Wasn’t 3G supposed to be ‘broadband’ on your mobile?
There is considerable user confusion in the mobile space over technology terminology. We are as very guilty of creating a raft of wonderful acronyms that mean absolutely nothing to the consumer or business, so it potentially would be very easy to assume that 3G is broadband on your phone. Fact is 3G is a faster than GPRS (another great acronym!) internet based protocol connection available in certain geographic locations such as major cities and conurbations, that can provide data and content to and from a mobile phone to a laptop. The speed of the connection will be between 80Kbps to 128Kbps which comes nowhere close to your home wired broadband connection which is 2Mbs to 8Mbs.
Where does HSDPA fit in? Are there alternatives to this technology?
HSDPA is simply a software protocol enhancement to 3G to improve its performance, with the HSDPA you can expect data speeds of up to 4 times that of 3G. An alternative does exist to both 3G and HSDPA this is Wireless LAN (WiFi) and Public Wireless LAN. Like 3G WiFi tends to be available in certain geographic locations, however the locations tend to be where people congregate such as shopping centre’s, hotels, airports, pubs, etc WiFi is more available than HSDPA.
Do consumers really want a replica of the desktop internet experience on their mobiles?
Consumers only use technology if it easy to use, available and cost effective. Replicating the desktop experience is not a practical approach to mobile internet since the screen sizes and wireless data speeds prohibit a rich experience. However mobile content provision on the move does work provided that the content is provisioned take into account the smaller canvasses of mobile devices. There are many examples of this being delivered successfully; the kings of content the BCC have a mobile content version of their news web site and recently introduced video podcasts of BBC Breakfast news Google has a mobile version of there search page. However the majority of internet content as yet to take into account mobile devices thus the experience of mobile internet currently is poor.
Can the handsets cope?
The average pixel resolution of a screen on a 3G mobile device is considerably less than that of a desktop computer, provided the content is rendered to support small screen then handset can cope. Sending large amounts of data that the mobile device need to interpolate to fit on its small screen is a waste of data and processing power.
What’s more important – access speed or access to content?
Content is king. Without content there is no demand. So it matter not a hoot how fast you connect, if there is nothing to connect to speed is irrelevant. Which is the situation that many operators are finding themselves in, they have the 3G networks but other than PC users on data cards there is no driver for users to start consuming large amounts of data bandwidth. Content like streaming TV, video clips, music downloads etc are starting to get things moving and this just proves the point that content is King.
Whatever happened to WAP?
WAP is alive and well and living in most mobile devices. These days no one refers to WAP, but WAP push technology allows you to push rich content to a mobile user. I think the industry learned the lesson and also learnt the good stuff from the WAP protocol suite.
Friday, 11 January 2008
Mobile Learning
Recently the Mobile Data Association were asked for an opinion piece on Mobile Learning. As a result I worked with my fellow director Ed Williams on the following article.
Mobile Learning- does it have a place in a modern education system.
Over the last decade there has been a steady but slow increase in the number of students attaining 5 or more grade A to C GCSC’s, the current target set by the government is 60% by the end of 2008. It is concerning that the result difference between deprived areas and affluent areas are huge 44% in the poorest area’s compared to 66.3% in affluent areas. Whilst improvement in education is important in all regions the government must focus on improving the education process in deprived area’s.
So how can technology help improve our children’s education and compliment our educational system?
Well it already is, in some cases, where children have access to a computer at home they can access a range of educational based web sites and peer to peer messaging systems such as Microsoft Messenger to help them with the challenge of homework. The BBC Bytesize website being probably the best example for technology based education. The use of computers in schools have become pretty much a standard. As a result any child not having access to a computer and broadband at home is significantly disadvantaged.
Government has long acknowledged is the role that technology can play in education. Therefore ensuring ‘education is for all’ becomes an imperative in a modern technology based society. To ensure no one is disadvantaged requires creative solutions from government, to ensure that technology is available to all. Potentially this is where mobile technology can assist, wireless enabled PDA’s and smartphones could bridge the gap bringing low cost Internet access, web browsing, and e-learning applications to ALL. Internet connectivity could be delivered by either public wireless LAN (government wireless cities programme) or by a subsidised wireless broadband from a cellular network provider.
Will mobile technology deliver a favourable e-learning experience?
