How Imortant is Mobile or Portable Technology?

The importance of mobile or portable technology in the workplace cannot be underestimated. This type of technology has come on in leaps and bounds in the past few years. And with the implementation of wireless technology it is now easier than ever to work from anywhere in the world.

Mobile and Portable Technology

Mobile phones, laptops and personal digital assistants (PDA) have all made communicating with staff outside of the workplace much easier. The range of mobile and portable devices available reflects the surge in staff that works outside of the office location. This new mobile technology has also changed the way that people actually conduct business, and workers can now spend more time with clients rather than tied to the office.

Types of Mobile Technology

Developments in mobile technology occur very rapidly and the range of devices available is continually expanding. Most of these devices are explained perfectly by their names, and mobile and portable devices include:

• Mobile broadband devices.
• Laptop computers.
• Personal digital assistants (PDA).
• Smart phones and mobile phones.
• Global positioning systems (GPS).
• Mobile devices for making and taking payments via credit or debit cards.

The major benefit of mobile technology is that it is now easier to stay in touch with the main office location. Information can easily be uploaded and sent from a mobile device to another computer anywhere in the world thanks to wireless technology. If wireless signals are not available then there is always internet via mobile telephone signals and mobile broadband technology.

Mobile Technology and Flexible Working

Not being tied to the office location means that workers can spend more time with clients and customers. Workers, especially salespeople, can give presentations, set up new accounts, record details and take payments via laptops. These details can then be sent immediately to an office location via the internet. This process can be used virtually anywhere in the world meaning that business can be conducted and concluded immediately as it happens.

Mobile Technology and Home Working

Working from home is now a very real concept where it once seen as just an excuse to stay longer in the home rather than the office. Thanks to mobile and portable technology, and applications such as the Internet, workers can now quite easily conduct business from home. Home working also has distinct cost advantages with lower overheads, increased productivity, and more flexibility for the non office worker.

Mobile Technology and Outsourcing

Outsourcing has also become a major way to conduct business. For many small businesses outsourcing is the only way they can find workers with the particular skills they require. Outsourcing of work to non office based staff can also mean lower overheads and lower business rates for business owners. Again, all of the outsourcing details, specs, and requirements can be discussed and viewed online anywhere in the world using mobile technology.

Mobile Technology and Cost

Although many business owners praise the use of mobile technology, many owners will dismiss its use simply due to the cost. Mobile technology prices have dropped due to the competitive marketplace and most devices can be leased as well as purchased outright. The type of mobile devices needed will depend on the actual business, but if staff do work outside of the office then mobile technology should be cost effective. This type of technology cannot be taken for granted as a powerful business tool and should save both time and money.

Mobile and portable technology has become a huge part of business life and looks set to become the norm rather than the exception. The number of workers outside of the office is growing, and at present it is thought that 60% of all workers are in the field rather than the office. Investing in mobile and portable technology should seriously be considered by business owners if they want to stay ahead of competitors that already use this technology.