Software: Build vs. Buy
November 3, 2018Is Your Team Mobile?
March 16, 2019Three important things to think about when making your mobile strategy
#1 Picking the Right Tech for Mobile Field Service
As mobile device makers compete with each other, more and more new smartphones and tablets are coming out all the time. When looking for the best option for your business, you should think about what features are most important to you.
You should pick a device that is good for this kind of typing if you need to keep detailed records of “work performed,” for example. Finger-typing is much faster than thumb-typing! For your needs, a tablet with an easy-to-type keyboard will be much better than a smaller device with a smaller keyboard. A smartphone, on the other hand, might be better if you don’t need to take long freeform notes. This is because the Mobile Field Technician Console has quick-selection data-entry options.
When picking out a phone, you should also think about the screen size and layout. Smartphones and PDAs are handy and easy to carry, but their screens aren’t as big as those on tablets or laptops. This means that there will be less information on each screen and more screens that the user will have to move between. For some features, like the eForms Certificate Management Module, you need to use a tablet because the forms are so big.
#2: Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) in Field Service
People buy the newest, most cutting-edge tech for personal use and then want to use those same tech at work. With this growing trend, there are both chances and problems. Security is a big problem when personal devices can connect to company data and network resources. You need to carefully plan this route if you decide to go it. You should make a formal set of company policies about the devices you support, how they should be used, and who is responsible for costs, support, and fixing problems. Setting these rules and telling all of your employees about them is very important to your success.
#3: Making sure that mobile strategies protect data
One of the most important things you need to think about is how to keep your company’s private data safe in case the phone gets lost or stolen. First, check to see what (if any) data is being saved on the device.
A lot of mobile apps, like Miracle Service, connect to the company’s database but don’t store any information on the phone itself. Some mobile apps, on the other hand, may store data on your device. You should know what is being stored.
Also Read: Top 5 Benefits of using Certificate Management Software
Putting in place security protocols for mobile devices
Some easy steps can be taken to make your data safer. You should not only “secure” the phone with a strong password for authorized users, but you should also set the phone to lock itself after a certain amount of time to prevent unauthorized access. If you lose or have your device stolen, you can change the Miracle Service web password for that login from the office. This will stop anyone else from getting to the information right away.
To keep data safe, use encrypted networks
It’s also important to think about what kind of network would work best. One good way to make your network safer is to encrypt the data that goes over it. That way, if someone gets to your data, they won’t be able to read it, steal your login information, or take over your accounts without the encryption key. Avoiding the use of public Wi-Fi is also a prudent policy when security is a concern.
Also Read: 9 Steps to building a strong customer service team
Going Mobile for Field Service Success
With all the advantages that mobile computing offers, there is no doubt that more and more businesses will continue to adopt it for their field service operations in order to remain competitive.
Developing a comprehensive mobile strategy, having a clear understanding of all the issues involved, and choosing the right mobile devices for your company will make the transition, and future, of mobile computing in your company successful.
Contact us about our newly repackaged mobile portals and per-user fee, to support your B.Y.O.D. strategy.
