I have had several opportunities to visit with large enterprises about their mobility strategies lately. It is interesting watching and learning how large companies go about mobilizing business processes. As a result of these discussions and experiences, I propose that there are at least six phases of this evolutionary process. Let me know your thoughts as well!
I believe that
phase one of an enterprise mobility strategy is to recognize the need to mobilize enterprise solutions. Enterprise mobility is not a fad. It is strategic and mission critical. Mobile browsing is predicted to surpass all other forms of internet connectivity within the next year or two. I have seen reports that over 40 percent of the workforce is mobile. Giving them access to the right information, at the right time and at the right place to do their job is critical. Everyone has a smartphone these days. They are indepensable tools for the mobile workforce.
Phase two of your mobile strategy is to start mobilizing basic items like business process notifications, approvals and alerts. These simple mobile "instant value" applications are a good first step to mobilizing your workforce and showing immediate value. My mobile ESPN application sends me the scores of my favorite teams. This is an example of a simple notification solution. This phase helps your mobile workforce to ease into using their mobile devices for business purposes and ERP interactions. Study the results, understand the challenges and use this information to prepare for more complex mobile solutions.
