The Case of the Contractor Field Work - What We Learned Wednesdays
What we know:
Glenn is working with a company that employees a large network of independent contractors to complete field work projects. They use a web based system for scheduling jobs, assigning work requests, and verifying completion. With a large geographic coverage area, including some remote locations, they need a way for contractors to interact with their web apps securely, while in the field, so they can get real-time status updates of completed projects.
What we learned:
Many of the contractors they work with already use iPads as part of their business. The combination of long battery life, cellular connectivity, large touchscreen with, high-quality camera, all in a very portable form factor that can be equipped with a ruggedized case makes the iPad a great option. Since these contractors work for several different companies throughout the year, applying an MDM profile through the company wouldn’t make sense. But the company is reluctant to open up their job tracking web application to anyone over the internet. This is where Glenn introduced Island, the Enterprise Browser, as the ideal solution.
What happened next:
Glenn helped set up a workflow where the company can onboard contractors, assign them an identity with their identity management system, and ask them to install Island on their iPad. The app is available on the iOS App Store, so it’s a familiar workflow that only takes seconds to find and install. Once they launch Island, they login with their assigned identity and they get access to the web applications they need to accept a work assignment, provide updates, and attach photos verifying the completed job. Now their contractors have a simple, straightforward workflow that works great on an iPad, and the company has a very efficient method for onboarding (and offboarding) contractors throughout the year.