Children in Britain today have grown up surrounded by technology, and as such this makes them critical of technology that fails to deliver. Most children will have a mobile phone from around the age of 10; they will be familiar with the Internet and video game boxes. This means that if the learning experience is rich, interactive, intuitive, compelling and entertaining, children will be eager to use. This has recently been proved by Nintendo with their potable DS gaming platform, they have developed a range of challenging but entertaining games focused around ‘Brain Training’ these have proven very popular with children and adults.
Harnessing this new wave of entertaining educational approach with wireless technology means we can extend and enhance, perhaps introducing virtual classrooms, collaborative knowledge sharing between students and teachers, between schools and even between countries are easy to set up. All of which makes education cool, exciting but more importantly compelling.
Mobile technology also has other major advantages; mobile data platforms allow learning to happen where schools or teachers are not present. It allows teachers in one school (or country) to remotely tutor others bridging skilled teacher shortages. And it allows us to bring education to the masses quicker than we can build schools or train teachers.
.
Mobile data platforms connected to mobile data devices will undoubtedly bring education in line with today’s businesses – where messaging and communications have become king, where global customers and supply chains are becoming the norm and where the ability to collaborate and communicate, anytime anywhere is paramount.
The model for 21st century education still has a long way to develop, but at least the sign posts are becoming clearer.
Mobile Learning- does it have a place in a modern education system.
Over the last decade there has been a steady but slow increase in the number of students attaining 5 or more grade A to C GCSC’s, the current target set by the government is 60% by the end of 2008. It is concerning that the result difference between deprived areas and affluent areas are huge 44% in the poorest area’s compared to 66.3% in affluent areas. Whilst improvement in education is important in all regions the government must focus on improving the education process in deprived area’s.
So how can technology help improve our children’s education and compliment our educational system?
Well it already is, in some cases, where children have access to a computer at home they can access a range of educational based web sites and peer to peer messaging systems such as Microsoft Messenger to help them with the challenge of homework. The BBC Bytesize website being probably the best example for technology based education. The use of computers in schools have become pretty much a standard. As a result any child not having access to a computer and broadband at home is significantly disadvantaged.
Government has long acknowledged is the role that technology can play in education. Therefore ensuring ‘education is for all’ becomes an imperative in a modern technology based society. To ensure no one is disadvantaged requires creative solutions from government, to ensure that technology is available to all. Potentially this is where mobile technology can assist, wireless enabled PDA’s and smartphones could bridge the gap bringing low cost Internet access, web browsing, and e-learning applications to ALL. Internet connectivity could be delivered by either public wireless LAN (government wireless cities programme) or by a subsidised wireless broadband from a cellular network provider.
Will mobile technology deliver a favourable e-learning experience?
Children in Britain today have grown up surrounded by technology, and as such this makes them critical of technology that fails to deliver. Most children will have a mobile phone from around the age of 10; they will be familiar with the Internet and video game boxes. This means that if the learning experience is rich, interactive, intuitive, compelling and entertaining, children will be eager to use. This has recently been proved by Nintendo with their potable DS gaming platform, they have developed a range of challenging but entertaining games focused around ‘Brain Training’ these have proven very popular with children and adults.
Harnessing this new wave of entertaining educational approach with wireless technology means we can extend and enhance, perhaps introducing virtual classrooms, collaborative knowledge sharing between students and teachers, between schools and even between countries are easy to set up. All of which makes education cool, exciting but more importantly compelling.
Mobile technology also has other major advantages; mobile data platforms allow learning to happen where schools or teachers are not present. It allows teachers in one school (or country) to remotely tutor others bridging skilled teacher shortages. And it allows us to bring education to the masses quicker than we can build schools or train teachers.
.
Mobile data platforms connected to mobile data devices will undoubtedly bring education in line with today’s businesses – where messaging and communications have become king, where global customers and supply chains are becoming the norm and where the ability to collaborate and communicate, anytime anywhere is paramount.
The model for 21st century education still has a long way to develop, but at least the sign posts are becoming clearer.
Monday, 26 November 2007
2008 The year of the mobile customer !
In my role as Vice Chairman of the Mobile Data Association, I recently organised an industry event to look at at the short term future of mobile data technologies. Below is the resulting press release.
More sociable, cheaper and easier to use – The Mobile Data Association (MDA) studies the mobile landscape for 2008
2008 will be a year where mobile customers benefit from a range of key service and technology developments. Social networks, flat rate charging, and products which are far easier to use will be the major themes in the mobile market, according to the Mobile Data Association. At its annual ‘Future of Mobile’ Conference in London, the MDA and independent industry experts gave their predictions on the defining trends for next year.
