Mobile Data - 'the Future of UK Enterprise'

According to new research published by Orange Business Solutions and Deloitte Consulting's Research group, mobile data is already delivering productivity gains, cost savings and is boosting revenues.

In a difficult marketplace it is the positive impact to the bottom line, not the grand idea that is making mobility a pre-requisite for UK corporate companies. Enterprises investing in mobile data infrastructures are gaining a competitive edge and the majority (85%) of the UK's largest 50 companies now believe they have a real need for mobile data.

The UK's approach to mobile data leads the world, in certain aspects. UK businesses are more likely to have undertaken an in-depth business case analysis than their foreign counterparts (34% in the UK as opposed to 6% in Germany). This greater understanding has allowed UK enterprises that have already deployed mobile data to enjoy important benefits from their investments: 'productivity gains' (85%), 'improved workflow' (82%), 'cost savings' (44%), 'revenue gains' (37%). Most UK corporates have significantly increased investment in mobile data over the last twelve months (57% of respondents estimated a 20% or higher growth in spend) and will continue to do so moving into 2003.

According to Richard Hanscott, Vice-President, Orange Business Solutions, 'The UK market for mobile data has come a long way, what this research demonstrates is that there is both a desire and commitment to making ideas reality. With the improvements in network stability, the speed of data transfer and the return on investment that a fully integrated data communications strategy can bring, the future for agile businesses is finally in place.'

David Tansley, Partner, Deloitte Consulting added, 'The business case for mobile data is compelling. One of our clients, whose solution is based on mobile enabled PDAs, enabled field engineers to save an average of one hour per day, equivalent to $25,000 potential additional revenue per employee, per year. One-off improvements to cash flow were worth millions of dollars. Overall the project is projected to deliver a five year return on investment of 1,000%, with pay back in the first year.'

The advent of a trustworthy, high speed GPRS platform, as well as improvements in device technology and business software, has meant that companies are now moving to implement mobile data technologies that a few years ago were dismissed as implausible or unworkable. Although organisations are now more committed to an evolutionary change model than a 'Big Bang', any boost to profits can only further demonstrate the benefits to UK business.

All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.