“There’s an app for that.” Apple’s 2009 tagline is even more relevant today. Smartphone usage has risen since then, with over three quarters of Americans reporting that they own one of these hand-held miracles of innovation in a 2017 survey. Consumers are using smartphones to order food, access their financial records, find a ride home, and more. But what about businesses? As smartphones continue to do more, what industries can benefit most from ditching the monitor for a mobile device?
Cloud-based technology like Cloud Contact Center means that a company’s agents can service the clientele regardless of their geographic location without being constrained to a physical office or specialized hardware.
As a global app developer with a focus on workplace efficiency, we found that the most likely beneficiaries of the “BYOD” (bring your own device) trend are industries that get bombarded with paperwork and need more effective document management systems. They also have on-the-job responsibilities that require immediate attention. Here are 10 that we think can have higher workplace productivity if they implement workplace mobility strategies:
1. Law Firms
Lawyers and other legal professionals need to stay up to date with all materials pertaining to a client and/or case. Lawyers often need to provide their legal counsel on time. Utilizing smartphones enable them to have a more flexible work arrangement. They can instantly access clients’ files, and use apps to send, receive, sign, and store various documents—all at their fingertips!
2. Finance
Working in the financial sector, such as for life insurance firms, banks, credit unions, and so on, has historically meant lots of paperwork. While the forms aren’t necessarily going away, offices are getting more productive as technology progresses, and document management and document sharing apps help financial institutions reduce the burden of paperwork while keeping digital data secure.
3. Healthcare
With lives are potentially on the line, few industries (or consumers of an industry) benefit as much as healthcare providers from the improved workplace efficiency that comes from using a mobile device. Everything from accessing past records to exchanging new information as quickly as it comes in produces life-saving results.
4. Education
Educational institutions are starting to notice new benefits, like more engaged students and improved peer-to-peer communication when they integrate technology into the classrooms. Educational games/apps that are effective with all learning styles, electronically submitting homework, and collaborating on projects over devices are becoming common practice in physical and digital classrooms alike.
5. Retail
BYOD in the retail industry means staff members on the sales floor and traveling sales reps will always be able to access the company’s online store and other product information when assisting a potential customer. Digital document solutions also let representatives on the road share things like receipts or order forms with their co-works in the office, making regular work processes much more efficient. Yet, they still require sales tools like the cold calling software, the business telephone system, or other types of communication to support the necessary process.
6. Hospitality
Hotel employees can instantly access information stored on a company-wide cloud, allowing for more efficient digital guest services, which in turn improves customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the bottom line. Allowing employees to BYOD also means having access to this information even while they are away from hotel computers. Businesses in this sector benefit greatly from technologies like hosted PBX, CRM system, cloud phone systems, etc.
7. Shipping
Truck drivers and other professionals up and down the supply chain are constantly on the move. Bringing a smart device lets them check transport information, sign orders, and send receipts via document management apps. With the real-time update on the shipping, it can not only boost up employee productivity but also bring significant cost savings.
8. Manufacturing
Workplace mobility is revolutionizing the manufacturing process. Different note-taking and other digital content creation apps allow managers to design workflows and instantly distribute these documents with their employees. Employees can also log work digitally and update other records using apps that let users access, annotate, and store documents.
9. Media
Many of the best-written articles and most well-researched stories come from media professionals who gather their information in person. This first-hand experience can be easily transcribed, recorded, and stored by using a myriad of different application options while out on assignment.
10. Pharmaceutical
The development of new life-saving medications is much more efficient when employees BYOD, as it allows them to collaborate with team members around the globe. Additionally, analyzing data from drug trials is easier than ever thanks to apps that make collecting, storing, and accessing files a secure and efficient process.
At Kdan Mobile, we believe in helping improve the efficiency of enterprise workflow. We deliver content creation and document management applications that are supported on all platforms and devices. If you work for one of the industries above, or you are searching for mobile solutions for your company, visit Kdan Creative Store to find out more!