“2008 is likely to bring the flat rate tariffs that consumers and businesses have been seeking for some considerable time,” commented Rob Bamforth, principal analyst with Quocirca. “In addition, devices that work at a level of ‘adequate ease’ are likely to be a major area of focus – it’s not just about adding ever more features, it’s about giving users what they truly want, and that’s ease of usefulness.”
The Mobile Data Association has also forecast key mobile industry data for 2008, and expects a series of key market and technology trends to be visible during the year.
Market Milestones:
Among the market trends to watch in 2008, the MDA forecasts:
The worldwide cellular subscriber base will reach 3.75 billion by year end 2008.
The UK will account for 75 million of the global figure, but more significantly voice users will go increasingly mobile.
Text messaging volumes in the UK will reach 60 billion for the whole of 2008.
Technology trends:
The MDA believes the key technology developments for 2008 will include:
5GB storage wil become more standard in devices.
Bluetooth adoption will head towards 2 Billion worldwide - opening up new Application channels for 2008 Particularly Health / Social Care and wirefree headsets.
Mobile TV based on dual mode cellular / DVB-H will be launched throughout Europe, but not in the UK, due to regulatory delays.
There will be major activity surrounding the Olympics as UK observers seek to learn lessons from Beijing 2008, including, ticketing, Mobile TV, use of User Generated Content.
3G coverage will grow, with HSDPA/ HSUPA / Wifi additions offering more choice of Mobile Digital Access and downloadable content.
Paul Lee, Director, Deloitte Research: Technology, Media and Telecommunications commented, "Designing mobile devices from the ground up to be easier to use should pay handsome dividends for the mobile industry. The challenge isn't to have the most technology in each phones. What's more important is to incorporate functionality that's relevant to each category of user."
Friday, 9 November 2007
The mobile data dimension considerations
1) The mobile data dimension has existed for a decade or more, with laptops, but now we have a plethora of devices with capacity to hold a lot of data and cause problems, but how should enterprises reign all this in without compromising productivity or de-powering users?
IT departments today consider the acquisition and deployment of desktop and laptop technology as strategic. Processes are put in place to ensure devices are corporately configured, have the appropriate connectivity, security and management tools. Any business which does not have processes to manage the deployment of desktop and laptop technology is asking for trouble.
The same should apply mobile phones, PDA’s, smart phones etc, these must be managed in the same way as a desktop deployment. Mobile devices such a PDA's and Smartphone’s etc are becoming common place; they are functionally very rich and can deliver a lot more than personal information management to a business. Senior managers are of course attracted by these shiny devices also have a tendency to buy them on their expenses at airports etc, then ask the IT department to “give me push email like is says on the box”. This can result in the IT department supporting a whole plethora of devices and operating systems with all the problems associated with an unstructured approach. If you do not have a mobility policy then you should be writing one to ensure control is maintained and taking advantage of the business benefits mobile computing brings.
2) What are the essential ingredients of a coherent mobile data strategy?
Successful mobilisation the enterprise relies heavily on centralising of IT systems, having disparate IT will add to the complexity, cost, delivery and ultimately the success of the final solution.
A coherent mobile data strategy must include the following elements, applications or data that is to be mobilised, mobile device management, mobile device security, approved mobile devices, appropriate training, usage policy, data protection act compliance and that all important user support via a help desk.
3) What are the challenges posed by proliferating data and IT mobility?
Mobile IT by its nature is geographically dispersed and therefore creates its own unique challenges devices can be subject to, loss, theft or damage, this can be challenging if not dealt with by;
Deploying an appropriate perimeter security to protect the data on the mobile device. This could also include data encryption for sensitive data
Regular data synchronisation with the central server to ensure that no data that is created on the mobile device is lost. Alternatively Web based applications could be considered where appropriate to minimise data loss. However Web based solutions only work when a connection is possible to the server with wireless technology this is not always possible.
One other consideration ensuring mobile device management is considered; the cost of bringing field workers in to upgrade software and fix application issues can be prohibitive.
4) Assuming there is a trend back to centralized IT, how do organisations address the need for redundancy and disaster recovery ?
The dependency on IT systems whether mobile or desk based for the majority of businesses means that when these systems fail the impact can be crippling. High availability IT infrastructure is the key to ensure continuity of service, whether this is achieved by having an infrastructure with a high level of built in redundancy or using a grid or virtual machine approach will ultimately be a financial decision. One other alternative that is becoming more popular is outsource the server infrastructure to a hosting company who have the specialist environments to ensure the necessary high availability of your systems.
