Trends

The cost of going mobile is falling. Clients today are paying only a tenth as much for mobile technology as they did 10 years ago.

•          Flat rate tariffs – the era of £1/MB is coming to an end.  Flat rate tariffs from the consumer world have arrived in the enterprise

•          Device management – Remote device management can reduce the need to recall devices for failures or mass updates

•          Security & networks – traditional mobile solutions required dedicated infrastructure, either private networks, or at least private APNs

•          However, non-technology components cost just as much as ever

Field service operators are looking for solutions that provide sophisticated functionality with lower costs and risks …

Device Proliferation

There are more devices available than ever before, and our users are increasingly familiar with technology from everyday life

•          Supporting a wide range of different devices can be a recipe for rapidly escalating cost

•          Choose devices that are fit for purpose – a construction surveyor will not use the same device as a meter reader

•          Use software platforms to separate your applications from specific devices

•          Think about how all these devices will be supported; how long will they be available for?

•          The right device can be a powerful force to overcome resistance from end users

To conclude:

•          Focus on what benefits mobility can deliver for your business

•          Take advantage of new developments in technology, as well as your existing investments

•          Remember it’s all about people