Cell phones are used in the majority of organizations for both personal and work tasks, and employees rely on their phones to stay connected, access information, and communicate with colleagues. This dependence on mobile devices has paved the way for mobile-first workflows, integrating tasks and operations directly into handheld devices.
Enterprise workflow solutions allow employees to complete work processes—such as project management, client communication, or inventory tracking—from anywhere. By shifting these workflows onto mobile devices, enterprises enable employees to maintain productivity and security no matter where they are.
The shift toward mobile enterprise workflow solutions
As older generations retire, more than one-in-three American labor force participants (35%) are Millennials, making them the largest generation in the U.S. labor force, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. Millennials and Gen X are very comfortable with technology. They value tech-driven efficiency and work-life balance and generally expect mobile-first solutions in their work environments.
The growing prevalence of remote and hybrid work models is also propelling the shift, emphasizing the need for tools that ensure seamless productivity across locations. While enterprises digitize in response, businesses are adopting mobile-first workflows to align with evolving workforce needs and technological advancements.
Technological innovations like cloud computing, 5G networks, and expansive mobile app ecosystems enable businesses to implement mobile workflows that are secure and highly efficient. Cloud-enabled applications allow employees to access critical systems on the go, while 5G ensures real-time responsiveness, enabling faster decision-making and operations.
The shift is leading retailers to leverage mobile point-of-sale systems and inventory management tools to streamline transactions and improve customer service. Frontline teams are also increasingly relying on mobile workflows to scan packages, update delivery statuses, and maintain real-time communication, ensuring smooth operations.
Redefining enterprise workflows
While systems for managing repetitive processes and tasks have always been at the forefront of an efficient business, ‘mobile workflow’ is a relatively new term defined as a way to manage a business process using a mobile device. Mobile workflows are commonly used in industries with frontline workers, such as retail, construction, sales, warehouse management, healthcare, and more.
Before mobile workflows, a retail process might look like this:
A store manager assigns daily tasks or sales goals to employees based on their shifts and expertise.
The employee manually records customer interactions, sales, and inventory count on a centralized computer, often needing to check in with the manager for updates or clarification.
If an employee has questions or encounters issues, they rely on a shared computer, shared phones or in-person conversations with the manager, often leaving the customer waiting.
At the end of the shift, the employee spends a portion of their shift manually updating inventory logs, sales reports, and customer service notes.
In contrast, mobile workflows enable employees to complete work tasks using apps within their devices. A mobile-first workflow for retail teams enables employees to track sales, manage inventory, and communicate with managers and colleagues in real time, reducing wait times, and improving the customer experience, all while saving time, and money.
Watch Knox for retail in action
The benefits of enterprise mobile workflow solutions
The benefits of embracing this shift are clear, with 82% of IT senior executives reporting that smartphones are crucial to employee productivity. Adopting mobile workflows in industries that demand flexibility, portability, and on-the-go capabilities offers numerous benefits, including:
- Increased productivity: Employees gain real-time access to company tools and information, enabling them to work efficiently from anywhere.
- Improved communication: Teams can use push-to-talk apps for secure, fast, and seamless communication with colleagues and customers.
- Enhanced customer service: Employees can access customer data on the go, allowing them to address inquiries and requests promptly, accurately and effectively.
- Optimal employee satisfaction: Flexibility and in-the-field access to company data empower employees to work from anywhere and make informed decisions, improving their overall job satisfaction.
- Improved bottom line: Mobile workflows reduce inefficient reporting and communication, maximizing resource allocation and saving enterprises from unnecessary expenses.
Transform enterprise productivity with Samsung Knox device management
Mobile-first workflow solutions are changing how enterprises operate, enhancing productivity and driving efficiencies across teams. With mobile devices at the core of these workflows, employees can complete tasks from anywhere, ensuring smooth operations whether they’re in the office, on-site, or working remotely. However, managing these mobile devices securely and efficiently is key to maintaining the benefits.
Samsung Knox equips enterprises with the complete set of tools required to manage, secure, and optimize their mobile workforce. Through strong security capabilities, centralized control, and real-time management features, Samsung Knox ensures that mobile devices used for work are fully protected, allowing teams to work confidently.
Knox is changing the game for enterprise workflow management, making it easier than ever for companies to unleash full productivity potential and secure their data while providing employees with what they need to thrive in a mobile-driven world. Try it today.
References:
“Millennials are the largest generation in the U.S. labor force” Pew Research Center, Washington, D.C. (April 11, 2018) www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/04/11/millennials-largest-generation-us-labor-force/ Pew Research Center has published the original content in English but has not reviewed or approved this translation.
