5 Biggest Problems with Managing Mobile Devices, And How to Fix Them

Enterprise Mobility opens a world of possibilities for businesses and institutions worldwide. Companies can run custom software on select mobile phones or computers, and employees operate on these platforms to carry out delegated tasks. These applications and suites negate the need for a 9 to 5 desk job, and company personnel can work from home or interact directly with the company’s customers in the field.

A Flexible, Customer-Centered Approach

With this approach proving a popular trend, companies are now saving money and minimizing technology and infrastructure overheads. The turnaround time for select business processes also significantly reduces, with well-developed networks ensuring that company personnel is closer to company clients. This agile, customer-centered strategy boosts productivity and facilitates a win-win situation for everyone involved.

The onsite resolution of customer concerns is another big selling point. On a scheduled visit, a company employee may make the necessary adjustments to a client profile, update contact information, verify addresses, and so on. A closer connection with the company’s customers also facilitates data collection, and the formulation of an even better line of products and services to suit customer tastes and preferences.  

With the opportunity to execute business processes and process transactions remotely, however, comes a new set of challenges.

Here are some of the biggest problems that come with managing mobile devices.

1.    Downtime

Application software and connectivity problems often cripple remote transactions. When this happens, company personnel working from home or in the field cannot carry out delegated tasks. This unexpected turn of events subsequently results in unwanted delays, and sometimes, loss of business opportunities.

There are two reasons why this problem may have some far-reaching effects.

Randomness. Downtime adheres to no schedule, and one may not have a proper way of coping when it comes about. For paperless companies who rely on a central database, dealing with downtime often proves a tricky proposition.

Duration. Downtime may last a few seconds or a few hours. Since the duration is unknown from the start, clients cannot get accurate timelines on when their requests will be processed, or if they will be processed within the required timeline at all.

The implementation of a 5G network will go a long way in ensuring the speedy resolution of customer queries. A more widespread access to backup connection solutions such as Wi-Fi allows continuity in the event that mobile data proves unreliable at given times. A secondary device may also prove useful if your phone or pc lags or encounters some unforeseen challenges.

2.    Unauthorized Access

Mobile devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops require company credentials when logging into the company platform. However, this information is saved on the machine, and a user stays logged in for extended durations. During this time, anyone else with access to the device may access sensitive company or customer information, and this is a very unwelcome possibility.

Not all devices can have fingerprint or retina scanners, and these modes of access can’t be employed each time you sign in. The process would be tedious and repetitive. There is a need for improved security features, considering that face detection is still not up to scratch.

With newer devices comes better security features. Users can employ fingerprint locks to safeguard against physical access by unauthorized persons. However, firewalls still have some way to go, particularly as regards the security on mobile phones. Devices can still be hacked over a shared network, or fall prey to phishing. Thankfully, once a device is reported stolen, it may be locked and the data completely erased.

3.    Limited Functionality 

Due to their architecture, many mobile phones cannot effectively carry out multiple complex tasks concurrently. The screen size and software limitations mean that there are specific tasks that one may carry out on a phone, others on a tab, and a considerably wider variety on a laptop pc. Worryingly, the more functions a mobile device has, the larger the size. For many companies, tablets have proven to be the sweet spot.

Over time, we will see more powerful devices come about. This development bodes well for the business market as the prices for the same shall prove pocket-friendly for companies and their employees. A greater processing power on a functionally-sized device remains a big possibility.

4.    Complexity and User Experience

The use of custom software demands that all users go through training to acclimatize with the various functions of each platform. This initiative is an investment in itself, and requires some financial input. There may be disruptions in employee routines as each individual works towards full comprehension of how these tailor-made solutions work.

Notably, however, some platforms are complex and require what is a relatively long period of training before someone fully understands the various facets of the programs. Even with proper training, errors are commonplace, and some may prove costly. Thankfully, however, companies can now make use of online platforms to pass instructional material and useful tutorials to employees. At the end of each training program, the trainee earns a certificate and the phase of seamless integration begins.

5.    Privacy Compliance

The issue of privacy persists even as technology evolves to put in place powerful firewalls and sound data encryption algorithms. While many companies and institutions focus on ensuring security on a technological level, sensitive company and employee data remains at risk, owing to the fact that such information is accessed and processed by individuals on the company payroll.

Even without a breach, unfortunately, sensitive information may still leak and land in the hands of the wrong people. As such, companies should enact different levels of authorization on specific mobile devices, with each gadget keeping a log of the data accessed, and by which employee. Having a timestamp and a comprehensive record of all data operations makes it possible to keep track of employee activity and address any breach accordingly.

Conclusion

Despite the above challenges, enterprise mobility solutions continue to be a revelation for the current global market. Technological advancements will see the development of more powerful hardware and more effective custom software. Functionalities will increase for company personnel, and the new developments will present new and better security features. If the current trend is anything to go by, enterprise mobility has a crucial role to play in the coming decade and beyond.