Mobility is crucial for productivity and competitiveness. However, managing mobility costs across a large enterprise can be challenging.
Enterprise mobility spending typically accounts for a significant portion of overall IT budgets. According to industry research and trends:
- Large enterprises (10,000+ employees) spend on average about 8-12% of their total IT budget on mobility.
- For mid-sized companies (250-10,000 employees), mobility spending often ranges from 10-15% of the IT budget.
- Small businesses (under 250 employees) may allocate up to 15-20% of their IT budget to mobility, as mobile technologies often play a crucial role in their operations
Here are key strategies to optimize your mobility expenses:
1. Restructure Pooled Plans
- Analyze usage patterns across departments
- Negotiate with providers for flexible pooling options
- Implement dynamic pool balancing to allocate data efficiently
Example: A Fortune 500 company saved 30% on mobile costs by implementing AI-driven pool balancing, ensuring unused data from one department was reallocated to high-usage teams.
2. Implement Automated Cost Management
- Use machine learning algorithms to analyze usage and spending
- Automate rate plan optimization and feature audits
- Leverage real-time analytics for proactive cost control
Example: A global manufacturing firm reduced mobile expenses by 25% using AI-powered software that continuously optimized rate plans based on actual usage.
3. Adopt a Choose-Your-Own-Device (CYOD) Policy
- Offer a curated selection of devices to employees
- Negotiate bulk discounts with vendors
- Implement a consistent management platform across device types
Example: A tech company reduced device procurement costs by 20% and increased employee satisfaction by offering a CYOD program with standardized management tools.
4. Optimize International Roaming
- Implement travel policies with clear guidelines for international usage
- Utilize eSIM technology for flexible international plans
- Consider partnering with a global mobility management provider
Example: A multinational corporation cut international roaming costs by 40% by implementing eSIM technology and partnering with a global mobility management firm.
5. Leverage Cloud-Based Services
- Shift from on-premises to cloud-based mobility management solutions
- Reduce infrastructure costs and improve scalability
- Enhance security and compliance across mobile devices
Example: A healthcare organization reduced IT infrastructure costs by 35% and improved mobile security by migrating to a cloud-based enterprise mobility management platform.
6. Implement Usage-Based Billing
- Adopt plans that charge only for actual usage
- Implement zero-usage containment policies
- Use analytics to identify and eliminate unnecessary lines or services
Example: A retail chain saved 15% on mobile costs by implementing usage-based billing and eliminating hundreds of unused lines identified through advanced analytics. By implementing these strategies, CIOs and CMOs can significantly reduce mobility costs while maintaining or even improving employee productivity and satisfaction. Remember, the key to successful cost optimization is continuous monitoring and adjustment of your mobility program to align with evolving business needs and technological advancements.
