Mobile data collection is nothing new in the consumer goods industry, but the idea of having reps use their own devices to complete work in the field is. The Bring-Your-Own-Device approach is a unique take on the traditional, company-owned technologies policy, and is quickly picking up steam. More than 2.5 million organizations are predicted to adopt the BOYD policy by 2018, according to Berg Insight. As a manager in the CPG industry, collecting accurate data and having a team you can count on are always a priority for good business - and the BYOD approach can help with both.
If there is one goal at the front of every field force manager’s mind, it has to be improving efficiency in the field. The BYOD strategy helps CPG companies work more efficiently by improving accountability and productivity while reducing operational costs.
Accountability = Productivity
Consumer goods companies rely on their representatives to collect accurate data in the field as well as represent their brand with retail partners, making accountability out in the field a major priority. Implementing BYOD can not only improve real-time communication between managers and reps, but it also improves productivity. On average, 61% of employers report mobile access improves productivity, according to a Citrix study. Almost 10% more said using their own devices increased their daily productivity. Much of that jump has to do with the fact that employees are more comfortable working on the devices they spend all day using anyway. As a manager, any time you can make your reps’ lives easier while also improving productivity is a golden opportunity.
Reduce the Cost of Investment
Adopting BYOD will also help minimize IT expenses, since managers no longer have to set aside large portions of their budget for mobile technology. A department can support nearly three times as many users in a BYOD program than company-owned programs, Gartner Symposium/ITxpo found. More often than not, reps will equip themselves with the latest in technology too, meaning time and money spent on company-wide upgrades can instead be allocated to improve various aspects of your department.
Even with these benefits on the table, some sales managers have shied away from this mobile workforce trend due to concerns about security. However, pairing the BYOD model with a cloud-based software can quickly remedy that uncertainty. Here’s how companies can protect their data by implementing cloud-based data collection software on their reps’ mobile devices:
Remote Storage
In most cases, storing information in the cloud is more secure than storing it locally, especially for businesses. Even if a rep’s device is lost or stolen, company data would be protected by a secure login system. Plus, when it comes to technical storage and security, cloud providers have the experience and resources to keep your business critical data safe.
Automated backup
Having the proper software will eliminate the stress of losing your company’s valuable retail execution data. Unlike traditional data collection methods, mobile data collection apps enable real time upload and automated backup of all data. What’s more, moving from a paper-based system to the BYOD model means field reps can no longer make excuses for lost data.
Mobile workforce trends are rapidly changing the way consumer goods companies manage business, both in and out of the field. The BYOD policy is just one way you can get a lead on competitors by improving the efficiency and accountability of your team.
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