The IDG Cloud ERP 2021 study shows that mobile devices are playing an increasingly important role in businesses – not least in terms of service. Maintenance and other services can now be performed on the customer site using mobile devices connected to the ERP system. […]
According to the study, more than two-thirds of the people surveyed decided to use cloud ERP primarily because they wanted mobile devices to be able to access ERP functions and data anywhere and anytime. Software manufacturer proALPHA offers 8 tips on how companies can make their service future-proof – digital and mobile.
1. Digital instead of analog
The paperless office is the workplace of the future, but many companies still rely on analog receipts and handwritten notes in their operations. In order to save resources and speed up internal processes, it is worth taking a step towards mobile digital applications. For example, employees can find all forms and checklists collected in one place – ready for the next job at any time.
2. Use of existing infrastructure
Switching to mobile work does not mean that previously used hardware equipment will be superfluous. Because smartphones, tablets, etc. can often be used for navigation during the service. Ideally, there is already a detailed overview of the mobile devices that can be used and their technical equipment. In this way, companies can quickly check whether they meet the requirements and, in the best case, save costs.
3. Custom process data delivery
Anyone who offers their clients different service models must precisely define each position and store the entire process centrally. Whether it’s time- or uptime-dependent maintenance of machines, individual support calls or automated service orders that appear only at the customer’s site – valid data is indispensable for every task. With the help of mobile devices and an ERP solution, data is entered regardless of time and place. Top prerequisites: Context-based access to necessary information and a simple user interface that makes work easier for employees.
4. Digital publishing layout as a test balloon
With the first step towards digitization in transmission, companies can relieve their senders with the help of comprehensive digital solutions. It takes into account, among other things, vacations and absences as well as individual knowledge and certifications necessary for related activities. Graphical maps and paths provide visual support for optimal use of resources – discrepancies can be identified at a glance. Once the planning is complete, thanks to the navigation, administrators can quickly and consistently reach all technicians and employees.
5. Intensification of integration
For functional digital operations, mobile devices and servers must be seamlessly integrated into the ERP system. This is the only way to recall relevant information, enter documents quickly and easily, and report material consumption and time requirements directly to invoices. Ideally, it should also ensure media disturbance-free flow of information to upstream and downstream systems – eg, for working time planning from your time management software.
6. Simply authenticate using mobile devices
One of the most common tasks of the service is to correct defects on the customer’s site. With quick before and after photo or video recordings, work done can be easily documented. This also makes it easier for technicians to prepare for potential follow-up appointments. The use of mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, which transfers the image material directly to the document management system and associates it with the appropriate project, is suitable for this. This saves valuable working time with each order, which is over weeks and months.
7. Mobile work online and offline
A high-performance network connection is essential for a successful mobility project with real-time data transmission. But what happens when employees work in high security areas or basements with no network coverage? Portable solutions that support offline playback are ideal so that the entered data is not lost. These save and transfer the recorded information automatically once network connectivity is restored.
8. Develop specific main characters
In addition to operational advantages, service navigation also creates a basis for well-founded management decisions. Thanks to digitization, all relevant data is centrally available in real time and can, for example, be used by management to make further adjustments to the scope of services or to determine the strategic course of development of new products and services.