Mobile Office Ergonomics

By Doug Mayer, Mobile Office Enterprise

 

 

            When it comes to mobile computing technology, the utility ground for a wide variety of mobile technology like wireless data, global positioning and field force automation. Some of the many mobile computing applications in use by utilities across the country are line clearing, RF engineering, drive testing, data collection, utility locating, field repair and meter reading.

            The decision to go mobile is slowly changing hands to the individuals who use technology the most. Early on, aggressive information systems managers lead the way by fields testing and evaluating the different technologies available. They would assess the choices between ruggedized hand-helds with touch screens or expensive ruggedized laptops with slow processors. Recently the push for field force automation has shifted from the IT department to the field force. Increasingly aware of the benefits of mobile computing; fleet managers, department managers and the field staff themselves are asking the question: How can we benefit from mobile technology?

            The benefits of automating the field force can be narrowed down into two words “Increased productivity.”

            The return on investment can be realized very quickly. For example Intel Discovered that their mobile workers use their computers an average of 11 hours per week more than employees who have only desktop PC’s. Yet, in Intel’s computing environment, it takes just 1.5 hours per month of increased productivity per employee for Intel to break even on the mobile purchase decision.

            In a more general study of mobile computing costs, the Gartner Group determined that the average total cost of ownership (TCO) for a mobile PC was about $1600 more per year that for a desktop PC. As the table below illustrates, all it takes is a few extra hours a week of productivity per employee to fully recoup the additional expenditures. The higher the employee’s salary, the sooner they will reach the break-even point and a quicker return on the company’s investment. Note that this data is for business with average IT efficiency. A variety of management technologies and IT procedures can help reduce mobile TCO, and significantly accelerate the cost recovery schedule.

            Technology alone will not increase production. If the mobile devices are not used properly then the reverse effect can occur, counter production!      

            There are four basic elements of a successful field force roll out.

1.      In the upgrade and transition period keep it simple.

2.      Provide the right mobile device and software for the job.

3.      Provide thorough training for both the software and the mobile device.

4.      Position the mobile devices ergonomically to maximize comfort for the field force.

I’m sure that many of us would agree that the first three are somewhat obvious but would you have ever thought about the fourth? Mobile computing is new and with new technology comes a learning curve. Sometimes it’s easy to over look the obvious things like comfort and ergonomics. To avoid counter productive injuries, like neck and back pain, the user must be able to use the mobile device comfortably. It happened to me in 1993. The Reynolds Aluminum Company asked me to research the feasibility of mobile computing, in the likelihood that Reynolds sales reps would use a sales force automation software in the field.

      The first hurdle had nothing to do with the software; it was the fact that while testing software I realized that there was no place in a vehicle to use the laptop. I found myself sitting in the passenger seat with the computer in my lap or waiting till I got home to enter my data.

      I spent anywhere from 1-3 hours extra per day at home to work on my laptop which was supposed to make more mobile. The back spasms I experienced were taking me away from valuable time in the field. When I was unable to find a suitable and affordable mount I decided to build my own. I realized that there must be other computer users with the same problem. In 1998, I decided to start my own company, Mobile Office Enterprise. We currently manufacture and market our own Mobile desk product line over 22 in-vehicle computer mounts and tripods for use in the field.

      We have many customers in the utility industry that utilizes mobile desk technology. Nextel Communications in Tampa, Florida uses a floor –mounted desk for a wireless drive testing. A drive tester is responsible for locating and fixing weak RF signals. They also look for outside interference affecting the wireless network. Greg Lampert of Nextel explains why they purchased in-vehicle mounts:

      “We were driving around with our laptop computers resting on the seat because we had nowhere else to put them in the vehicle. The computer was overheating because they were not properly vented. When we did use laptops, we did not have enough space to use them in the vehicle. It was frustrating and counter productive. Our solution was to purchase a mount for our vehicle. Now the computer is in front of us, and we are comfortable when using our laptops in the vehicle.”

      There are many ergonomically correct mobile solutions available today. The table below gives a brief description of what to look for and where to find them.

 

Article Taken from Utility Products Showcase December 2000