5) What impact is mobile data having on the IT support function?
Providing support of mobile users is a challenge as they are not confined to the office. When a mobile worker has an issue wherever possible this will need to be dealt with remotely. This means an investment remote device management software which will allow the IT support desk to access the mobile device remotely to diagnose and fix the problem, without this will result in field worker stopping work to bring their device into the office. The cost of device support and management needs to be factored into the total cost of ownership of your mobile solution. Alternatively to minimise the internal impact, the support function could be outsourced to a third party organisation.
6) Should all data on mobile devices be instantly replicated over the network, or just held centrally in some cases?
Because mobile devices are vulnerable to being dropped, stolen or lost any data created locally must be synchronised back to a central location as soon as possible to avoid potential loss, however ultimately this will rely on either the fieldworker manually synching the data or a simple application that manages the synchronisation process. However both methods rely on having wireless connectivity to do so. Therefore there could be a possibility of data loss if the device fails after data has been entered and before a synchronisation. With mobile data applications it is possible ensure that any data entered whist the device has no wireless connectivity automatically synchronises once the device picks up a wireless connection, thus taking out the manual process and minimising the risk of data loss.
Thin client or web based interfaces to centrally located data work well provided the field worker only requires access to the data when a wireless connection can be established thus providing a suitable solution to data continuity and control.
7) How greatly does mobility increase an enterprise’s exposure to security vulnerabilities or breach confidentiality?
Having company data on mobile devices scattered around the country does mean that there is a risk to malicious acts, this requires policies to be put in place to ensure that any risk from potential malicious acts is minimised. These could include only allowing any sensitive data need by an field worker to be requested, used once then removed from the device. Using mobile device management software, if an employee leaves the organisation but fails to return their mobile device, then the device could be remotely wiped removing all company data.
8) Are compliance issues enforcing data centralization and replication of mobile data?
It is proven that the correct use of mobile devices can make a huge difference to businesses and their customers; they bring efficiency, productivity and increase customer satisfaction, whilst reducing businesses fixed costs. These devices are normally deployed to replace an existing paper process that is prone to error, loss, accidental and malicious breaches in privacy and company process! Mobile brings to a large degree and element of compliance and security not possible with use of paper!
IT departments today consider the acquisition and deployment of desktop and laptop technology as strategic. Processes are put in place to ensure devices are corporately configured, have the appropriate connectivity, security and management tools. Any business which does not have processes to manage the deployment of desktop and laptop technology is asking for trouble.
The same should apply mobile phones, PDA’s, smart phones etc, these must be managed in the same way as a desktop deployment. Mobile devices such a PDA's and Smartphone’s etc are becoming common place; they are functionally very rich and can deliver a lot more than personal information management to a business. Senior managers are of course attracted by these shiny devices also have a tendency to buy them on their expenses at airports etc, then ask the IT department to “give me push email like is says on the box”. This can result in the IT department supporting a whole plethora of devices and operating systems with all the problems associated with an unstructured approach. If you do not have a mobility policy then you should be writing one to ensure control is maintained and taking advantage of the business benefits mobile computing brings.
2) What are the essential ingredients of a coherent mobile data strategy?
Successful mobilisation the enterprise relies heavily on centralising of IT systems, having disparate IT will add to the complexity, cost, delivery and ultimately the success of the final solution.
A coherent mobile data strategy must include the following elements, applications or data that is to be mobilised, mobile device management, mobile device security, approved mobile devices, appropriate training, usage policy, data protection act compliance and that all important user support via a help desk.
3) What are the challenges posed by proliferating data and IT mobility?
Mobile IT by its nature is geographically dispersed and therefore creates its own unique challenges devices can be subject to, loss, theft or damage, this can be challenging if not dealt with by;
Deploying an appropriate perimeter security to protect the data on the mobile device. This could also include data encryption for sensitive data
Regular data synchronisation with the central server to ensure that no data that is created on the mobile device is lost. Alternatively Web based applications could be considered where appropriate to minimise data loss. However Web based solutions only work when a connection is possible to the server with wireless technology this is not always possible.
One other consideration ensuring mobile device management is considered; the cost of bringing field workers in to upgrade software and fix application issues can be prohibitive.
