Bridging Gaps, Boosting Productivity: The Rise of Mobile Tech for Deskless Jobs
The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, and this is leading to a significant transformation in traditional office spaces. The rise of the deskless workforce clearly indicates the changing dynamics of modern workplaces. As we further explore the workforce, it becomes clear that mobile apps are critical in addressing their unique challenges, streamlining operations, and improving employee satisfaction.
What is the Deskless Workforce?
The conventional working practices of most people are foreign to us in Silicon Valley. It’s a fact that a majority of the world’s workers do not sit at a desk. They work in physically demanding construction, manufacturing, and agriculture industries. Consequently, their distinct needs and requirements are far from the scope of our work as technology builders for the world.
The global working population comprises 2.7 billion individuals, commonly known as the Deskless Workforce. Despite making up 80% of the workforce, these workers have largely been neglected and ignored by technology providers. Traditionally, a meager amount of the $300 billion that is spent annually on business software has been directed toward these workers.
In a world where technology is taking center stage, companies are starting to realize the importance of providing their deskless workers with the same level of technological support as their deskbound employees. According to recent surveys, around 24% of employees have reported high company turnover rates. This number significantly increases to 71% in organizations where workers feel they require more technological tools. These findings correspond with the reports stating that almost half of the deskless retail workers are considering quitting their jobs, with one of the top three reasons being a lack of meaningful work.
With the rapid advancement of computing platforms, including smartphones, wearables, and drones, it’s becoming increasingly clear that these devices are ideally suited to the needs of deskless workers. They are powerful, programmable, and highly portable, making them perfect for deskless environments. By investing in great technology, companies can empower their deskless workers and help them stay competitive in today’s digital age.
Challenges Faced by the Deskless Workforce
Deskless workers, despite their significant presence, face unique challenges that can affect their productivity and efficiency. These challenges include limited access to information, communication gaps, and difficulty in coordinating tasks. Fortunately, technology, particularly mobile apps, can help address these issues and provide solutions to improve their work experience.
Deskless Workforce in Action: Real-world Applications
Industries where work is done away from a desk have been slow to adopt new technologies in the past, but things are changing. With millennials joining these industries, there is a significant shift towards embracing new and innovative solutions. This generation is comfortable with technology, and their familiarity is driving the adoption of new tools at an unprecedented pace.
The use of technology is transforming how deskless workers perform their duties. New technologies such as mobile devices, wearables, and drones are increasingly being adopted. Currently, 94% of companies plan to use mobile solutions, but newer technologies like wearables are also becoming popular. About 29% of companies are already using wearables, and 40% plan to use them soon.
Agriculture
In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, mobile apps are revolutionizing the way farmers manage their operations and make critical decisions.
Use Case 1: Precision Agriculture through Crop Monitoring Mobile apps equipped with advanced sensors and satellite imagery allow farmers to monitor their crops with unparalleled precision. These apps provide real-time updates on soil health, crop growth, and potential pest threats. By analyzing this data, farmers can make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, leading to increased crop yields and resource efficiency.
Use Case 2: Inventory Management for Agricultural Inputs Farmers can utilize mobile apps to manage their inventory of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. These apps enable farmers to track usage, monitor expiration dates, and automate reordering processes. This not only reduces the risk of overstocking or shortages but also contributes to cost savings and efficient resource utilization.
Education
For educators constantly on the move, mobile apps serve as invaluable companions, streamlining various aspects of their profession.
Use Case 1: Dynamic Lesson Planning and Resource Access Mobile apps designed for educators facilitate dynamic lesson planning by providing access to a vast repository of educational resources. Teachers can create, modify, and share lesson plans seamlessly, fostering collaboration among educators. Additionally, real-time access to educational materials enhances the quality of lessons and ensures educators are well-equipped to adapt to diverse teaching scenarios.
Use Case 2: Instant Grading and Student Engagement Grading assignments and providing timely feedback are made effortless with mobile apps tailored for educators. These apps allow teachers to grade assignments on-the-go, providing instant feedback to students. Furthermore, mobile apps can be utilized to enhance student engagement through interactive quizzes, discussion forums, and collaborative projects, creating a more dynamic and participatory learning environment.
Healthcare
In the critical realm of healthcare, mobile apps play a pivotal role in improving patient care and streamlining operational processes.
Use Case 1: Seamless Patient Care Coordination Mobile apps designed for healthcare professionals facilitate seamless coordination of patient care. Medical professionals can access patient records, treatment plans, and test results in real-time. This ensures that the entire care team is well-informed and can collaborate efficiently, leading to improved patient outcomes, reduced errors, and enhanced overall quality of care.
Use Case 2: Appointment Scheduling and Communication Healthcare mobile apps enable medical professionals to schedule appointments, send reminders to patients, and communicate securely. This not only improves patient adherence to appointments but also reduces administrative burden. The result is a more organized and efficient healthcare system that prioritizes patient well-being.
Retail and Hospitality
In the fast-paced worlds of retail and hospitality, mobile apps are transforming the way employees manage inventory and interact with customers.
Use Case 1: Efficient Inventory Management Mobile apps tailored for retail and hospitality workers streamline inventory management processes. Employees can use these apps to track stock levels, receive real-time updates on product availability, and automate reorder processes. This not only minimizes the risk of stockouts but also ensures that customers have access to the products they need, contributing to a positive shopping or dining experience.
