So it’s the start of a busy day for two mobile workers. They do the same job, they have the same level of experience and they both have the same task schedule.
The only difference between these two, is the way they’re managed - one (Peter) relies on traditional paper-based methods while the other (Martin) is using the MyMobileWorkers digital system.
So let’s see what kind of a difference this can make to their experience of work and the level of service that they’re able to provide to customers.
8.30am
Peter:
The day starts with a drive to the depot to pick-up the job sheets for that day’s tasks. This means a slow and frustrating crawl through rush-hour traffic.
Martin:
The day starts at his home with a quick check of the MyMobileWorkers app on his smartphone. It provides all the details he needs for the day’s schedule, together with any notes or advisories.
9am
Peter:
First job of the day means heading back through heavy traffic for a scheduled 9.45am maintenance job at a property he’s never been to before. With the roads so busy, stress levels are starting to rise.
Martin:
With navigation provided via the app and an earlier start, he’s well on his way to the location. The customer is already aware he’s on his way and is expecting him, after receiving a text alert.
9.45am
Peter:
Stopping off to double check he’s tapped the right details into his GPS, he’s running around 15 minutes late and the client is getting frustrated about the no-show.
Martin:
Getting there early has provided time to check over task details - to read any notes and advisories and make sure he’s got all the right kit. He checks in with the property manager, who - thanks to the pre-job text - greets him by his first name.
10.04am
Peter:
He’s finally made it but with his lateness, he’s taken a risk and parked in a residents only space. He’s greeted with a slightly miffed property manager who expected a call if he was going to be late.
Martin:
Is already making good progress with the maintenance job. He’s also just received an alert to let him know that a high priority job has just been booked in and added to his schedule.
1.22pm
Peter:
He’s making good progress with the repair but has also had to fit in an argument with the traffic warden who slapped a parking fine on his van.
Martin:
The repair is done, he takes a photo of the finished work and gets the property manager to sign off the job with a digital signature via the MyMobileWorkers smartphone app. He also gets to rate the service provided by Martin - all of this info is instantly updated and accessible at head office.
1.48pm
Peter:
He’s finally done but now he’s seriously behind schedule. He hurriedly gets somebody to sign off the job on a crumpled sheet of paper and he’s gone. If the client had any questions or concerns - it’s too late.
Martin:
With time to make it for his next job, he’s stopped off for a coffee and a bite to eat.
2.10pm
Peter:
Rushing to make up lost time, he’s not had chance to catch-up on his phone messages. One of these is from his manager, letting him know that the client has cancelled his next job and to phone the office for updated orders.
Martin:
With the change of schedule having been automatically updated via the MyMobileWorkers app, he makes it to the correct location and gets to work.
2.34pm
Peter:
He’s 20 minutes late but he’s made it. And just before he heads into the property, he decides to catch up on all those answerphone messages and…oh man. He phones head office to try and explain why he’s 27 miles away from where he should be.
Martin:
Is getting stuck into the repair work.
3.05pm
Peter:
He’s now made it to the right location but before he can get started, he’s having to deal with another angry client who's asking about possible compensation for this inconvenience.
Martin:
Gets on with the job.
4.24pm
Peter:
With one eye on the clock, he’s hurrying to get the repair work done. After he’s finished this, he still needs to head back to the office to drop off the day’s paperwork for the back office team to process. And after the day he’s had, the last thing he’s in the mood for is another crawl through rush hour traffic.
Martin:
He’s finished. And as before, he gets a snap of the completed work and a digital sign-off. He’s now got time to pick up some of the materials he needs for tomorrow’s tasks and he’ll be done for the day.
Thinking of going paper free but not sure where to start? Download our guide, "What to expect when mobile workers go paper free".
