More than email

Emerging roles for handheld computers.

How does your business use mobile computing? If you are only using the technology to read emails and check appointments, you may be missing out on a competitive advantage. Most enterprises underutilize their handheld computers, however, a growing number see the emerging role of the handheld as an integral part of their business strategy.

Companies that understand the power of mobile technology have the edge. It helps businesses automate what they do, improve responsiveness, dramatically increase efficiency, reduce waste and build value. The results can be profound.

Follow the money

The challenge of "inventory shrinkage."

"Inventory shrinkage" is an expensive problem. One of our field service customers estimated that they lose (literally) around $3,000 worth of inventory monthly due to reordering and tracking errors. As we probed, they not only lost inventory, but due to their paper-based system, were failing to record hundreds of billable hours. This was an exceptionally costly situation.

We developed a mobile solution that took the paper out of the system. Now by using GPS in the handhelds, bar code scanning and cellular data connections, we significantly reduced their physical inventory issues and recaptured lost billable time. With the dispatching functionality, not only were we able to improve customer service, but we now have saved thousands of gallons of fuel per year. Mobile technology can be a powerful solution to combat losses due to errors on paper-based systems.

Ready for lower fuel prices?

The false sense of security with lower fuel prices.

Since our July "Mobile Worker," fuel prices dropped over $0.40 per gallon. In the short-term, this drop has provided much needed relief to many organizations. It also has the potential to lure some into a false sense of security that fuel prices will not rise again in the near future.

While prices were high, businesses had to face stark realities: the inefficiencies of their operations' fuel usage. Companies sought ways to cut back on fuel. Most methods were short-term fixes that were not sustainable. Now that the pressure of fuel prices has eased, some businesses may think that they no longer need to worry about efficiency. This is a trap. Take advantage of this lull to develop a comprehensive energy plan for your business. This will put your business in a stronger position to weather the next fuel price panic.