Why traditional transformation approaches fail field workers
Field workers are at the heart of many industries, and technology advances have reshaped their operations. Companies worldwide are investing in new tools to enhance productivity and empower their workforce, with global spending on digital transformation expected to hit US$3.4 trillion by 2026. (1) However, while these investments hold immense potential, success is not guaranteed. Digital initiatives can fail to deliver real improvements without careful planning and execution, leaving field employees struggling with inefficiencies rather than benefitting from true innovation.
Frank Baldrighi, business development manager – Australia and New Zealand, Getac, said, "The lack of involvement of field workers in the digital transformation process is a major reason for these failures. Organisations must engage their field employees throughout the entire framework for these efforts to be effective, from picturing future goals to implementing new technologies. Securing their buy-in is essential because even the most sophisticated digital solutions can fail without it, resulting in a disengaged workforce."
A critical misstep in traditional transformation strategies is failing to understand the unique challenges field workers face in sectors like emergency services, manufacturing, and mining. Field employees operate under high-pressure conditions and are expected to deliver swift resolutions, particularly when operating in regional and remote areas. Many business leaders apply a one-size-fits-all approach despite these demands, deploying the same technologies used by office workers to field teams. This overlooks the distinct working conditions and expectations faced by field employees, leading to mismatched solutions and underwhelming results. A more effective approach involves assessing the specific challenges faced by different groups within the company.
Field workers contend with variable weather and environments and can spend extended periods in remote locations without access to charging facilities, while unreliable connectivity is another major hurdle. Rugged laptops and tablets that withstand harsh conditions and have high-capacity batteries help field employees to be efficient and productive at their jobs.
Frank Baldrighi said, "Traditional transformation approaches fall short in adopting digital communications and collaboration tools outside of the office. However, faster network speeds and capable mobile technologies have raised the bar for digital business operations in the field, and there's an increasing prevalence of emerging technologies like mixed reality (MR) and augmented reality (AR) in field environments.
"These technologies can provide on-the-job training, guide teams through complex procedures in real time, and encourage safety compliance when used with rugged devices. For example, mining technicians can perform equipment maintenance more accurately, while disaster response teams can coordinate efforts in high-pressure environments more effectively. Organisations that equip their field teams with the right productivity and collaboration tools will see the greatest returns on their transformation investments while failing to do so results in outdated systems that offer little value."
All modern transformation strategies should prioritise solutions that build data security into their foundations, as companies with extensive field forces operating on edge devices are at particular risk. The lack of immediate IT support makes field workers more vulnerable to cyber threats, reinforcing the need for seamless security measures. Organisations must keep field devices updated with the latest security patches and operating system updates. Effective security measures should also incorporate ongoing education and cyber awareness to train field employees to recognise phishing attempts and other cyber threats to safeguard company data. Regular training sessions help maintain vigilance against evolving threats.
Frank Baldrighi said, "Keeping on top of cybersecurity can be challenging for workers who rarely visit the head office; however, smart rugged solutions should simplify device management. Organisations that can monitor all deployed devices from a central location—maintaining a comprehensive view of their digital assets—issue updates remotely, and track device usage in near-real time will better protect their data and devices."
Successful digital transformation isn't just about adopting new technologies; it's about aligning them with workforce needs. Companies must take a problem-driven approach, working closely with field employees to identify inefficiencies and barriers in existing processes. This is particularly critical in regional locations where workforce logistical barriers and environmental factors can complicate transformation efforts. Focusing on areas where technology can make the most impact yields tangible business benefits for organisations with field workers.
Reference:
(1) https://www.statista.com/
