Today’s mobile workforce management applications - and how they work

One category of mobile business applications that has gained significant traction in North America is called “mobile workforce management.” These solutions use wireless and location-based technologies (such as GPS) to locate, track, and/or manage mobile workers and their tasks. These are not babysitting applications. Their purpose is to make it easier for employees to do their jobs—both out in the field and back at the office.

These applications can cut costs, increase worker productivity and even open up new revenue streams. Savvy businesses promote them as a point of service differentiation. And the usual objections around mobile solutions—too expensive to deploy, too difficult to use, too much havoc to implement—simply do not apply anymore.

Mobile workforce management applications run on a variety of device types, including feature phones, tablets, smartphones, and ruggedized devices. Specific features and capabilities include:

• Data capture: Workers are able to collect, enter and transmit all types of data out in the field. Methods of information capture include barcode scanning, image/photo capture, electronic signatures, and wireless forms.

• Wireless time cards: Time tracking provides mobile workers with the ability to clock in and out of work shifts right on their mobile phones.

• GPS location, tracking and monitoring: With today’s handset-based location technology, worker location can be provided on a real-time basis and be continuously refreshed throughout the work day.

• Geo-fencing and alerts: A virtual geographical area can be defined to establish approved routes or work areas for employees and vehicles. If a designated boundary is crossed, managers receive a notification.

• Reports:Properlydesignedreports,bothstandardandcustomized,turndataintoactionablebusinessintelligence.

Today’s mobile workforce management applications are priced to be affordable across all business types and sizes. These are hosted solutions that are usually billed at a per-device, per-month rate.