Field service is on the brink of major change as the latest mobile technologies sweep through the industry with an ever-increasing momentum.

General Packet Radio Service’s (GPRS) 'always on' technology for mobile/remote staff and the advent of more cost effective Voice Over IP (VOIP) phone calls for office based staff are already capable of delivering huge benefits, but many companies are simply failing to take full advantage of the savings offered.

At the forefront of delivering mobile data solutions for the field service arena is Interchange Group, who believe e-mobile communications hold the key to increased productivity and cost savings.

Phillip Jones, managing director, said:  "The speed of developments within the telecoms industry is having a significant impact on the field service market and businesses need to embrace them wholeheartedly”.

"Investing in effective wireless technology can make mobile workers up to 30% more productive, but the solution must enable new ways of working reflecting more how a company wants to work, rather than how it works now. This is where our dedicated experience and expertise can help."

With a track record boasting more than 20 years' experience of delivering time critical customer service solutions, Interchange has the breadth of knowledge to ensure businesses can turn technology into competitive advantage.

Among its range of mobile solutions is the BlackBerry, a handheld device which, using GPRS technology, allows users instant access to their corporate email, and diary without having to use dial-up connections.

 The benefits of these, and other GPRS devices, for businesses with teams of mobile workers are huge. Not only can emails can be dealt with immediately instead of piling up in an office inbox, but Interchange can also provide bespoke applications that provide the ability to access and update corporate systems whilst on the move.

And, whilst GPRS technology is delivering benefits to staff out on the road, a very different technology (VOIP) is changing the face of voice telephony back at the office.

Installing VOIP allows companies to improve efficiency and save money by using data networks and the Internet for voice calls rather than traditional landlines, whether at corporate headquarters, branch offices, or even overseas.

Jones added: "The huge strides that the telecoms market is making must be translated into both productivity improvements and cost savings within our industry”.

"To continue to survive, the field service arena must change - the technology is there and we have the expertise to make it happen. The winners will reduce their cost of operations by keeping their field staff in the field, improve staff availability, and respond faster to change. This means improved competitiveness throughout the business."

Interchange will be demonstrating its mobile wireless solutions on its stand at the Service Management Europe show, and have a team of experts on hand to answer your questions.