Editor’s Note: Welcome to our weekly Reality Check column where we let C-level executives and advisory firms from across the mobile industry to provide their unique insights into the marketplace.
Enterprise mobility offers businesses a chance to provide enhanced customer service as well as the opportunity to increase productivity. CIOs and IT leaders understand these benefits and know that more than 1.19 billion workers, 34.9% of the global workforce, will use mobile technology this year (IDC). However, many enterprise leaders are still unsure how to best address the challenges they face in deploying an enterprise mobility plan. Here are the top enterprise mobility challenges business leaders should consider and tips to help you become “mobile smart.”
1. Use MDM to separate work content from personal content. BYOD and “choose your own device” have been a thorn in the side of enterprises that have struggled to connect all of their workforces’ devices in a meaningful way. Mobile device management (MDM) solutions are an easy way to create two environments on devices – one personal and one business-related – as well as a way to allow devices to talk to one another in a seamless and fluid manner to promote better communication among colleagues, customers, and partners.
2. Use the cloud. Identifying the right applications and software to use across devices, and then integrating those devices and operating systems within your business is challenging. Cloud allows you to operate from a centralized hub where you can quickly and efficiently run multiple applications and software to provide your employees with the most integrated experience possible. Additionally, try to choose an enterprise mobility solution that spans many popular devices and operating systems, so your employees can more easily plug-and-play their choice of device.
3. Invest in MDM software. A growing number of connected devices in the workplace mean more costs associated with managing them. Things like installing software, disposing of outdated or broken devices, and making new acquisitions when changes occur like new data plans or hardware/software failure, all require an investment. MDM software eliminates these expenditures by reducing the cost associated with set-up time, implementation and device management. Additionally, consider recycling outdated or broken devices. Device recycling is not only an environmentally responsible choice, but an economically sound decision for enterprises as well.
4. Prioritize security. Mobilizing the workforce has some risks associated with it – like greater vulnerability to mobile attacks and exposed corporate data. Selecting phones that have updated security systems and offering those options to employees ensures data will be better protected. Mobile device manufacturers are even beginning to offer enterprise-specific solutions that allow dual-person platforms so phone use can be segmented into work and personal, keeping data contained and safe. Additionally, consider loading enterprise-grade security apps onto employees’ devices.
5. Create a mobility management plan. Establishing a management plan can be a daunting task, but ensuring your business has clear rules about the use of mobile devices in the workplace is necessary. Previously, it was clear who owned, managed and secured devices but in a BYOD work environment, this has become less clear. Creating a mobility management plan that closely mirrors your corporate management guidelines is the best way to ensure that there is no confusion about these gray areas.
The mobile enterprise doesn’t need to be an intimidating IT hurdle anymore. Companies that implement these easy mobile smart practices will enjoy more productivity and successfully outpace their less mobile-savvy competition. And in the mobile age, businesses can’t afford to fall behind in the race.
