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Mobility: Essential for Asset Management

In previous articles, we’ve addressed why it is critical for small businesses to track their fixed assets.  Implementing an asset management solution is a crucial step in the right direction for your small business; however, adding mobile functionality to that asset tracking solution guarantees additional cost reduction for your small business through an increase in productivity, efficiency, and employee morale.

• Productivity

Small businesses that invest in mobile computing are guaranteeing their employees have the opportunity to be more productive throughout their workday.  If completion of a particular task requires connection to information that’s only accessible via a conventional computer, you automatically make completing that task more difficult and cumbersome for your employees; especially if that information could be accessed through some form of mobile computing device. Tasks completed using pen and paper (printed out lists or spreadsheets) require data notation followed by actual data entry on a computer and leave unnecessary openings for human error – both at the time of the written information and at the time of the actual data entry.  Not only is there an increased chance of error, there is a significant time delay.  Compiling and then entering the information leaves records inaccurate for an extended period of time.  A mobile device allows uses to update asset information at any time and ensures those details are both current and correct.  This ability to collaborate and coordinate information across multiple sites and locations improves overall productivity and decreases money your company spends using an employee’s time ineffectively.

Mobile Success:Many public schools are required to complete an end of the year audit for grant compliance. The Miami Public School District in Miami, OK implemented an asset tracking solution which included mobile computing.  Using those mobile computing devices they decreased their time spent auditing by 93% - from 480 hours to 36 hours.

 

• Efficiency

            Performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort. Asking employees to set aside technology to which they’ve become accustomed in order to complete a process using pen, paper, or even a desktop computer, is asking them to spend excessive amounts of time documenting asset information.  All of that time means wasted effort – especially when there are options available for improving the process as a whole.   According to the CDW 2012 Small Business Mobility Report, 94% of the mobile device users polled, say using a mobile device for work tasks has made them more efficient.

Top Benefits: 60% Improved communication 55% Increased employee productivity 45% Increased collaboration between employees 35% Improved work/life balance 34% Streamlined business processes

 

• Morale

Employees expect technology to make their jobs easier.  So many use mobile devices (smartphones and/or tablets) that using a pen and paper process can leave them feeling frustrated. If your staff is struggling to complete a task because the process is inefficient, not only does their productivity suffer so does their morale.Morale is one of the most important factors in determining how efficient and productive a company will be. Using devices to make a task easier to complete and with less opportunity for error will make your employees feel they are productive and that they have accomplished the assigned task to the very best of their ability.  Mobile devices empower employees by increasing control and choice over how they complete work.

• Articles

Not convinced you need an asset tracking solution let alone a mobile computing device?  Check out these previous articles:

Take Control of Your Assets in 2014 Manage costs – How are your asset funds allocated?  Track what you actually spend purchasing and maintaining assets in order to make better, more informed decisions in the future. Eliminate risks – Continuing to use an asset after the end of its life cycle creates unnecessary safety hazards and makes your company liable for damages.  Knowing when an asset is due for disposal and replacement allows you to plan responsibly.

 

Why Should I Invest in Asset Management Software to Track Fixed Assets? Security – If you don’t know the location of your assets, they’re NOT secure. Auditing – Manual auditing is time-consuming, inefficient, and fraught with error. Accountability – Connecting each asset to its user helps reduces both loss and unnecessary equipment purchases.