your processes and streamline your activities before you even move onto electronic support, and with estimated 20% savings when implementing a new system, perhaps it’s time to get your show on the road.

For more information on introducing mobile working practices, visit www.broadlandsconsulting.com or call us on 01543 220752.