Page 36 - Managing the Mobile Workforce

moving to mobility � 15

` Written policies. These policies are updated based on the
needs and objectives of the business unit. The value of writ-
ten policies is that they easily can be distributed for compli-
ance requirements and signed by the employees, to confirm
receipt of the policies.
` Management. Sales and IS/IT must work together regard-
ing the cross-management needs of hardware, software, and
support.
` Software and hardware applications. Selection and purchase
of software should be considered a cross-business unit con-
cern. Training and support are cost centers to the enterprise
that get heavy hit with support needs if the applications se-
lected are hard to learn and/or the hardware fails.

You will want to plan this transition carefully, perhaps piloting
the proposed changes and thereby developing early adopter advocates.

step Four: execute and Improve
After all the assessing, planning, and aligning, it’s time to step off the
edge and give it a try. That’s the only way you’ll learn what works and
what needs improvement. Again, pilot projects can mitigate your risk
and add advocates for the change.
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Seven Strategies to Consider When Building a Mobile
Workforce in Your Organization (People, Process,
and Technology)
1. Center of Excellence. Build a team that is responsible for
the definition and details of creating a mobile workforce.
Buy-in of executive members is critical, based on cost,
risk, and return on investment (ROI). Appoint team mem-
bers who will create policy and a companywide vision for