Page 37 - Managing the Mobile Workforce

16 � mAnAgIng the moBIle workForCe

the adoption and implementation, support services, and
budget of your mobile workforce. This leadership group
should provide quality advice to the executive team, and
it should be trusted to execute the right plan based on
cost, risk, and ROI. The team will help determine expecta-
tions and accountability.
2. Integrate mobile practices and technology into existing
systems. Every company has people, processes, and
systems that can be leveraged. For the largest ROI, utilize
existing people you have and their knowledge base, and
existing IT personnel and technology in which the com-
pany has already invested. Often, integration should not
require complete upgrades or replacement. Look for sup-
pliers who take interest in your company requests and
suggest modifications that further your business focus.
3. Keep policies straightforward and technology simple to
use. Create policies that empower mobile workers to be
more efficient, that define more efficient procedures, and
encourage the selection of technology solutions that are
interchangeable within your platform. Make policies that
employees can understand. Policies set the stage for both
success and failure. Analyze what has already impacted
the company regarding people, processes, and efficien-
cies. Security continues to be a top concern for compa-
nies. However, by defining the security policies and the
hardware and software platform, and by assigning roles
and rights-based access to company information, the en-
terprise can lower the overall risk of information.
4. Define roles and expectations. One of the most impor-
tant factors in hiring and managing is having absolute
role clarity within the job description. Managers need to
set expectations, actually manage these roles, and be-
come coaches.