Technology Tools for the Mobile Worker

Technology has become more robust, and the need to improve employee retention, cut down on operation costs, and rapidly respond to consumer needs has created a generation of mobile workers. Instead of working from a physical office, teams across time zones and countries can work remotely and virtually connect to their teams. Every day the evolution of mobile devices, computers, and other communication devices, enable tasks to be completed effectively and efficiently. In particular, tablets and laptops are some of the individual technology tools used by mobile workers to work remotely. At the organization level, mobile workers utilize tools such as virtual private network and file servers to enable them to work away from the physical location.

Use of Tablets and Laptops by Mobile Workers

Laptops are personal computers that suit mobile users due to their small size and light-weight, which makes it easy and comfortable for the user to carry. In terms of computer power, laptops have a powerful CPU, large capacity disk storage, and memory. According to Stair and Reynolds (2018), these properties are what make the laptop highly popular with mobile workers. On the other hand, tablets are portable, lightweight technological devices that allow workers to move around or outside the office. The device allows users to communicate directly on the screen using a writing stylus supported by built-in handwriting recognition software. Notably, tablets come in various forms such as those that support input through the writing stylus and the convertible tablet PC that has a swivel screen. Some tablets come with a camera allowing users to do video conferencing with their teams on a different location.

Virtual private network and file servers

Virtual private networks allow users to securely access private sources that are outside the network they are using (Panek, 2015). Organizations use VPNs to enable a connection between file servers on different networks. By doing this, it becomes easy for mobile workers to share files over the internet and access company documents from a central hub. The technology is more efficient and convenient because it enables the connection of servers and file collaboration, which eliminates the need to manually download or upload files from a remote server. A file server is a central computer storage that provides data storage and management of data files while providing access to the files to other users on the network (Adams & Wells, 2007). Users can easily share information over a network without the need to transfer the file through some external storage device.

Benefits and Risks of Tablets and Laptops

Both laptops and tablets have various benefits and risks associated with their use by mobile workers. On benefits, tablets are lightweight and have a longer battery life, which means users working from remote areas with no access to electricity can still contact their teams or other workers. The screen touch interface is user-friendly allowing even users who not have computer skills to use it easily. Despite their benefits, tablets also pose various challenges to their users. For instance, according to Tucker, Wycoff, and Green (2016), tablet screens can be damaged, and the touchscreen is not ideal for typing lengthy pieces of work. Web-based applications may not be optimized, which can limit workers on the tools they need to complete their tasks. On the benefits of a laptop, Tucker et al. note, the devices have larger screens, built-in keyboards, and more storage space. Laptops also use advanced software that can allow workers to handle a wide range of tasks when off location. Similar to the tablets, laptops are also associated with some risks and challenges. For example, the battery life of a laptop is not built to last for long hours, which means workers cannot work for extended hours without electricity. Laptops are also more expensive to buy.

Benefits and Risks of Virtual private Networks and File Servers

Virtual private networks allow users to securely connect to their resources from any location using any device. VPN is also affordable and offers enhanced security to protect sensitive organization data from loss and leeks. According to Panek (2015), the communication tool also eliminates a single point of failure since sites no longer rely on a hub for connectivity. On the benefits of file servers, they allow workers to easily access files from a central point without necessarily having to move from their location. The drawback of VPNs and file servers is increased maintenance.

How communication tools improve organization efficiency and productivity

The communication tools provide mobile workers with user-friendly solutions to stimulate their motivation and allow them to handle their tasks effectively and efficiently from any part of the worlds. The tools enable workers to communicate with their workmates, compile reports, and transfer information remotely, as well as effectively contact customers even outside working hours. Both VPNs and file servers allow users to access information even in sources outside their network.

References

Adams, T. B., & Wells, Q. (2007). Residential integrator’s certification. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning.

Panek, W. (2015). MCSA Windows Server 2012 R2: Administration study guide (exam 70-411). Indianapolis, Indiana: Sybex.

Stair, R. M., & Reynolds, G. W. (2018). Fundamentals of information systems. Boston, MA, USA: Cengage Learning.

Tucker, A. R., Wycoff, T., & Green, J. T. (2016). Blended Learning in Action. S.I.: SAGE Publications.