Using the right mobile device for your work environment is essential if you want to increase productivity, efficiency, and accuracy. We know it can be difficult to choose the right mobile device with so many options – models, suppliers, configurations, and operating systems. Let us help make your decision a little easier – here are 10 things to consider when selecting mobile devices for your business.
10 Things to Consider for Finding the Right Mobile Devices
1. Can it survive the inevitable? Find a device that meets the needs of your applications and environment.
2. Will it need to scan barcodes? If users need to scan more than a few barcodes, they need rapid scanning capability, or productivity will suffer. Check to see if you will need signature capture & card payment capabilities.
3. How long will the battery need to last? If the device will be in use all day and your workers are always on the move with no access to a charging point they will need a device with good power management.
4. Will it be easy to use? Operating systems, familiarity, and ergonomics will increase user adoption and eliminate workarounds.
5. What are the security risks? Sophisticated mobile attacks are becoming popular so protecting your data requires the right mobile application management (MAM). Look for application white-listings, AD/LDAP authentication, and key management.
6. Can it maintain connectivity? When people need access to data on the go, the extent of WAN/WLAN connections and seamless roaming can make all the difference in productivity.
7. How will you deploy devices & manage support? The ability to centrally and remotely manage your device fleet is critical to everything from staging to pushing upgrades to troubleshooting.
8. Is the support plan cost-effective? Evaluate how likely you will experience device failures and what these will mean to your business. With this information, you can determine which support plan coverage offers you the best value for your money.
9. Is device life included in your ROI? Having to constantly replace or upgrade devices and accessories can mean the use of many different models, higher capital outlay, and significant support complexities.
10. How much will it really cost? When you consider the total cost of ownership (TCO), include potential costs for worker downtime, the device replacement cycle, additional accessories, and support. Looking at just the initial price of the device may not be enough. A cheaper option could turn out to be anything but.
For a free evaluation, please contact us. We’re happy to help you determine the total cost of ownership and compare multiple devices to make sure you’re selecting the best option for your business.