Why Your Company Needs a Mobile Business Systems Strategy

Over the last couple of weeks we have been discussing the benefits, challenges and reality of moving your enterprise software to a mobile platform. Just as with any business solution, mobile enterprise software requires a great deal of forethought before making the investment and implementing the software. If your company has decided to adopt mobile technology into the workplace, it is crucial to create a strategy detailing the goals and plans you have for your mobile investment.

Without an effective strategy, the execution of mobile ERP applications on your mobile devices can be challenging, to say the least. There are many things that need to be taken into consideration before implementing mobile business systems, and with the right strategy, you can navigate this process seamlessly. Here are a few tips to help you develop a solid mobile business systems strategy:

1. Check your internet connection and network reliability. Most mobile business systems rely on the Cloud to sync information effortlessly from mobile devices to the company’s main ERP system, and a strong Internet connection is a must. If your company is having trouble with connectivity, you will need to resolve these issues before implementing your mobile business systems or risk having to spend more time on the implementation.
2. Make sure you have the option to work without an Internet connection. In the same vein, make sure the solution you choose has the option to use the business system even if an Internet connection is unavailable. If there is no connection to be found, your business system should allow you to enter and save information on your device to be later uploaded to the system once an Internet connection is found. To ensure information and data security, the data can then be wiped from the mobile device once it has been uploaded to the ERP system.
3. Establish a data security plan. The security of your business data should be a top priority. Develop a solid plan for how your company will handle data sharing across a number of personal and company-owned devices, and make sure your IT staff can wipe mobile devices in the case of stolen, lost or security hacked items. You and your IT team should also decide who will be able to view what data on the system and what measures your company will take should a security breach occur.
4. Train employees on the utilization of mobile business systems and devices. If your mobile applications are simply mobile versions of the software you already use, your employees will not need extensive training on the solution. However, it is always a good idea to ensure they are using the system and devices effectively.

IWI Consulting offers mobile enterprise software solutions to help organizations improve their productivity, achieve total business efficiency, and remain competitive in today’s global marketplace. Mobile enterprise software is not just a technology trend that will be here today and gone tomorrow. It is the technology of the future, and if your business is not incorporating mobile technology into your business now, you are sure to fall behind your competitors.

Our small and dedicated team specializes in helping small-to-medium size Canadian businesses and non-profits select and adapt Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Human Resource Management (HRMS) and IT services. With IWI’s 15 years in business and 100 plus years of combined experience, IWI has helped hundreds of food manufacturing, distribution, and financial service companies gain efficiency, grow, and lower their operating costs.

With the unique combination of industry knowledge and diverse technology expertise, IWI provides cost-effective solutions to help clients gain a competitive edge. As a Sage business partner, servicing the Greater Toronto Area, we support evaluation and implementation of operations and finance systems to optimize technology, ensuring high return on investment with a quick and painless transition to new software.