4) Assuming there is a trend back to centralized IT, how do organisations address the need for redundancy and disaster recovery ?
The dependency on IT systems whether mobile or desk based for the majority of businesses means that when these systems fail the impact can be crippling. High availability IT infrastructure is the key to ensure continuity of service, whether this is achieved by having an infrastructure with a high level of built in redundancy or using a grid or virtual machine approach will ultimately be a financial decision. One other alternative that is becoming more popular is outsource the server infrastructure to a hosting company who have the specialist environments to ensure the necessary high availability of your systems.
5) What impact is mobile data having on the IT support function?
Providing support of mobile users is a challenge as they are not confined to the office. When a mobile worker has an issue wherever possible this will need to be dealt with remotely. This means an investment remote device management software which will allow the IT support desk to access the mobile device remotely to diagnose and fix the problem, without this will result in field worker stopping work to bring their device into the office. The cost of device support and management needs to be factored into the total cost of ownership of your mobile solution. Alternatively to minimise the internal impact, the support function could be outsourced to a third party organisation.
6) Should all data on mobile devices be instantly replicated over the network, or just held centrally in some cases?
Because mobile devices are vulnerable to being dropped, stolen or lost any data created locally must be synchronised back to a central location as soon as possible to avoid potential loss, however ultimately this will rely on either the fieldworker manually synching the data or a simple application that manages the synchronisation process. However both methods rely on having wireless connectivity to do so. Therefore there could be a possibility of data loss if the device fails after data has been entered and before a synchronisation. With mobile data applications it is possible ensure that any data entered whist the device has no wireless connectivity automatically synchronises once the device picks up a wireless connection, thus taking out the manual process and minimising the risk of data loss.
Thin client or web based interfaces to centrally located data work well provided the field worker only requires access to the data when a wireless connection can be established thus providing a suitable solution to data continuity and control.
7) How greatly does mobility increase an enterprise’s exposure to security vulnerabilities or breach confidentiality?
Having company data on mobile devices scattered around the country does mean that there is a risk to malicious acts, this requires policies to be put in place to ensure that any risk from potential malicious acts is minimised. These could include only allowing any sensitive data need by an field worker to be requested, used once then removed from the device. Using mobile device management software, if an employee leaves the organisation but fails to return their mobile device, then the device could be remotely wiped removing all company data.
8) Are compliance issues enforcing data centralization and replication of mobile data?
It is proven that the correct use of mobile devices can make a huge difference to businesses and their customers; they bring efficiency, productivity and increase customer satisfaction, whilst reducing businesses fixed costs. These devices are normally deployed to replace an existing paper process that is prone to error, loss, accidental and malicious breaches in privacy and company process! Mobile brings to a large degree and element of compliance and security not possible with use of paper!
Friday, 12 October 2007
Corporate manslaughter and the mobile workforce
On April 6th 2008 the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide act 2007 introduces a new offence of corporate manslaughter. This applies to corporate bodies in both the public and private sectors. However, it only applies in circumstances where an organisation owed a duty of care to the victim (employees, sub-contractors, certain customers etc) under the law of negligence. The offence can be punishable by an unlimited fine and orders for remedial action.
This new law will make it easier for an organisation to be found guilty of manslaughter through the result of gross failings of senior management. The definition senior management is not limited to the board of Directors and now includes those who have a significant role in the management of the whole or part of an organisation.
The proposed new corporate manslaughter law will not affect the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act or its associated health and safety regulations in any way. All employers must still comply with their duties under existing health and safety legislation.
The HSWA imposes a duty on employers to "ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety and welfare at work of all its employees" and to ensure that persons not in their employment are "not exposed to risks to their health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable".
In addition, there are hundreds of health and safety regulations which set out more specific health and safety duties. For example, under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must carry out a 'suitable and sufficient' risk assessment of their activities.
As a result of this new law, duty of care and traceability must become a priority to senior managers in any organisation.
Using Mobile to manage risk
This new law will make it easier for an organisation to be found guilty of manslaughter through the result of gross failings of senior management. The definition senior management is not limited to the board of Directors and now includes those who have a significant role in the management of the whole or part of an organisation.
The proposed new corporate manslaughter law will not affect the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act or its associated health and safety regulations in any way. All employers must still comply with their duties under existing health and safety legislation.
The HSWA imposes a duty on employers to "ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety and welfare at work of all its employees" and to ensure that persons not in their employment are "not exposed to risks to their health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable".
