Sending the right parts with the right technician for a first-time fix. Getting the customer back up and running. Keeping sensitive business data safe and secure. These are just some of the key daily concerns for field service operations. Equipping technicians with mobile computing devices is key to helping deliver a first-rate service experience to the end customer. As part of this, it's crucial to take into consideration the operating system (OS) embedded in the mobile device.
The OS provides Field Service operators with real-time support within the field. From sending work orders, to scheduling asset information, emailing documents, updating job information with real-time data and so much more.
Are you with Windows? Here's what you need to know:
- Microsoft is ending support of their Windows Embedded Operating System (OS) on January 14, 2020.
- Windows users will no longer receive automatic fixes, software updates or security updates, increasing the risk of a security breach.
- Android by Google is currently dominating the enterprise market, following Windows end of support as the sole choice to switch to.
- There are two options available for upgrading to an Android OS - migration software and hardware upgrade
Android: An Enterprise-Ready Platform
Android OS is a familiar interface that is commonly used on smartphones and is similar to previous Microsoft Windows Mobile OS. Thanks to the familiar style of interface, minimal operator training is required - new staff are up and running within a day.
For operators within the Field Service sector, an Android OS provides many productivity-enhancing benefits from improved interoperability, efficiency gains and enhanced user experience. Additionally, Android is an easy platform to develop on and as a result there is a wide range of field service applications available, designed to increase data accuracy and operator efficiency.
An Android OS gives field service technicians access to additional information such as technical specifications, inventory information and direct customer communication on the go, improving repair rates and reducing repeat calls.
Benefits of Android OS
Productivity
Productivity improvements from the use of advanced operating systems, devices and purpose-built software.
Efficiency
Efficiency gains from updating internal processes to eliminate waste and reduce task complexity.
Accuracy
Accuracy improvements with advanced data collection capabilities that reduce error associated costs.
The Next Step: Making the Switch to Android
There are two options available for upgrading to an Android OS: either through migration software or through a hardware upgrade. Both of these options offer a great opportunity for businesses to increase their operational efficiencies and productivity while at the same time containing costs.
If your business has recently invested in mobility devices with an Android OS, shifting applications to an Android platform using migration software is the best option. Alternatively, if your legacy devices are reaching end of life, upgrading your devices to versions that support Android is a more cost-effective solution.
Upgrade Pathways
Software Upgrade
Staying with your current Microsoft OS may seem like the safest option, but it is also the easiest way to be left behind by the rest of the market. If businesses choose to continue using their mobile devices on a Microsoft Windows OS after 2020, they will no longer receive automatic fixes, updates or security updates, increasing the risk of a security breach.
Migration software is a flexible and cost efficient option for businesses to transfer their existing apps to an Android platform without the need to rewrite current programs.
insignia recommends Velocity by ivanti to modernise your existing applications into intuitive apps for your Android platform. Velocity transforms Windows applications from their original 'green screen' to a touch and voice enabled app. This provides the familiar, multi-touch experience of personal devices into mission critical apps that drive your business.
Hardware Upgrade
Since their inception, mobility devices have been adopted across a range of industries, and are continuing to grow as businesses are discovering new productivity enhancing applications for their devices. Mobility devices provide operators with real time support and many productivity-enhancing benefits to increase data accuracy and operator efficiency.
Some enterprise mobility devices currently on the market provide the opportunity to grow with your business into the future, by offering the option of supporting both Microsoft Windows 10 and Android Marshmallow operating systems. This offers businesses the flexibility to stay with their current OS and to upgrade to Android at a later date.
Find out more about our hardware upgrade options below.
