Businesses Rethink Workflows With 'Mobile First' Mindset

By Igor Glubochansky, Executive Director, AT&T Big Data & Advanced Solutions

Using mobile technology can play a big role in helping businesses succeed. It can help companies boost productivity, cut costs and provide better customer service. However, using a mobile solution is only one part of building success. Companies are now revising decade-old processes by using a ”Mobile First” approach - a mindset that can distinguish tomorrow’s business leaders. 

Companies are eliminating paper, managing the location and status of assets and employees, and using real-time messaging and voice communication between individuals and teams.  What makes it all possible? A mobile device connected to a broadband wireless network equipped with a handful of carefully selected applications.  

For example, today’s enhanced cellular push-to-talk (PTT) technology lets technicians alert their supervisor of issues in the field with a touch of a button. The supervisor, repair technician and nearby co-worker can communicate and resolve the issues with PTT over a single group chat - all from a wirelessly connected smartphone or tablet.  Technicians no longer need to carry a dedicated radio to reach colleagues for a quick exchange.

The same device can help eliminate the paperwork involved.  A business can pre-populate electronic forms with product information such as the name, model and serial number. Technicians need to be this precise to keep an accurate inventory of equipment. The co-worker in the case above could send a report on the spot to show that another AC hose has been used. The office manager can then order a new set of hoses if the inventory is low. 

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