In addition, there are hundreds of health and safety regulations which set out more specific health and safety duties. For example, under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must carry out a 'suitable and sufficient' risk assessment of their activities.
As a result of this new law, duty of care and traceability must become a priority to senior managers in any organisation.
Using Mobile to manage risk
There are two areas in which enterprise mobility solutions assist in meeting with organisations duty of care obligations these are;
Risk assessment
Lone worker protection
Risk Assessment
Risk assessment has become a key process in the protection of the mobile workforce. A risk assessment is an important step in protecting the workforce, as well as complying with the law. A risk assessment is a careful examination of what, whilst undertaking job functions, could cause harm. This allows the decision to be made as to whether or not enough precautions are being taken or should more be taken. Workers and others have a right to be protected from harm caused by a failure to take reasonable control measures.
A correctly deployed enterprise mobility solution will provide any mobile workforce with an effective tool to undertake risk assessments at key stages of job work flow. Not only this, the enterprise mobility solution will provide a traceable record for each risk assessment undertaken as proof of compliance.
So how does this work ?
Below are a few practical examples of risk assessment workflows that are currently being used by organisations to protect their mobile workforce;
Enterprise mobility (‘EM’) in transport and logistics is being used to undertake a ‘Start of Day’ HGV vehicle risk assessment. This works by forcing the driver, at the start of day to enter vital risk assessment data on the condition of the HGV vehicle and trailer unit prior to the driver recieving his days work. This ensures that the all important vehicle risk assessment is completed and the recorded information is stored safely in the organisations databases. Other risk assessments can be built into the EM system to ensure that if a particular delivery is over a certain weight, then the appropriate manual handling process is followed etc.
In the case of mobile workforces undertaking anything from asset management to vehicle servicing the use of EM to provide job specific risk assessments is set to become the duty of care tool of choice. As with the case of the HGV driver the field worker can use his PDA to undertake a vehicle safety check at the start of each day prior to receiving his jobs for the day. Throughout the working day, further check can be incorporated into the EM solution to cover job specific safety checks etc
The whole risk assessment process an easily be built into any enterprise mobility solution and will work for every known field worker discipline.
Lone Worker protection
Senior managers face significant challenges in their responsibilities for lone workers and as a minimum, they must;
Undertake appropriate health and safety risk assessments
Make provision for lone workers who may be faced with a risk of violence
Put contact procedures in place for emergencies so that the alarm can be raised and prompt medical attention provided if there is an accident
Ensure lone workers are medically fit and suitable for the lone-working role they have been assigned
Enterprise mobility can assist in providing the solution, in the previous section risk assessment was dealt with. Using PDA’s with built in GPS and software that can provide real time status updates workflows can be built to provide a good level of protection for lone workers;
Panic button and safety alert functionality
Using the GPS in the PDA we can accurately track the fieldworkers so at any time during the working day the exact location of all mobile staff is known.
A simple panic button function on the PDA can send a message for help to a central location giving the location of the fieldworker and also make a voice call to a call centre so that any abusive conversations can be recorded as evidence.
This feature can be further automated to protect the field worker is undertaking work on site as follows;
When the field worker arrives on site, he triggers a status message containing the date and time of arrival, the GPS coordinates and the postal address of the location. This information is sent from the PDA to the call centre. On activation of the on site status message, the PDA software starts an inactivity timer, which monitors the field workers usage of the PDA. For instance, if the device is used as expected to enter job information whilst on site the PDA alarm mechanism remains inactive. However, after a predetermined period of inactivity a message will appear on the PDA screen asking if the field worker is ok? If the field worker answers no or fails to respond to the message, the PDA will raise an alarm back at the call centre. Under normal fieldworker activity the PDA will not alarm and on completion of the job the safety alert mechanism will turn off until the field worker arrives at the next job.
Conclusion
The Corporate manslaughter bill amplifies the need for senior management to provide duty of care on their employee’s whether mobile or otherwise, the new bill makes it easier for organisations in breach to be prosecuted.
More emphasis will be placed on senior managers to prove duty of care policies and procedures are working and are being used by their employee’s. Paper systems could prove to be problematic as mistakes can be made and paper proof can easily be lost. Therefore use of enterprise mobility solutions in providing duty of care compliance will become more prevalent over the next 12 months.
If you have already deployed an enterprise mobility solution or if you are planning to do so, ensure that you build in duty of care into your mobility workflows.
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