In 2019, mobility is expected to continue to grow and extend across numerous industries. Manufacturers must seek to embrace these new technologies and ensure their employees are able to use the technology properly. From the internet of things (IoT) to the rise of bring your own device (BYOD), companies must consider the advantages that mobile technology can offer and leverage them to stay ahead in their industry.
Following are a few of the most important trends that should remain top of mind for manufacturers in 2019.
Increased Mobility
By 2020, 48 percent of the workforce will be mobile. Most business segments will be affected by some sort of mobility, from shipping to inventory management. With the anticipated rise of mobile usage, it may be time to consider partnering with a mobility provider to help with device support for employees. Mobile support and implementation are as crucial as functionality. Mobility can offer great benefits to a company but only if installed properly and with capable support. This includes support for rugged devices like tablets. Having 24/7 field support for these devices is imperative for seamless operations.
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being adopted into almost every industry. If integrated properly, AI can optimize plant operations and make the roles of employees easier. Leveraging AI can also benefit manufacturers with remote employees by using real-time data to see how the staff is operating and improve performance levels. Plants implementing AI can take advantage of streamlined data collection, management and analysis, as well as automated insights to increase manufacturing speeds.
Increased Security
When integrating personal devices into an enterprise fleet, security risks will arise. Personal devices should be equipped with dual-step authentications to protect both personal and company data. This can help to prevent cybersecurity breaches. Additionally, applications can be built into critical devices to encrypt data as well as wipe information remotely in the case of a compromised device. A mobile solutions partner can offer security solutions and support.
As more and more information becomes digitized in 2019, security will be a top priority. Company data must be secure regardless of the type of device on which it lives. Security applications and encryptions are a great way to achieve this.
Integration of Personal Devices
With increasing remote workforces, organizations need to meet the needs of their employees to ensure satisfaction and best operational efficiency. This involves widespread usage of bring your own device (BYOD), in which employees can use their own phones, laptops and tablets for business operations. This trend makes it essential for companies to adopt uniform mobile procedures. Smart applications can also be built into personal devices to offer desktop functionality on a variety of mobile devices.
Remaining agile is a huge concern for manufacturers. If properly implemented, BYOD can pay off for both decision-makers and employees. Employees can have the comfort of using the devices they are familiar with, while employers can have peace of mind in knowing that all devices are interconnected and secure on a network.
As manufacturers shift to fully digital operations, mobile solutions are becoming ingrained in all industrial activities. Mobility touches every part of the operation. Innovative technologies are helping these processes flow smoothly, but industry leaders must adopt these new trends before outdated processes become obsolete.
About the Author
Dipesh Hinduja is the senior IT manager and technical architect at Stratix, specializing in maturing teams and businesses that operate in rapid-change technologies.
