Mobile Technology is on the Cusp of Transforming Business

Time for a Mobile-Readiness Reality Check

Mobile technology has come a long way from its birthplace in the 1960s and ‘70s as crude car phones on analog networks to the digital wonder-devices we use today. From sending documents to print remotely, to watching the latest episode of our favorite TV show, it’s no wonder the popularity of these tiny titans has exploded for both work and play.

The 24/7 availability of essential information and functionality offers myriad benefits for workers, customers and yes, even employers. That’s if you choose your mobile apps wisely.

As software companies catch the mobile wave, we will see leaps similar to those that transformed the computer industry. Mobile software development is expected to become a $79.7b industry by 2017 according to Global Industry Analysts, Inc. And Forrester Research predicts smart phone use among U.S.-based information workers will triple by 2013.

But is your company ready to go mobile? Why, how, and to what degree? Looking at the statistics, it’s tempting to rely on the old “Everybody’s doing it,” rationale. But your job is to keep your eye on the prize: determine what will bring the greatest value to the greatest number of people in your organization. This focus will ensure that your organization is driving the technology, not the other way around.

That’s what Dan Homrich, CEO of Smartsoft Mobile recommends. “Look at the fundamentals of your business,” he advises. “The reality is that mundane activities have the highest value. Purchase orders, supply chain management, timesheets, expense report processing. Address the functions that impact your everyday business. Then go after the ‘killer app.’”

Going mobile can yield dramatic results for your organization with the right approach. “You can achieve efficiency, productivity, a streamlined sales cycle, even compliance if you design for the broadest possible benefit across the enterprise,” says Homrich. “ROI is relative to every organization, but if you keep the broadest benefit in mind, you’ll be very satisfied with the results.”

But Homrich also warns against biting off more than you can chew. “Mobility for most organizations is like an elephant. If you try to eat the whole thing, you’ll choke. Start small. Look at segments and aim for the most benefit possible… IT, sales, HR. Then branch out slowly.”

When is it best to abstain altogether? “It comes down to the question of build or buy,” Homrich says. Save that custom-build project for the most critical business processes that will make a difference, not off-the-shelf tasks like timesheets and purchase order apps.”

Mobility is here and you can ride the wave to cost savings, a quicker sales cycle, even corporate compliance. But you’ll need to plan ahead, aim for the broadest value and collaborate closely with your partner teams.

“We like to work with Thompson Technologies because their skill sets are so broad and their network is so wide, they can help us find talent even when it’s outside of Thompson’s core business. We’ve challenged them many times and they haven’t failed us yet,” shares Homrich.

Contact Thompson to strategize your company’s mobile support needs today.