The number of mobile phone users globally is expected to cross the 5 billion mark by 2019. What this means for enterprises is that this revolution is already sweeping into companies as more firms take advantage of mobile technology to better engage with and empower employees, boosting their efficiency, making location irrelevant and streamlining processes.
Additionally, the surge in flexible and remote working has contributed to the mainstreaming of BYOD culture, apart from the rise in IoT and wearable devices in the enterprise. All of this adds up to one thing – mobility is going to play a bigger role in our lives and the workplace is no exception to this. So, what are some of the key enterprise mobility trends that will play out in 2018?
Artificial intelligence and Machine learning
If the year 2017 was about the coming of age for artificial intelligence, then 2018 will see the full-blown adoption of AI and machine learning in widespread applications, including mobility. AI-based machine learning systems have the potential to empower cyber security to an always-on preventive state as they go beyond standard rules to detect anomalies in patterns. With the rise and rise of BYOD and IoT, robust security for such devices ensure IT departments stay ahead of the game in securing personal devices better.
Apart from security applications, the marriage of AI with enterprise mobility also promises gains in workforce productivity and efficiency to unprecedented levels. Employees can continue their workflow with an assistive functionality that will all but eliminate errors and gaps in of any process using artificial assistance – from field service operations to first responder situational awareness. Gartner predicts that by 2020, AI will be among the top 5 investment priorities for more than 30% CIOs, with spending expected to grow to $47 billion from $8 billion in 2016, IDC has projected.
Continued growth of IoT
Enterprises are rapidly adopting Internet of Things technology and IoT devices are likely to surpass mobile phones worldwide by 2018 as the largest group of connected devices. Businesses are using IoT devices for data to base important business decisions on. IoT’s ability to derive data from a user’s daily habit and map these patterns has become a powerful tool for businesses, who use Solution Analysis based on the data derived.
The rise of the IoT and enterprise mobility along with connected wearable devices will play a big role in the growth and productivity of businesses going forward. Predictions are proving that IoT’s influence in different lines of businesses will become stronger as reliance on it grows.
Cloud computing
The convergence of enterprise mobility with Cloud Computing, Big Data Analytics and Social Media is transforming how businesses operate. What this has done for businesses is make critical business data, complex analytics and reports available to decision makers and executives on-the-go. Enterprise Mobile Device Management (MDM) through cloud technology enables business executives, with anytime-anywhere access to business data for quick decision making, better customer servicing as well as engaging with their own employees. This trend is helped by the evolution of Platform-As-A-Service models, accelerating the process of migration of enterprise solutions to the cloud.
Location-based enterprise applications
Mobile devices are already on their way to lowering dependency on workplace computers as the primary device on which work gets done. Better hardware integration with mobile devices and the growing proliferation of commercial applications will improve the mobile user experience and consequently boost mobiles as primary work devices. Growing development of business apps for enterprises and the advent of location - based service applications will greatly benefit service businesses. Real Time Location Systems and IoT are likely to make a powerful combination that smoothens operations and enable real-time asset management.
Enterprise Mobile Management
Enterprises have already done great work in unlocking the potential of mobility for applications in business. Moving business processes to mobile devices has empowered employees to a hitherto unseen degree, enhancing real time management, improving communication, and enabling quick decision making that give businesses the edge they need in today’s digitized world. While security concerns over enterprise mobility have existed, enterprise mobile management has matured to a great extent and will see further enhancements going forward in 2018.
All in all, exciting times ahead for mobile technologies!