The Cost of Downtime for Businesses in 2024: The Role of Mobile Technology and Managed Services

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, mobile technology is the backbone of business operations across various industries. From central offices and warehouses to remote work environments, these devices are essential for maintaining productivity and efficiency. However, downtime for businesses relying heavily on mobile technology can be costly. Understanding these costs and the importance of rapid response, coupled with the benefits of a managed service provider like Subsidium, is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.

The Growing Dependence on Mobile Technology

Recent data indicates that over 5 billion people use mobile technology worldwide, reflecting a substantial increase from previous years due to advancements in device capabilities and the widespread adoption of hybrid and remote working models post-pandemic. As businesses continue to integrate mobile solutions into their operations, the potential for downtime and its associated costs also rises.

The Financial Impact of Downtime

Downtime can have a significant financial impact on businesses. Poorly managed mobile devices can cost organisations up to £16,000 per employee annually. This figure includes costs associated with support, productivity losses, and inefficiencies from malfunctioning applications or devices. A single poorly performing application per shift can lead to similar costs, emphasising the critical need for effective mobile device management.

Productivity Losses

The productivity losses from downtime are considerable. Each technical failure can result in up to 100 minutes of lost productivity, nearly a quarter of a daily shift. Delays in communication and operations can lead to missed deadlines, reduced customer satisfaction, and even financial penalties for failing to meet service-level agreements.

Employee Frustration and Turnover

Downtime doesn’t just affect operations and finances; it also impacts employee morale. Workers who rely on mobile devices to perform their jobs experience significant frustration when these devices fail. Persistent issues can lead to job dissatisfaction and increased turnover, incurring recruitment and training costs. Ensuring that mobile devices are well-maintained and supported is essential for keeping employees satisfied and productive. 

Data Security Risks

Downtime caused by security breaches or data theft can have severe repercussions, especially with stringent regulations like GDPR. Any breach can lead to significant fines, legal liabilities, and a loss of trust among customers and partners. Rapid response and robust security measures are vital to protecting sensitive information and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

The Importance of Rapid Response

Given the potential costs and risks associated with downtime, the importance of rapid response cannot be overstated. This is where Subsidium’s managed services come into play. Subsidium’s dedicated helpdesk is always on the end of the phone, and via an industry-leading ticketing system, provides a ‘personal’ first response in an average of less than ten minutes, typically resolving issues within four hours. This rapid response ensures minimal disruption to your operations.

Benefits of Subsidium’s Managed Services

  • Comprehensive Support: Subsidium offers round-the-clock support, ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly, minimising downtime.
  • Rapid Device Supply and Configuration: Need a new device quickly? Subsidium can supply and configure new devices rapidly, ensuring your team remains productive.
  • Complete Asset Tracking: Keep track of all your mobile assets with Subsidium’s robust tracking system, reducing the risk of loss or theft.
  • Remote Wipe Capabilities: Protect your data with the ability to remotely wipe files and folders from stolen devices, ensuring sensitive information remains secure.

By partnering with Subsidium, businesses can significantly reduce the costs and risks associated with mobile device downtime, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.

As we step into the second half od 2024, businesses must recognise the high cost of downtime and take proactive measures to mitigate these risks. Effective mobile device management, rapid response systems, and robust security protocols are essential to maintaining productivity, protecting data, and ensuring overall operational efficiency. By partnering with Subsidium, businesses can safeguard their mobile technology investments and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

This blog post draws on data and insights from reports by DataReportal, Statista, and TeamStage. For further reading, explore these sources:

– DataReportal (https://datareportal.com)

– Statista (https://www.statista.com )

– TeamStage (https://teamstage.io )

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