Employees are one of the most valuable assets any company possesses.
The only problem is they have to be actively managed, even when out there in the field. That is precisely when mobile workforce management comes into play. It’s no buzzword, but an effective way of handling business in this day and age.
Namely, as a matrix of integrated processes, it connects the back office with operatives on the move. Its practical value lies in streamlining operations and balancing resources. And make no mistake: it has a wide application across fast-moving industry sectors.
This is to say that you can capitalise on this practice too and use it as a competitive advantage. Here is how to go about braving the shifting field service landscape.
Mobile workforce management is a set of practices for managing workforce outside the office.
It encapsulates field service, but it’s also much broader than that. It also goes beyond specific use cases and can be applied to any type of work conducted outside the office. The list includes home services, on-site support, training, and other common areas of operation.
As such, mobile workforce management represents a new business benchmark. It equips you with means of keeping up with consumer expectations and surging competition.
Not only that, but there are other operational challenges you can tackle with it.
First and foremost, schedules and office hours are getting more fluid and less predictable. Like it or not, many traditional work concepts have been turned on their head. Outdated field service and calendaring tools are a prime example.
Besides, the modern workforce looks much different today than it did a few decades ago. It’s composed of full-time, part-time, and freelance employees. One has to find a way to tie all these different moving parts together.
The only viable method comes in the form of mobile workforce management.
Days of decentralised and manual management are over.
It’s high time to bid farewell to spreadsheets and paper calendars, as well as time-intensive reporting and admin. Businesses of today have to employ cloud platforms, smartphones, AI, and automation tools. Among other things, these resources provide a complete overview of human resource (HR) activity.
Thus, mobile workforce management contains various software, tools, apps, networks, and services. More specifically, they cover the following areas:
As you can see, mobile workforce management has a few vital functions.
It facilitates real-time communication and enables data accessibility and security. What is more, it syncs data with CRM and other key systems. Ongoing technical support plays an essential role in ensuring hardware and software integration.
These components are integral to refining internal HR processes. The goal is to accomplishing higher flexibility and adaptability, which is associated with various benefits. Just to name a few, you can improve productivity, time-management, and profitability.
Missing out on these opportunities could have dire consequences.
It’s impossible to imagine management systems without data.
To illustrate this point, let’s take into account the two main components of workforce management systems. These are a web-based management system and a mobile app.
On the back office end, operators use the system to dispatch information and tasks. Workforce receives them on smartphone apps and responds by improving the quality of service. Pertinent data can relate to things like customer history and operational logistics.
Thanks to cloud technology, information is instantly accessible, regardless of the physical location.
Furthermore, the exchange takes place in real-time. Data flows from the premises to the field and then back to the premises again. Typically, the management system, upon gathering data, also shares it across other internal channels.
Notice the sheer quantity of data isn’t as important as its quality and accuracy. These qualities mark the difference between educated decisions and faulty assumptions. The best way to reach the former is to centralise data collection, processing, and management.
This key step enables the companies to achieve service-level objectives and predicts demand with certainty.
The second important question is what kind of data is relevant.
Well, some of the most common data points are a time of arrival and time of task completion. Moreover, one has to think about the ability to allocate workers to tasks where they excel.
To make it happen, pay attention to the following worker qualifiers:
These data points pave the way for making various operational improvements.
Not all mobile workforce management systems are created equal.
Some tools lack customisation options, which means they are only good for specific tasks. On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have versatile, all-in-one dashboards geared toward success.
So, you would be wise to assess your mobile operations. Put together a list of specific features you require, as well as pain points you want to alleviate. Setting appointments and scheduling are no-brainers for most organisations.
But, it’s just the tip of the iceberg of possibilities.
For example, you might need offline compatibility and sturdy appointment management features. Data-capturing functionalities make the life of workers much easier as well. And in case your company has a fleet of vehicles, you again need dedicated functions related to that.
Route optimisation and tracking tools would certainly help in saving fuel and time. Here, we have to introduce our mobile app. It lets you address occupational road risks, carry out real-time monitoring, and protect your drivers.
One final piece of advice is to avoid adding more complexities and unnecessary headaches. Check supported devices and integrations with other tools you’re using. Ideally, a learning curve should be minimal and implementation seamless.
That’s the best way to take your management game to the next level.
When facing business challenges of today, conventional wisdom fails us.
Waking up to this new reality is crucial. You need to ditch the paperwork and other obsolete tools of the trade. In their place, assemble the right mix of technology, which meets the needs of a mobile workforce.
You stand to gain a lot from your mobile workforce management efforts. Most notably, you can unlock the full power of the workforce and strengthen the organisation from within.
So, create a list of must-have features and rely on it to find a solution that is an ideal fit. Use it as a catalyst for a company-wide overhaul. You should be able to maximise profitability and productivity across the board.
Remember to check out our holistic solution for managing fleet and preventing distractions. It might be just what you need to gain an edge in the crowded market.