How Mobile Tech is Changing the Workplace

Mobile Tech and a Changing Workplace

With the rate of remote workers on the rise, it’s not surprising that mobile technology has evolved. Workplace technology that was previously designed strictly for on-premise use has been repurposed with new features that enable users to complete their tasks from anywhere. 

Statista estimates that the percentage of mobile workers will reach 93.5% by 2024, which raises a few major questions, especially around remote productivity, and how companies’ policies around technology will change in the future. 

The Effect of Mobile Tech in the Workplace

Employees often appreciate the investment in tools and technology to make their processes more manageable. That being said, many employees are now finding that they prefer to use their own mobile tech, as opposed to company-provided equipment.

Companies can be slow to upgrade outdated equipment. For many workers, utilizing their own device that’s more up-to-date in comparison to company equipment can be more user-friendly. Enter a BYOD policy, or “Bring Your Own Device.” More companies adopt this policy by letting employees utilize their own devices to maximize productivity. 

For example, the use of personal smartphones has led to a 34% increase in productivity for mid-size companies.

On the other hand, companies may be resistant to the idea of putting a BYOD policy in place for fear that personal devices make employees prone to distraction. 

Is Mobile Tech Increasing the Need for BYOD Policies?

The simple benefit of using a better-performing model shouldn’t be overlooked, either. The improved speed and efficiency of mobile technology enable the user to increase productivity in their tasks while minimizing overall frustration.

BYOD is not a one-size-fits-all solution. While many employees successfully utilize their devices to increase productivity, others might find themselves getting distracted by app notifications and devoting time to other non-work-related activities during regular working hours.

Another important factor to consider is that not all devices are suitable for BYOD. 

The Need for BYOD Cybersecurity Solutions

Cybersecurity threats are one of the biggest problems faced by companies today. Hackers are always trying to gain access to confidential files and information, and personal devices are prime targets for these types of data attacks. 

To mitigate any potential cyber threats, companies should provide security software to be installed on the devices employees are using for work. 

This can prove challenging, however, because a company’s IT department might have trouble making the upgrades necessary to ensure optimal performance and security on an employee’s device. 

The best thing a company can do if it’s looking to implement an effective BYOD policy is to establish strong security measures designed to protect corporate data. Multifactor verification apps have simplified this process as well. 

These apps typically require users to verify their identity whenever they log into the company portal from their device. A code is sent to the user, which needs to be entered before login is possible. 

Types of Mobile Technology Being Used in the Workplace

Although there are plenty of ways in which mobile technology can impact modern workplaces today, one size doesn’t fit all in this scenario. If anything, certain workplaces may benefit while others don’t. Likewise, there are even certain types of technology that might show particular promise over others as well. 

Tablets

Tablets have been shown to increase productivity in the retail and manufacturing industries in particular. Being able to access and update inventory numbers on the go effectively eliminates the need to be anchored to a computer. 

The larger screens also allow for more visibility, which means that users can accomplish more in a shorter period.

Scanners

When it comes to inventory management (particularly with retail and distribution companies) there’s always a potential for human error that can lead to misreporting, which in turn can lead to shortages or losses. 

Scanners increase productivity and accuracy by eliminating slow, manual processes that are prone to human error. With just one click from a barcode scanner, all relevant information is instantly made available to the user. 

Workers who effectively utilize scanners no longer need to spend a disproportionate amount of time jotting down product numbers and SKUs from a newly-arrived shipment, then updating the inventory in the computer. 

Instead, they can scan a barcode and instantly send all relevant information to the company’s master database in real-time.

Printers

Bar code printers can instantly process a code and print out a label containing all information relevant to a product. Streamlining this process with a uniform layout ensures consistency and accuracy, no matter how many bar codes are produced. 

Getting a bar code printer also increases flexibility and reduces costs for businesses. In the past, companies relied on other third-party companies to produce their bar codes. But thanks to bar code printers, the companies themselves now have complete control over the barcode creation process.  

Portable Data Terminals

Portable data terminals (also known as Mobile Data Terminals or MDTs) enable employees to view, send, and receive data from a master database via a WLAN or WWAN network. Portable data terminals create a streamlined process that lets employees make changes in a master database system from wherever they are. 

Organizations utilize PDTs to quickly and efficiently execute a variety of tasks, like:

• Receiving delivered products
• Inventory updates & management
• Delivery confirmation updates
• Price modification in retail

Like most things, the use of mobile tech in the workplace has its pros and cons. While mobile technology does offer the flexibility to conduct business from just about anywhere, it’s worth considering the potential pitfalls. 

As long as companies accurately assess the risks associated with mobile tech and provide remote employees with the right tools and practices, productivity will continue to soar.