b2m Solutions launches mProdigy

The first management system that deals with both the technology and human factors in a mobile enterprise.

b2m solutions, leaders in managing the mobile enterprise, introduces mProdigy, the first enterprise mobile management solution that enables companies to control both the technology and the human factors involved in a mobile enterprise.

mProdigy comprises a suite of services to help organisations keep employees out on the road, control mobile assets and suppliers more effectively as well as ensure streamlined change management when new mobile technology is introduced to field staff.

The highly experienced team at b2m, led by Julie Purves, has over thirty years experience in mobile computing.  Much of their knowledge and skills were obtained as the team that deployed one of Europes largest GSM-based business mobile applications (5,500 users) for a major UK parcel carrier.

Large organisations are starting to appreciate the benefit to be gained from the deployment of mobile devices to their field teams, explains Julie. However, the problems of managing the technological issues of a large-scale mobile deployment as well as ensuring every individual is using their device properly are major challenges. Both the IT and human factors must be managed effectively to deliver a successful mobile enterprise.

The mProdigy product suite is the result of over two years intensive development and we calculate that it can deliver cost savings of 250,000 per annum in a typical mobile deployment of five hundred mobile users, giving a Return on Investment in less than six months.

mProdigy is being used by LYNX Express and piloted by a number of UKs retailers.  The system has five modules:

Device Management: mProdigy can remotely manage software upgrades and system diagnostics. This helps to reduce the overall cost of support and maintenance by minimising the time and resources required to update devices or return faulty devices to a maintenance centre.

Communications Management: mProdigy will optimise all messages and data transfers from the mobile device to the central system or vice versa based on rules defined in a client specific cost / performance profile.  This means organisation can maximise messaging efficiency and resilience as well as reduce the cost of communications.
 

Asset Management: mProdigy enables automatic device commissioning and provides a detailed asset register updated in real-time. The real-time status of mobile assets includes mobile hardware, software, firmware and security information as well as real-time information on the location, usage, operational status and performance.   This helps organisations to improve control and management of mobile assets whilst reducing the cost of ownership.
 

Supplier Management: mProdigy provides management information to help companies see how their suppliers (hardware, software and communications services) are performing against negotiated Service Level Agreements and thus increase service levels and reduce costs.
 

Application Monitoring: mProdigy provides feedback on the use of the mobile application in the real world i.e. field uptake of mobile applications and identifies areas for enhancement as part of an ongoing change programme.  This helps to improve the acceptance of new mobile technology and helps to quantify the business case for implementing new business processes.