How mobiles helped us expand

Overview

Petrotechnics had to significantly improve their mobile communications, catering for some of the world's most remote locations, while remaining cost effective.

The challenge

With the majority of our clients operating within the oil and gas industry, the need for employees to have access to mobile communications in some of the world's most remote locations is paramount. Our clients depend on the expertise and responsiveness of our training and consultancy teams to deal with any questions they may have - at a moment's notice. As such, we needed mobile communications that could be trusted to function in almost any environment. These also needed to remain cost effective in face of a rapid growth in new business wins and the amount of time spent travelling by employees as a whole.

The solution

In February 2008, we decided to invest in 70 BlackBerry Smartphone devices and a number of mobile broadband USB sticks, which we got form T-Mobile. These were initially rolled out to staff within the training and consultancy parts of the business, who regularly travel across the world. It meant that our staff had fast and easy access to the internet, enabling them to check and respond to emails whilst working on oilrigs, in deserts and even in the Amazon.

Key lesson

Improving productivity through reducing 'deadtime'. Since implementing mobile communications, previously unproductive travel time has been transformed into a means of efficient work and benefits. Not only have travel costs been cut (as those employees with long commutes now have the flexibility to work from home when needed) but access to email whilst on the move means the 'deadtime' often associated with long journeys has been removed, which has played a role in improving our staff productivity levels.

Top tip

Giving your employees the tools they need to succeed in their working environments is just good business practice. There is a wealth of information and advice available that can assist an investment in remote working technology. Don't rush into a decision. Contact the network operator, who can visit your business, examine your mobile communications needs and return to you with its best proposal.

Smarta Business Builder

To help you on your business journey, we've created Smarta Business Builder, the complete online tools package for growing your business. Website Builder, Business Plans, Accounting Software, Legal Documents and Email - all in one place - from just £20 per month with no contract! Try it out today.