More organisations, not less, should allow staff to access corporate IT systems through mobile devices says Version One

A new survey by document management software company, Version One, shows that only 55 per cent of senior management can access corporate IT systems via mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

Version One surveyed 149 senior professionals, including managing directors, finance directors and IT directors/managers, from a cross-section of UK public, private and third sector organisations.

28 per cent of respondents revealed they are unable to access their corporate IT systems via their mobile devices and 17 per cent stated they “didn’t know” whether they had mobile access to their IT systems or not.

Julian Buck, managing director of Version One, says, “I find it astounding, given the commonplace nature of mobile devices in the workplace and the flexible hours many staff work, almost half of the senior professionals surveyed did not have access to critical IT systems via their mobile devices. More organisations need to harness mobile technologies to enable business on the move.”

A range of business processes can be undertaken using mobile devices, like the approval of purchase orders, supplier invoices and credit limits. In fact, 76 per cent of the survey respondents agreed being able to view and authorise documents ‘on the move’ delivers a distinct advantage.

Of the 45 per cent of respondents who are unable to access their organisations’ IT systems using their mobile devices or “don’t know” whether they can access them or not, only 9 per cent of these were aware of their companies’ plans to enable mobile access to IT systems.

Buck adds, “Enabling secure, mobile access to IT systems at any time and from anywhere delivers efficiency benefits, enhancing productivity. Having to wait for staff to be sat in front of their PCs before they can access corporate systems is an archaic approach which is stifling for business.”

FACTFILE:
Version One Ltd is the author of electronic document management and imaging solutions. These solutions enable the electronic storage, retrieval, management, enhancement and delivery of business documents such as invoices, purchase orders and statements. This 'paperless office' technology is seamlessly integrated into all major ERP and accounting systems and with a typical ROI of less than six months, Version One's solutions are enabling thousands of organisations to cut paper consumption whilst saving dramatic amounts of time and money.www.versionone.co.uk

Version One is an Advanced Computer Software Group plc company.