Technology plays a very crucial role in the success of modern businesses. Every aspect of business operations is gradually changing from traditional to digital methods and this is seen as a crucial step in remaining competitive and relevant in the market.
One of the ways in which small businesses are embracing new technology is by shifting from hard copy paper to mobile forms. This is because mobile forms are economical and they enable small businesses to increase their productivity. If you own a small business and are contemplating a shift from paper to mobile forms, below are key benefits that you will enjoy by doing so.
1. Easy to track & analyze
The business world has become extremely competitive and small businesses are not spared as only those that can keep up or stay ahead of the competition will emerge successfully. This means even small business have to monitor trends in their transactions and correct any mistakes that could render them less competitive. The good thing about mobile forms is that they are more organized and can be tracked and monitored with ease. It is therefore easy for small businesses that use mobile forms to scrutinize their database electronically and track errors.
Using a forms app also make it easy for small businesses to compare their data with external data and generated reports that can be used to make informed management and marketing decisions.
2. Fast & effective
Small businesses that use mobile forms are able to collect and process data faster than those that use paper forms. This is because mobile forms enable field officers to collect data electronically and send it to the headquarters by just pushing a button on their smartphone or tablet.
This means no time is wasted filling paper forms and transporting them to the headquarters so that data can be sorted and analyzed. Those that use mobile forms are therefore able to remain competitive in their industry resulting in more sales and increased revenues.
3. Promote accountability among employees
Small businesses that use paper forms have no control over what employees do in the field when collecting data and this makes it extremely difficult for management to monitor what employees do in the fields. Small businesses that use mobile forms are able to monitor and control what their employees are doing in the fields when collecting data.
With mobile forms, it is possible to dispatch up-to-date copies if immediate action is required and it is also possible for to track where forms were filled, what time they were filled in, and who completed them. Mobile forms can also be customized so fields are made mandatory and employees cannot submit them unless this information is included. This makes it easier to promote accountability among employees resulting in an increase in business efficiency.
4. Enable collection of actionable data
When small businesses send employees to collect data, not all information collected is actionable. This is a common challenge to businesses that use paper forms to collect data as information that can be included is often limited to tick boxes and short hand-written summaries.
Mobile forms are more helpful and effective because it is possible to collect actionable data. This may include taking photos, capturing audio notes, filming videos, and scanning barcodes. Mobile forms therefore make it possible to include multimedia aspects that can improve types of data collected and in turn improve business processes.
5. Improve accuracy
In many cases, data collected using paper forms is erroneous and outdated due to forms not being updated to reflect what type of information the company needs.
With mobile forms, it is possible to collect flawless and up-to-date data that can be used to make informed business decisions. This is because businesses can easily update forms and send them electronically to those in the field for immediate use. This is also crucial for data integrity as it minimizes cases of data re-entry and alterations after it has been submitted.