11 Nov 7 Ways Barcode Scanning With Mobile Apps Enhances ServiceNow
When a company’s mobile processes for IT asset management, IT service management, and field service management are sound, they make the business more efficient and profitable. That’s why task-specific mobile apps that directly integrate with IT service and field service management systems can offer users a better experience. Mobile Reach mobile apps, for example, supports barcode scanning, radio frequency identification (RFID), and near-field communications. Mobile Reach fully integrates with ServiceNow to support advanced mobile apps that enhance IT and field service operations.
Data Accuracy
Manual data entry with ServiceNow is only as accurate as the person inputting the information. Using a barcode scanner to read serial numbers and directly input the data is more accurate. Although barcode scanning isn’t supported by ServiceNow, there are Mobile Reach mobile apps available to bridge the gap, enhancing the ServiceNow user experience and data capture from the field.
Productivity
Direct access with barcode information on a mobile device speeds up the data management process. The less time field technicians spend manually inputting information, the more productive they are. Barcode scanners can do it faster and typically eliminate the issue of duplicate entries for the same piece of equipment.
3. Real-Time Data
One of the disadvantages of having personnel in the field who can’t access ServiceNow through their mobile devices is the lack of real-time data. Updating work orders and ITAM information on ServiceNow in real-time is possible when mobile devices are equipped with task-specific mobile apps. This benefits the home office and the field technician.
4. BYOD
Among the latest trends in business is for employees to bring your own device (BYOD) to work. It’s growing in popularity for a number of reasons. It allows workers to be more comfortable operating their own equipment, and they don’t need training. It also lowers the company’s cost of purchasing new mobile devices and IT equipment. One of the drawbacks is that ServiceNow only supports mobile apps for iOS. Mobile Reach supports mobile apps for iOS, Android and Windows, however, offering a cost-effective solution. For companies with field personnel on a wide range of devices, Mobile Reach helps ServiceNow operate with the same functionality no matter which system they’re using.
Reconciliation
Mobile users can reconcile purchase orders and work orders in addition to enterprise assets while in the field. This reduces time and results in reliable and actionable data in the backend ServiceNow.
Inventory Control
For companies that struggle with tracking assets and equipment, asset tracking apps and inventory apps can significantly reduce the amount of time spent on inventory control. From tracking individual assets to incorporating pattern recognition for intelligent mobile workflow, using RFID and barcode scanners with mobile apps has revolutionized inventory management. Field technicians can perform full physical inventories in record time.
7. Offline Capabilities
When assets are offline or networks are down, updating ITAM information is delayed. Unreliable and spotty connectivity can frustrate even the most professional field technician, making it difficult to upload critical information. Splitware apps work offline, providing a reliable mobile solution for the field tech to update and manage information. Once there’s a trustworthy cellular or WiFi connection, the data is automatically transmitted and synced to the backend system.
Mobile Reach mobile apps support barcode scanning, NFC and RFID. Learn more about how native apps can enhance your ServiceNow implementation by reading our solutions sheet.