As Corporate Mobile Device Programs Grow, So Do the Risks; Runzheimer International Mobile Watch Reduces Risks and Costs by Up to 25 Percent

WATERFORD, Wis., March 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Businesses today rely more than ever on cell phones and other mobile devices to stay connected in a global marketplace. However, according to employee mobility expert Runzheimer International, managing corporate mobile device programs can present significant costs and challenges often driven by lack of policy and expertise, inefficient processes, and inadequate management information. As a proof point, Runzheimer International's latest research shows that 73 percent of organizations are operating their virtual office programs without a formal policy.

Since many organizations today manage numerous wireless carrier relationships at a time with extremely detailed contracts and hundreds of pages of bills to review each month, the need for greater control continues to increase rapidly. The risk of errors and missed opportunity to optimize the management of contracts is high. An Aberdeen survey reports that it costs enterprises nearly 10 times more to manage wireless services and devices than wireline.  The survey also indicates that this number will continue to grow, as 80 percent of respondents say they plan to increase their fleet of wirelessly enabled PDAs.  

Runzheimer International Mobile Watch Services™ streamline the process of managing corporate mobile device programs, enabling organizations to achieve better service and cost reduction of up to 25 percent. On average, Runzheimer Mobile Watch customers have increased productivity with finance invoice reconciliation and cost allocation from 50 to 90 percent.  Individual mobile device costs have been reduced by $100-$350 per year and service levels have decreased from two-to-three weeks to two-to-three days.

"Because of extreme complexity and an intensely manual process, uncovering expense control and service improvements in telecom expense management programs requires significant time and resources," said Greg Harper, president of Runzheimer International.  "Our Mobile Watch Services provide corporations with the powerful combination of automation and consulting expertise to tighten policies and processes, resulting in better employee service and reduced costs."

Proven ROI for Companies that Take Control of Mobile Device Management

Johnson Financial Group (JFG), a full-service financial services company, faced challenges in understanding and effectively administering mobile devices. JFG maintained contracts with seven different wireless carriers and had limited guidelines for mobile device eligibility. A budget review identified mobile devices as a large and growing cost item. JFG implemented the Runzheimer International Mobile Watch Services to help take control of its complex mobile device program. Within the first 10 months of implementation, JFG's run rate of wireless spending declined by 23.5 percent and unit costs for mobile devices are now at or below best practice levels.  The company has experienced improved asset management, reductions in billing errors and over-payments to carriers, and significantly shortened turnaround times for activating new lines and device receipt.

Runzheimer International's Mobile Watch includes a complete range of services, from expense optimization and order management to invoice automation and monthly reconciliation.  The services also include consulting and management reporting relative to best practices. More information can be found at www.runzheimer.com.

About Runzheimer International

Founded in 1933, Runzheimer International serves 60 percent of the Fortune 500 and numerous government agencies. The company is recognized for providing innovative solutions relating to Total Employee Mobility®. Runzheimer International is the global leader in workforce mobility programs including business vehicle, logistics, business travel, corporate aircraft, employee relocation and compensation, and virtual office.

SOURCE Runzheimer International