Use Case 2: Seamless Customer Interactions Mobile apps empower retail and hospitality workers to provide personalized and efficient customer interactions. From processing orders to managing reservations, these apps enhance the overall customer experience. Additionally, mobile payment options and loyalty programs can be integrated, fostering customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Manufacturing
Mobile apps are instrumental in optimizing project management and logistics in the dynamic manufacturing, transportation, and construction industries.
Use Case 1: Real-time Project Management for Construction Construction project managers utilize mobile apps to oversee projects in real-time. These apps provide a centralized platform for managing tasks, tracking project progress, and communicating with on-site teams. This results in improved project efficiency, timely completion, and better resource allocation.
Use Case 2: Asset Tracking and Logistics Optimization Mobile apps play a crucial role in asset tracking and logistics optimization for manufacturing and transportation. Deskless employees can receive real-time updates on inventory levels, track the movement of assets, and optimize logistics routes. This reduces downtime and contributes to cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency.
In each of these diverse industries, mobile apps tailored for the deskless workforce bring about transformative changes, addressing specific operational needs and revolutionizing the way work is done. From precision agriculture to dynamic lesson planning, seamless healthcare coordination, efficient retail interactions, and optimized project management, mobile apps are the catalysts for increased productivity and operational excellence.
Transportation and Logistics
In the fast-paced world of transportation and logistics, mobile apps act as indispensable tools for optimizing operations and ensuring the seamless movement of goods.
Use Case 1: Real-time Navigation for Truck Drivers Mobile apps equipped with real-time navigation capabilities empower truck drivers on the road. These apps provide up-to-date traffic information, route optimization, and alternative routes, enabling drivers to make informed decisions. This results in more efficient deliveries, reduced fuel consumption, and overall cost savings for transportation companies.
Use Case 2: Shipment Tracking and Inventory Management For logistics managers, mobile apps offer a centralized platform to track shipments and manage inventory. Real-time updates on shipment status, location tracking, and inventory levels contribute to better decision-making. This not only enhances the visibility of the supply chain but also allows for proactive problem-solving, minimizing disruptions, and improving overall logistics efficiency.
Construction and Real Estate
With their unique challenges, the construction and real estate sectors benefit significantly from the operational capabilities provided by mobile apps.
Use Case 1: Project Management on Construction Sites Construction project managers leverage mobile apps to streamline project management on-site. These apps facilitate the tracking of project progress, allocation of resources, and adherence to timelines. Project managers can access real-time updates, communicate with team members, and make data-driven decisions, ultimately leading to more efficient construction processes and timely project completion.
Use Case 2: Property Management and Client Communication in Real Estate In the real estate industry, mobile apps serve as indispensable tools for property managers and real estate professionals. These apps enable property managers to efficiently manage residential or commercial properties by handling tasks such as maintenance requests, rent collection, and lease management. Real estate professionals benefit from apps that provide on-the-go access to property listings, facilitate communication with clients, and streamline the entire sales process. The result is improved client satisfaction, enhanced operational efficiency, and successful project outcomes.
In both the transportation and logistics, as well as construction and real estate sectors, the adoption of mobile apps brings about a transformative shift, addressing specific operational challenges and optimizing workflows for deskless workers.
Streamlining Workflow: Top 6 Mobile App Benefits
1. Increased Productivity
Thanks to mobile apps, deskless workers can perform tasks on the go, which eliminate the need for paperwork and manual processes. This results in a significant increase in productivity.
2. Enhanced Employee Experience
Mobile applications simplify daily tasks and improve employee experience by empowering deskless workers through access to information and streamlined processes.
3. Cost Savings
Mobile apps increase business efficiency and reduce costs by minimizing paperwork, optimizing processes, and hastening task completion.
4. Improved Communication
Mobile applications provide real-time updates, instant messaging, and collaborative features to bridge communication gaps. This ensures that deskless employees stay connected and informed, regardless of their physical location.
5. Elevated Customer Experience
Mobile apps can enhance customer interactions, resulting in efficient service and an improved experience, particularly in retail and hospitality industries.
6. Compliance
Mobile applications can help businesses comply with industry regulations by providing digital documentation and automated reporting features, thus ensuring adherence to necessary standards.
The Tipping Point: 80% of Global Workforce is Deskless
The workforce that does not operate from a traditional desk setting is growing at a rapid pace, and this has brought to the forefront the necessity for advanced and inventive technology solutions. According to surveys, we have reached a crucial point where the adoption of technology is being pushed by millennials. Furthermore, these young professionals are driving a forceful momentum that is breaking the traditional barriers in industries that have been resistant to technological advancements.
Bryj: The Complete Mobile App Solution
In today’s fast-paced world, Bryj stands out as the ideal partner for industries that rely on deskless workers and need a mobile app solution that meets their specific requirements. Bryj offers customizable apps, powers them, and provides businesses with the integrated tools needed to drive ROI and increase employee engagement. The deskless workforce is on the cusp of a technological revolution, and mobile apps are at the forefront of this transformation. As industries recognize the benefits of investing in deskless technology, Bryj stands ready to empower businesses, drive efficiency, and elevate the overall work experience for the deskless workforce. The future of work is mobile, and the deskless revolution is well underway. Contact Bryj today for details!
