Employees are increasingly remote in companies nowadays. Whether it is through the development of teleworking or simply because their functions require routine travel, they need tools that allow them to work effectively regardless of the situation. The on-set of the Cloud and SaaS solutions are obviously going in this direction. However, with regard to the collection of data in mobility situations, the situation is more conflicting.
Data collection in remote mode: needs some more progress
Data collection is a fundamental issue within companies, especially in big groups where the number of subsidiaries is large. Disregarding the progress required for remote mode, there is already a large margin for progress required for other aspects. Most business data is still collected by Excel files, according to customer testimonials. However, the quality and security of the data collection management can’t be proven with such a process. Of course, if we think of remote mode, the problem tends to be abundantly present because the risk of data leakage is higher.
The reliability of data collected in remote mode, can be questioned. Even if the files used are extremely well constructed, it is quite possible that after collecting the necessary data in the field, the employee is forced to re-seize them. And, we know very well that reassembled data rhymes with error. According to the CXP, 5% of the data entered in a company are wrong. However, how do you detect an input error in a process linking dozens of Excel workbooks that include each thousands of data?
Collection of heterogeneous data in the field: a hopeless challenge?
As we have discussed, collecting data in a remote mode is a complex and uncertain task. If the data is heterogeneous, different units of measures or different currencies, this will only maximise the complexity of the process. Take the example of a mall manager, that was presented by Solution B.I at our User Club in January 2018. To obtain accurate statistic results on the performance of the company, they must collect from each brand, data such as prosperity, turnover, profit, etc. Unfortunately, the files that will be transmitted by the brands can differ, despite the precautions to lock the format as much as possible.
Our partner, well aware of this problem, has developed a specific application, “OptiMall”. This Business Intelligence solution for shopping centre managers and owners is based on Gathering Tools’ GTAnswer module to capture and transfer Excel-like forms on iPad in real time in a completely secure way. Of course, the reliability of the data is also drastically enhanced thanks to the different validation workflows implemented during the configuration of the Gathering Tools software.
The necessity of a solution in line with the business and IT Department
The example presented above is very specific. However, it is a proof that adapting to the solution, makes it possible to remove the main constraints related to remote data collection. In companies, the CIO can therefore offer the sales, marketing, logistics departments, a solution that is in line with their needs. Of course, it is not mandatory to go through global solutions such as “OptiMall”. Gathering Tools software can work independently.
Employees will now be able, thanks to the “GTAnswer” application, to collect heterogeneous field data via Excel forms. Whether you are on a PC, Mac, or iPad, whatever the quality of the network, the process will guarantee a secure and reliable data!
