Filed under: Digital workplace, Intranets, Mobile
Something a bit different this week. While none of the scenarios outlined above are earth-shaking, they are extremely common, and the question needs to be asked: why can’t we do this things today?
It also highlights that while we typically think of field and frontline needs when taking about enterprise mobility, it’s just as relevant in an office setting.
A tactical view
We all spend a lot of time away from our desks in the modern workplace, most often in meetings. While we’re connected at our desks, we often live a 20th century existence in meetings, reverting to paper printouts and handwritten notes.
The reality is that staff are already bringing their iPads and iPhones to meetings in increasing numbers. We’re hearing stories of staff who have installed Dropbox or Evernote on their corporate PCs and mobile devices, to make it all work. IT are oblivious of this, and the risks are obvious.
At a basic level, this is about providing mobile device connectivity to corporate networks, whether on work-provided devices, or via a BYOD policy. Some organisations have already done so, but many are yet to make the move.
A strategic view
At a more strategic level, the focus is on staff productivity, and making sure that informed decisions are being made in meetings. The shift to activity-based working puts an obvious spotlight on enterprise mobility, but it’s important even in traditional office environments.
All of this points to an enterprise “mobile first” strategy to mirror that seen on public-facing websites. (It make no sense to be launching new corporate tools for staff that aren’t mobile-friendly from day one.)
Many of the existing solutions are also complex and clunky, suitable for early-adopters, but unviable for general users. Ways of connecting up must become simpler and easier, regardless of the devices being used.