Choosing the right mobile supplier can be the difference between survival or failure, but if you examine your objectives and consider five key points, then your chances of success are high. This is according to Mark Lilje, managing director of mobile data specialist RangeGate SA.
Mobile technology can revolutionise business efficiency, enhance your competitive stance and increase your return on investment. By effectively integrating mobile systems into your business processes you can take actions and manage your processes according to what happens at the most critical point, where workers do their jobs and link with customers. But before you rush to invest in the latest systems, choose your mobile supplier with care. Consider your unique business requirements, explore your options and ensure the supplier can meet your requirements. Take time to look at the following five key points and the road to mobile success can be smoother:
1. A specialist skill - Choose a company that understands mobile, a specialist that can demonstrate their expertise and bring with them a comprehensive understanding of what mobile technology can do for your business. You need a supplier who can point out what is necessary, what is not, and suggest a range of options that can make an impact on the successful running of your operations. This is an area where specialist skills can truly make a difference. The company should also understand the standards, such as 802.11B, WEP, wireless security, RFID and more, while delivering a solution that evolves with your needs.
2. Data matters - The mobile solution must integrate seamlessly with all of your systems, from the handheld device through to back-end databases. Ensure the supplier can integrate existing data and systems with the new mobile technology. It is also worth working through the company data and deciding what you need for the future. Older companies may have a lot of older data that is no longer necessary. Focus on what you do need and ensure that the systems and data required can be integrated into the new mobile way of operating. Also, do not forget security, particularly if your data application carries sensitive information. A security policy is just as critical for mobile applications as it is for fixed networks and forward-thinking companies, in partnership with mobile solution providers who understand the business-critical issues, will be able to realistically assess the risks and take the right steps to counter them.
3. Key components for mobile technology success - The first key component for success is the mobile technology device itself. This can range from PDA-style devices for executives to task-specific devices for the shop floor, but each must deliver the information required within that role quickly and accurately. Secondly, consider the software application the device makes use of. This must fit existing business processes to allow a co-ordinated approach, supporting and strengthening the systems and operations in place. Finally, make sure the mobile solution you choose shows flexibility in data gathering devices and that it allows you to upgrade as newer platforms emerge. In other words, be sure that you can enhance the system as your business develops.
4. Tailor-made or off-the-shelf - Bespoke development of mobile application software is costly. As with anything, solutions tailor-made to your requirements will incur higher development and installation costs. My recommendation would be to choose a supplier that has a toolkit that will give you most of the functionality you need to get up and running out-of-the-box. This will help you to get rolling and allow you to take advantage of the benefits of mobile technology as fast as possible. You can then tailor and fine-tune the application as needed, to meet the demands of your business.
5. Check the references - An established supplier will be able to refer you to a broad base of satisfied users. Always ask to talk to these customers, not to catch people out, but to understand what each supplier has achieved in relation to areas of importance to you. Some companies will go even further and ask about mistakes that have been made. This should not deter you from a particular supplier, but allow you to understand where the company has learned from its mistakes and implemented practices to improve its overall mobile offering.
For more information contact Melanie Spencer, RangeGate, 084 306 3408, [email protected]
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