There are many names for Mobile Worker Solutions, they include Work Force Applications, PDA Solutions and Workforce Management Systems. But no matter what their name is they all deliver the same thing, they revolutionise how a business works and can profoundly improve service, reduce admin and lower costs.
The Mobile Device
Mobile Worker Solutions have been around for some time and use the lastest mobile devices (usually with touch screens) to collate information, capture signatures and link mobile employees to the back office operation. The hardware (PDA, Blackberry or Mobile Phone) used depends on where and how the solution will be used, for example, a device used by a delivery driver may need to be tough (or ruggedised) and include a bar code scanner. This is a key consideration when choosing a solution.
Modern devices also feature GPS technology which can be linked in to the software system and used for Satellite Navigation and Tracking. A typical example would be using the Workforce Application to send a new job to a mobile engineer. As well as receiving all the job details on their PDA the engineer would be able to press a button to automatically set the Satellite Navigation to guide them to the job, whilst their progress is visible at all times in the office.
The Software
The software is the core of a Workforce Solution and is often tailored to meet the specific companies requirements. Everything from the companies own job sheets, vehicle check lists and timesheets (to name a few) can be automated significantly reducing admin time and paper. The mobile device could also be linked in to the back office system so job details and customer signatures are available moments after they are captured.
Always consider carefully what your current system does well and does badly, think about what you would like to change now and what you are likely to want in the future.
Finding The Right Provider
Choosing the right provider is essential, often Mobile Workforce Solution developers will have experience in specific industries i.e. mobile gas service engineers and may have the relevant forms already produced, they may also have a ready made solution available ‘off the shelf’. Always ask for previous experience in your industry sector.
If is also important to find out their experience with your back end system, there are many different databases and software platforms out there and experience in your system will help a great deal.
(11 Votes, Average Score: 4.82)
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