The forgotten Mobile Worker?

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 John Gallagher, Sr. Public Relations Manager

IBM announced an extension of its Maximo asset management software for the mobile worker this week aimed at facility departments, maintenance workers and other people who need to deal with work orders, but are typically away from their desk. So does this mean the clipboard and rugged phone manufacturers are going to be replaced by the iPad, iPhone or Android tablet? I think Blackberry is not the only company that is taking note.

IBM is targeting improvements in productivity and reducing inefficiencies – especially with a workforce that is reliant on being out in the field. The software is browser-based so the learning curve, much like smartphones, is minimal.

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston uses the software to maintain its 84-acre campus of more than 160 buildings to promptly deal with maintenance problems before they escalate.

Given that these mobile devices depend upon cellular or Wi-Fi networks, it’s critical that companies deploying the technology have access to the best networks. We’ve all experienced a lack of mobile connectivity, but without the reporting capabilities to show dead spots and bad connections – it’s difficult for large organizations to track connectivity issues for mobile workers.

This is where just one of the Open Mobile Platform’s reporting capabilities fulfills a need by providing visibility into connectivity. Mobile Insight allows real-time tracking to ensure mobile workers have the best connections whether on a campus network or out in the field – especially the forgotten worker!

Part of our Mobile Worker Wednesday series

Tags: enterprise mobility, mobile employee, mobile workforce