Plumbers and engineers lead mobile data race

Plumbers, maintenance engineers and other blue-collar workers will overtake white collar workers in their use of mobile email and data applications.

In order to allow workers to spend more time out in the field, businesses are working on making the systems they use accessible remotely, according to a survey conducted by Quocirca Research and sponsored by O2.

It found that nearly 30 per cent of companies are already active in providing wireless access to systems involved in areas such as service management, inventory and logistics, with a further 20 per cent planning to do so in 2005.

Almost one in three companies had deployed specialised mobile devices for their blue-collar workers in the field and around 20 per cent have wireless projects planned for 2005, spanning both bespoke business systems and packaged applications such as SAP and Siebel.

O2 said that previously mobile data has been seen as a white collar application but a spokeswoman said: "Now, with mobile data devices in the hands of plumbers, maintenance staff, engineers and craft workers, customer service can be moved from the call centres to the doorstep."

She continued: "The real drivers and innovators are to be found on construction sites or under sinks - the blue collar workers who are using mobile to improve the bottom line, enhance customer service and increase individual productivity."

Quocirca senior analyst Rob Bamforth added: "New devices and services deliver remote access to core applications straight into the hands of all types of employees over and above mobile email. Companies with blue collar workers have been keen to take up the opportunities presented by mobile and we have seen considerable growth in this area in recent years."