Main News Desk

Local authorities slow to take mobile working opportunity

study by Consilium Technologies reveals staff reluctance and expense as barriers to take up

November 26, 2007

Half of local authorities are yet to realise the benefits of a mobile working strategy, suggests a study by Consilium Technologies, the leading local authority and housing association mobile applications specialist.

Research conducted with 93 local authorities revealed that one fifth (20 per cent) had no plans in the immediate future to implement a mobile strategy. A further third (33 per cent) are still only in the planning stages of adopting mobile working practices.

When asked what was preventing adoption, the two main barriers were staff reluctance and cost, both with 40 percent. A further 31 per cent also cited support issues as a significant concern.

Those local authorities that have adopted mobile strategies have seen significant benefits which include reduced costs (57 per cent) as well as improved working practices (61 per cent). A further 51 per cent also cited significant improvements to overall customer service.

Executive quote

“There is clearly still a substantial number of local authorities yet to take advantage of mobile working. We’ve already seen that mobile technology, implemented as part of an overall change in working processes, can deliver significant efficiency gains and savings. It’s time for authorities to realise the benefits or risk getting left behind,” said Gareth Tolerton, chief technology officer at Consilium Technologies.

“Overcoming the assumed staff issues will be key. However if the process of change is managed well, they can be easily overcome. Projects must involve not only management but also the end-user throughout the planning and implementation process. In doing so will ensure front line staff are empowered and enthused by any changes to working practices” commented Tolerton. “This approach will ensure that any technology implemented fits with changes to working processes and delivers the long-term benefits many local authorities are already enjoying.”

About the company

Consilium Technologies has over 20 years’ experience in providing innovative IT solutions specifically for local authorities and housing associations. It provides a full portfolio of software solutions and supporting IT services, designed to deliver improved customer service more efficiently.

The company is focused on the provision of advanced mobile working solutions for the public sector. Consilium’s TotalMobile applications for Windows Mobile are tailored for field service and customer facing roles, supporting service delivery in areas such as housing repairs, incident reporting, environmental services and home welfare visits. Staff can upload and complete job data on the spot, enabling teams to complete more visits per day, eliminate excessive admin at the back office and reduce paper and fuel usage.

Current customers include Aberdeen City Council, Swindon Commercial Services, Bradford Community Housing Trust and London Borough of Newham.

Consilium Technologies is based in Antrim, Northern Ireland and employs 90 staff across the UK.

Contact details

For further press information and photography please contact:
Patrick Hussey at LEWIS, the PR agency
Tel: +44 (0) 161 601 7740 Fax: +44 (0)161 601 7741
Email: patrickh@lewispr.com
Website: www.lewispr.com

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Local authorities slow to take mobile working opportunity

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