Mobile computing is a recent and versatile technology that helps a company's management to achieve effective improvements in the quality and accessibility of information, operational efficiency and staff productivity. Organizations can securely connect with field staff, increase sales and provide faster customer service using various field mobility solutions.
Mobile computing involves the use of mobile computing devices that interact with a central information system when the user is away from the normal, fixed workplace.
It is a combination of computer hardware, system and application software, and some form of communication medium. Extremely powerful and small computing devices allow mobile staff to create, access, process and store information without being restricted to a single location. With the help of these devices, as well as specialized software, many customized field mobility solutions can be designed.
One of the main benefits of using mobile computing systems is that they eliminate paperwork as data is collected and transferred electronically. Freeing mobile workers from cumbersome bureaucracy adds many hours of productive work. Data transfer via mobile computers is fast, accurate and avoids repetitive data entry, which is prone to transcription and interpretation errors.
To demonstrate how mobile computing improves an organization's operational efficiency, here are some examples from some real-world areas.
Retail and sales:
Using mobile computers in a retail area is an effective way to stay competitive in the field. Especially in retail stores, the best way to complete inventory management is by using mobile computers. They make the job of store managers easier by performing inventory functions such as replenishment, shelf stocking, item labeling, inventory management, shelf price auditing, and so on. These tasks can be completed with greater speed and accuracy, aiding in real-time data exchange with the store's servers.
Mobile computing also increases the operational efficiency of salespeople by allowing them to access and update customer information on the spot. Updated information is immediately sent to the company's central computer. In addition, a seller can also print invoices or other information to give to the customer.
Transport and shipment:
Implementing mobility solutions in the transportation and shipping industries improves overall performance, helping companies manage and operate fleets, manage yards and assets, and communicate with drivers. The use of mobile computers in conjunction with GPS and VIS allows users to manage the operations of an entire transport fleet from a central location. This significantly improves performance as well as lowers operating costs.
Field mobility components such as mobile computers, RFID readers, barcode readers and mobile printers are suitable for the needs of transportation and logistics companies. They assist in various logistical and inventory operations such as tracking, tracing, scanning, obtaining proof of delivery and cross-docking of various products and operations. They also improve the operational efficiency of various shipping operations with greater customer satisfaction.
Health:
Mobile computing is very popular in the healthcare industry. Hospitals, in particular, use mobile computing devices to track patients and emergency supplies. Mobile computing devices help nurses get quick information from doctors outside the hospital.
Mobile healthcare units such as ambulances and emergency departments use these solutions to access patient records for reference and update records with current diagnosis and treatment information. In addition, in emergency situations such as accidents, they capture crucial information, such as the type of injury, patient status, treatments performed and other data. These devices then transmit this information to the hospital. They also get valuable information from the doctors in the hospitals to treat the patient properly. This helps save lives that might otherwise be lost.
Field services and sales workers:
Mobile computing devices make the job of sales workers easier through effective data collection and transfer capabilities. For example, an insurance agent can compare, estimate and make the necessary calculations on his mobile computer after collecting customer data to provide the customer with the necessary information about the policy and benefits. This helps customers make policy decisions instantly. With the customer's agreement, the necessary information can be transmitted immediately to the central computer, automatically enrolling the customer in the insurance or financial planning program. In the absence of these computing devices, this process would take days instead of minutes.
In the case of field services such as HVAC or plumbing, these devices are effective in providing timely services with increased customer satisfaction by offering instant invoices and payment receipts using mobile printers.
Law enforcement:
Mobile computing devices and field mobility solutions help law enforcement accurately collect and report traffic data to local and state agencies, which leads to safer communities.
Devices such as barcode scanners and mobile printers assist officers by scanning the driver's license of the person who broke traffic rules, collecting their signature using a signature capture pad, and using a mobile printer to distribute a printed ticket. They can also check the driver's history of violations using the data on their mobile computer and can take immediate action if necessary.
Warehousing, asset tracking and inventory control:
On the storage floor, fast and accurate data collection is essential for efficient operation and lower operating costs. Mobile computing is a cost-effective solution that addresses storage requirements by offering a quick and convenient method of replenishment using RFID devices for inventory management and handheld devices for efficient data collection and wireless communication.
Field mobility solutions also include effective devices for asset tracking and inventory control. Inventory management systems help balance inventory levels, preventing both situations – overstocking and understocking. These solutions easily integrate with other business systems, providing the ability to make better business decisions and increase productivity and profitability.
In addition to the industries mentioned above, many other areas are effectively reaping the benefits of mobile computing devices, including the hospitality industry, media, car rental companies and many more. If your workforce is geographically dispersed, you can increase your productivity by efficiently managing critical information using mobile computing devices. Nowadays, many companies still offer customized products to suit their business needs.