We’ve been involved in more than our fair share of upgrades to mobile workforce scheduling solutions. Here’s our honest take on what you should focus your efforts:

1. Do not underestimate the impact of bad quality data – During testing phases ensure to use valid ‘Live’ data to help flush out as many issues as possible before go-live.

2. Not involving end users in Development and Testing stages – Involve the mobile workforce, field managers and dispatchers as early as possible to help make them part of the solution. This has multiple benefits such as ensuring you provide an appropriate solution and will also help promote user acceptance.

3. The right mobile devices – Make sure the devices are fit for purpose, trial prototype mobile solutions before committing to buying the mobile devices.

4. User friendly layouts – Do not over complicate the layout of mobile screens. Keep all the forms simple and wherever possible on one page to avoid scrolling. This is critical when using PDA devices.

5. Only capture the data you really need – be careful to understand the trade off – the more data you request the field force to capture the worse their productivity could be.

6. Management buy in to the solution – ensure all top tier managers are on board with the new solution in order to help drive the change from top down.

7. Do not leave training as an after thought – combine user acceptance testing and training where possible and make sure training is as thorough and role-based as possible.

8. Ensure you have Super Users both in the mobile and scheduling arena – this is essential if you want to help enforce best practice across the board after Go-live.

9. Integration is key – Schedule integration testing as early in the project timelines as possible.

10. Don’t make last minute changes – Ensure you have a cut off date at least 1 month before go-live whereby no further design changes can be made (unless absolutely essential) until after roll out.