Mobile tech: 1 concern, 1 benefit and 1 question you MUST consider before deploying | Nov19 Newsletter
Government employees who use mobile devices can be more productive than ever before. But that doesn’t mean they’re taking advantage of available tech.
Professional services network Deloitte has, in the past, argued that government agencies aren’t keeping up with the private sector’s increase in productivity, putting it down to hesitation in using mobile technologies.
Those out in the field could have a 45 percent increase in productivity with the use of the right mobile technologies.
It reports that those out in the field — including human services caseworkers, emergency responders and law enforcement officers — could have a 45 percent increase in productivity with the use of the right mobile technologies. This is because they can better manage their workload on the go and spend less time on paperwork.
There are, however, several factors to consider when creating this productive picture:
Security concerns
Mobile devices are subject to all the usual concerns about software and data security. A company fleet should be tightly locked down, with a standard suite of on-device security apps and strong governance from the security team.
Physical security is a source of risk that doesn’t often apply to desktop or office-based devices, but laptops, tablets, phones and wearables are small, light and easy to lose. We’ve all heard stories about devices being stolen or left on public transport, so IT teams need to manage their physical security as well.
This includes turning location tracking services on, requiring two-factor (or multi-factor) identification, using devices’ built-in security features (such as fingerprint readers or facial recognition cameras) and regular automated backups.
Care should also be taken when deploying new software. Using only reputable vendors or suppliers is an important first step, but any new roll out should be thoroughly tested for compliance and compatibility with department security protocols.
Productivity improvements
Modern apps that take advantage of technologies such as mobility, touchscreens and cloud services are revolutionising the way we work and interact with government.
If suitable mobile apps exist for an organisation, they should be widely deployed and integrated with existing systems. Some of the standard productivity apps include word processors, spreadsheets and finance software, but companies can also find programs that performs specific tasks like publishing, media tracking and securing internal communications.
If an organisation isn't currently utilising this kind of technology, doing so might be a fast, efficient way to increase productivity, boost morale and even improve customer satisfaction.
Network configuration
Finally, companies should consider how best to configure network communications for mobile devices. While 3G and 4G internal modems are widely available, many government agencies have found that it is more effective to procure laptops, tablets and other devices with Wi-Fi communications and provide employees with cellular-connected Wi-Fi hotspots to use in the field.
The advantage for departments with a revolving mobile staff is that mobile hotspots can be shared among multiple employees, while laptop computers rely on Wi-Fi whether they're in the office or on the road.
An additional benefit to the mobile hotspot plan is that using a single connection method with consistent security and privacy mechanisms means employees only need to learn one procedure. This simplifies operations and avoids the security risks that can arise from having multiple procedures and their potential misuse or misapplication.
With proper security and device configurations, and best-practice network connections, companies can look forward to mobile staff and teams being high-performance and high-security while on the road. And that’s a great combination.