Enterprise mobility (a.k.a business mobility) is the next revolutionary upcoming trend of businesses using cloud technology for data access and to offer remote working options.It allows the employees to work from anywhere and at any time, and connect irrespective of the time and zone differencesallowing the use of personal laptops and mobile devices for business purposes.
The essential idea promoted by enterprise/business mobility is the concept of flexible workspaces which allows greater participation into the workforce as the employees can work from anywhere. Studies in the field show greater productivity as well as better work-life balance, increased creativity within organisations that have adopted enterprise mobility solutions.
Through an enterprise mobility solution [EMS], employees can use mobile applications to access important business data from anywhere and at any time alongside maintaining that you, as a business leader, can connect with your employees irrespective of the time and zone differences.
A casual search for “Enterprise Mobility Solutions in India” yields 6,30,00,000 results on google in 0.66 seconds. If you are not going with an informed recommendation by an expert or an acquaintance and are exploring for a solution by yourself, then it is like finding a needle in the haystack, without the guarantee that the needle you find wouldn’t be a blunt one.
So what are the basic features that one needs in an effective EMS?
To begin with, an enterprise mobility solution should be lean and not complex, i.e do not buy a technology solution which intimidates your team. Especially if this will be the first time you are using a workflow processtech solution, start witha basic plan and then gradually scale up adding more features as the team adapts to technology. Similarly, the transition has to be smooth and not daunting so the team can easily take to it. Other than this:
1. Unified single platform
An effective and lean EMS should be premised on a unified single platform which cuts out the complexity of using multiple apps and API’s. A complete integrated solution which captures the entire workflow from creation/acceptance/ intake to delivery, billing and closure of account is the most productive way to go.
2. Communication & Collaboration
The primary objective of any business to adopt solutions is to increase efficiency and productivity. The EMS should provide a workflow solution which facilitates collaboration and communication, by reducing dependence on phone, email inbox or in-person meetings. It should ensure that the stakeholders are in the loop with least back and forth.
3. Security
An EMS by virtue of being a cloud-based solution, must meet privacy and security requirements. Due diligence of the security features, privacy, data encryption, hosting solutions is imperative.
4. Client Interface for Engagement
Your client is the King, and the EMS should provide a portal / digital interface for on-demand access by clients. This brings about efficiency, transparency and consistency.
5. Mobile App
An EMS should support various devices and compatibility with iPhones and Android smartphones are the basic minimum to ensure work and access on the go.
6. Centralized Repository
A central repository to store, organize, and retrieve all working and archival documents, data and information, safely and securely ensuring accountability is a must. This is the back bone of any effective EMS.
7. Invoice & Expense
A solution which starts with intake, and includes the logical finish of invoicing is an ideal solution. The integration of expense management, time entries makes it complete in every respect, ensuring the user does not have to maintain multiple records.
8. Search Option
Search is an underrated, taken for granted but essential feature. With every passing day the quantum of documents, data and information is increasing. An effective EMS should support Global Search [search across the platform] which enables quick access and action, saving time and making working on the go easy and so much more convenient.
9. Reports
The EMS should provide reports at individual, practice, project, organisation level with various permutation & combinations. This consolidated & updated information helps in decision making and planning, identifying the areas of weaknesses, gauging productivity, allocation of resources, optimal utilisation of resources et. all.
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