Much has been said about how technology continues to shape the way businesses are run. As it evolves and newer technology unfolds companies adapt to the changes, some more quickly than others. By and large these improve internal processes or present opportunities to engage customers that contribute to the business’ profitability. Productivity in the workplace coupled with service or product innovation make a more competitive business that is poised for growth. Thus, it pays to be constantly on the lookout for ways to increase operational efficiencies and enhance customer experience. Mobile technology has opened a lot of opportunities for businesses and still more possibilities unfurl as people snap up smartphones and tablet devices either for personal use or as work tool or both. In the same way, they have welcomed the arrival of apps with open arms and managed to incorporate these in their everyday activities. Through the years, the usage of smartphones with mobile applications has become popular that even entrepreneurs find it valuable in their daily dealings, getting things done without being tied to the desk the whole day and enabling them to multitask thereby significantly reducing their downtime. Given full flexibility, business owners are able to access their accounting systems, Human Resource or Customer Relationship Management databases, and banking facilities on the go, among other business applications. Mobile technology has definitely gone beyond real-time communications and push email.

Transforming business operations and management

Small and medium scale enterprises (SME) are able to put in an optimal performance, reach several more customers, and accomplish a lot of tasks within a day when armed with the necessary business information and work tools whenever needed and wherever they are. Entrepreneurs have been using their smartphones or even their tablets to collaborate with employees, review reports, update documents, manage activities, keep track of tasks and stay on schedule using various mobile apps. For one, these technologies have enabled them to pack in more out of a regular work day by helping them stay organized, prepare for meetings and minimize time spent on these, as well as research latest industry trends. Since SME owners do not necessarily have large staff and often have limited resources, these turn out to be quite advantageous to them. Those who do a lot of business travel find Tripit a convenient app that gathers flight schedules, hotel reservations, car rentals and even directions, maps and weather updates in one location. It creates a comprehensive travel itinerary at the push of a button, instead of going through previous emails and asking one’s assistant to copy all the confirmations into another file. File sharing is a breeze with Dropbox where documents, photos and videos can be sent when one requires the team’s inputs prior to a meeting or collaborates with them on a business proposal or ongoing campaign. Edit Word, Excel or PowerPoint files across devices – from the office PC or laptop to a tablet or smartphone – with Google Drive and store them in the cloud. Put down ideas and plans with Evernote that organizes, shares or stores them for later use. These can be contacts, documents, pictures, texts or voice notes that one felt important to keep in mind. Store business cards in one place using Card Munch by simply taking a snapshot of each, manage customer service through ZenDesk’s mobile dashboard where recommended action and response can be shared with reps to resolve issues, and organize all appointments as well as meetings in one smart calendar with Tempo that pulls in all attendees, contact information, and related emails. Fully-automated accounting solutions such as MoneyWorks keep entrepreneurs advised of the business’ fiscal performance with financial reports that can be generated in real-time using mobile devices. SMEs can also provide their employees with the flexibility to update their personal information and file their leaves or benefits anytime, anywhere using web-based HR applications like iSuperSuite. Whether it is for time management or prioritizing jobs for the day, seamless coordination among managers and staff, or increasing online presence to boost customer satisfaction, mobile technology can provide greater efficiency and innovation to raise business productivity that will favorably impact the bottom line.