Businesses big and small are deciding to migrate to 100% mobile. With applications making it possible to literally run your business from your cell phone, it can be a great move, both from a financial and productivity standpoint.
That said, full mobility does present challenges. If you are considering making the move, research your options and establish a well-thought-out plan before making any changes. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks to going fully mobile.
Streamline your operations
With cloud-based storage options and a bevy of cloud-based applications you can do away with bulky in-house servers, space-wasting desktops and boxes of software that quickly become outdated.
No matter what happens, you always have real-time access—and backup and recovery—to your most important data.
Drawback: some people are still anxious about what actually happens to their information when it is “in the cloud.” Data breaches, hacking and exposure to viruses are all valid security concerns, and you have to decide if these potential risks are too high for your business.
Save money
IT infrastructure and equipment ages quickly, and keeping it current can be cost-prohibitive for many businesses. You can update cloud-based applications with a quick install, and dated technology won’t hold you back from using the most current software and applications on the market.
Conveniently, your employees already have a cellphone, tablet or laptop that they have mastered—and prefer to use. By enabling them to use their personal devices, you save the cost of buying everyone equipment every two years, as most experts recommend.
Drawback: data plans and data usage can be expensive and hard to budget for, especially when employees are allowed to pick their own cell phone providers. Plus you will deal with varying ages of equipment and Internet coverage, and not all employees technical skills are the same.
Most concerning however, is that allowing employees to use their personal devices opens up serious security risks for your business. That’s why it is critical to create a strict BYOD policy and educate your staff on the ins and outs of using personal devices for business-related tasks.
Address issues in real time
When problems pop up, you can deal with them immediately because you have everything you need to resolve an issue, at your fingertips. Especially in crises, this ability can save your business from losing revenue and customers.
Beyond that, mobility offers you and your employees—specifically salespeople and customer service representatives, the opportunity to address customer questions and respond to their concerns anytime, anywhere. Customers often choose companies that are the most responsive to their needs, and full mobility ensures you can do so quickly.
Drawback: mobility forces people to always be on, ready to take that call or respond to that email. Typical eight-hour workdays are thrown out the window as you and employees stay connected around the clock.
Collect payments on the go
Imagine being able to complete a sale and collect payments, partial payments or deposits on the spot, right when you have the customer hooked and ready to make the deal. Many sales fall through once the client has “slept on it” and had a change of heart. But with a mobile point-of-sale (POS) device, you can cash in before they have that chance.
Drawback: there are no obvious drawbacks to collecting customers’ money more quickly. However, pulling out your POS device and requesting payment can turn some customers off if they feel pressured into closing the deal without being able to process what they’ve discussed with you.
Keep employees’ working in inclement weather
Especially in areas where the weather wreaks havoc during winter, full mobility means employees can work from home. They don’t risk their lives to make it to the office; business continues as usual.
Even in milder climates, don’t think a potential weather-related disaster can’t affect you. South Carolina is reeling over devastating floods that affected a good portion of the state, and many businesses are feeling the pinch.
Bottom line: mobility can keep your employees safe and your business operational even during crises.
Drawback: again, employees can feel forced to always be connected to work. They shouldn’t feel like they can’t take personal days off to care for children who are home from school for weather or illness. They should definitely be able to take personal days and vacation time they’ve earned. Set boundaries and respect employees’ home life.
Going completely mobile makes your business more agile, an essential quality in today’s business world. However, taking a strategic approach is critical when migrating to full mobile in order to reduce security risks and maintain productivity during and after your move.