Going Mobile

Companies considering mobilizing their workforce need to examine a variety of issues and understand them. This process will help a company determine budget implications and readiness of workers to be mobilized.

While every company may not face the same issues, awareness of the potential problems which can arise, or can be avoided before mobilizing workers, is important part for every company to work through.

1. Training:

1. Ensure that all workers are up to date on how to use the software and can perform basic troubleshooting tasks.
2. Ensure that workers are trained in the proper set-up and use of mobile peripherals.
3. Workers are trained in the proper and safe methods of creating connections whether it is using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Ethernet networks.
4. Mobile work policies should be created in advance of mobilizing workers to ensure that workers follow guidelines, are aware of confidentiality issues or other company specific requirements. These guidelines should also cover who is responsible for any associated costs of mobilization including Wi-Fi access, Customs fees if leaving the country, Broadband Internet access in the worker's home, repair costs for mobile gear or purchases that may be made in order to perform their job.

2. Tech Support

1. Tech support must be in place before workers are mobilized and made aware of what software and hardware mobile workers will be using.
2. Likely that tech support will need to available on a 24/7 basis in order to be available for workers.
3. Outsourced tech support - can be an alternative to changing existing tech support staff schedules.
4. Clearly identify and make mobile workers aware of what tech support is provided by software/hardware manufacturers.
5. Create Tech Support policies outlining the circumstances tech support should be contacted and which tech support lines mobile workers should use.

3. Security:

1. Determine what methods of security will be put in place.
2. Will mobile workers connect to the company network through the Internet or though a VPN.
3. Perform a security assessment to determine where threats may come from - mobile gear infected by a virus when worker uses for personal use, leaks in access to company network.
4. Hardware and software firewall protection must be considered.
5. Instruct mobile workers to use BIOS passwords, password protect files and folders and use a password each time screensaver is activated.
6. Consider tracking software purchased at the company level for all mobile devices.
7. If mobile workers use their own mobile gear how can data be protected if/when that worker leaves the company employ?
8. Can companies control the data mobile workers keep on their own mobile gear?

4. Collaboration and Document Sharing

1. Determine which method will be used for collaboration between onsite workers and mobile workers.
2. Consider enabling a protected area on the corporate web site for files to be uploaded or downloaded?
3. Test and evaluate different programs to work out potential problems or conflicts and ensure employees know how to correctly use the programs.

5. Email

1. All mobile workers to use the same email program or one of their own choosing?

6. Mobile Gear

1. Company provided or mobile workers using their own mobile gear. It's important for companies to examine and evaluate the Pros and Cons for each situation.
2. Stand alone devices or converged devices?
3. What functions will be performed and what devices are required? - scanners, presentation gear, printers etc.,

7. Software:

1. Same software as in office or compatible lower cost programs?
2. Ensure programs are compatible for for laptops, handhelds & smart phones.
3. Standalone PIM software or just an add-on to existing programs.

Companies should not jump into mobilizing their workforces without proper consideration and preparation. Make sure your company is prepared to send workers out of the office and avoid problems later.