The workplace is transforming, with mobility at its core. Once seen as a convenience, mobile technology is now a strategic enabler of productivity, customer experience, and efficiency.
Businesses across industries—healthcare, logistics, and corporate offices—are integrating mobile solutions to streamline workflows and empower employees.
Optus senior director of mobile product, Catherine Yue, said enterprise mobility is now a priority for customers, who seek a “mobile-first experience” and solutions that enable seamless, secure connectivity for both employees and customers—anytime, anywhere. She noted that expectations have only increased since COVID accelerated the shift toward mobility.
“COVID fundamentally transformed the way we work, making mobile devices more essential than ever. Whether it’s an aged care provider enabling nurses to work untethered from a desk, a rental car company streamlining processes with digital scanning instead of paper photocopies, or someone collaborating on a document while commuting using Teams —mobility is reshaping workflows across industries.”
Yet, the shift isn’t without challenges. CIOs must prove ROI, balance security with accessibility, and drive adoption across diverse teams. The most forward-thinking companies recognise mobility not as a cost but as a game-changer—enhancing customer service, securing data, and optimising operations.
Mobility as a ‘business driver’
Specifically, Yue said companies are embedding mobile tech into operations—automating tasks, improving customer interactions, and enabling remote work.
“We’re seeing a significant shift in how businesses view mobile devices. Companies are making substantial investments in mobile technology—some devices cost as much as a TV—yet many have traditionally been used only for calls, SMS, and basic messaging apps. Now, organisations are asking, ‘How can we leverage this investment to transform our operations?’
“For example, a financial services institution is using a translation app in a retail setting to assist non-English-speaking customers, enabling better communication at reception. In logistics, companies are exploring mobile devices as scanners to streamline workflows, recognising the rich capabilities these devices offer.”
At the same time, Yue said the focus is on enhancing both customer and employee experiences (CX and EX) through mobile technology. “The shift is evident in everyday life—many consumers no longer carry wallets, relying instead on their phones for identification and payments. This consumer behaviour is influencing businesses as well,” she said.
“At Optus, we’ve integrated mobile technology into our internal operations. Our staff app allows employees to book meeting rooms, schedule visits, access internal videos, and streamline workflows—all through a custom mobile solution. Many organisations are now exploring similar strategies to enhance productivity and engagement, ensuring mobility is deeply embedded in their business processes.”
Proving the ‘strategic value’ of digitalisation
While the opportunities for enterprise mobility are vast and evident, challenges remain. One of the biggest hurdles to enterprise mobility adoption is “proving its value to decision-makers,” according to Optus’s head of mobile and network connectivity products, Andrew Brooks.
“CIOs and IT leaders must navigate executive scepticism around ROI, addressing concerns about cost, implementation complexity, and security risks,” Brooks said.
“At the C-suite level, the most successful companies view mobility not as a cost, but as a strategic differentiator. They leverage it to enhance customer service, empower frontline workers, and drive productivity, recognising its value in transforming business operations. As businesses increasingly embrace mobile-first strategies, they can unlock new avenues for growth and innovation, enhancing both their competitive edge and their relationship with customers and employees alike.”
Indeed, this shift in mindset is vital, as businesses looking to harness the full potential of enterprise mobility need to move beyond short-term concerns and focus on its long-term strategic value.
“By integrating mobility into the very fabric of their operations, they create a more agile, connected, and responsive environment, opening up new opportunities to innovate and differentiate in a crowded market,” Brooks said.
Additionally, he said digitalisation adds significant value in today’s business landscape, with mobile technology serving as the primary means of engagement for both employees and customers.
“Digital has become so ingrained in both our personal and professional lives that even traditional industries like banking and mining are now IT-driven, relying on digital platforms such as mobile access to real-time data and autonomous vehicles. The strategic value now lies in showcasing how these innovations and interdependencies are transforming industries and driving efficiencies.”
Optimising Security and Device Management at Scale
But there’s more to consider. Managing security at scale is crucial, requiring a combination of Mobile Device Management (MDM) and network-based security solutions to protect enterprise mobile fleets. These solutions provide an additional layer of security without impacting performance, ensuring that data and networks remain safeguarded.
“Security remains a top concern,” Yue said. “With an increasing number of mobile devices in use, companies need a structured way to track and manage them effectively.”
Like Yue, Brooks emphasised that CIOs are prioritising security, and a layered approach is essential.
“Our mobility solution adds a unique security layer at the network level, providing seamless protection for tablets, routers, and other connected devices—without the need for software installations on individual devices. This ensures security is built-in rather than bolted on, improving protection without hindering performance.”
Beyond security, effective device management also addresses cost and inventory challenges. Yue noted that large enterprises and government organisations often struggle to track their mobile fleets, leading to inefficiencies.
“Many businesses are surprised by the number of unused or misplaced devices they discover when they implement real-time monitoring. A structured approach helps optimise costs, streamline device management, and ensure teams have the right tools when they need them.”
Future of Mobility
So how are businesses evolving in their approach to technology, and what can we expect from the ‘next wave’ of innovation?
Yue said it’s “exciting times” as businesses are integrating mobile into smart buildings, leveraging AI-powered apps, and redefining stock management. The focus is shifting from devices to holistic tech solutions that solve real business challenges.
In particular, she said a key trend is “deeper integration of mobile devices” into enterprise systems.
“Beyond just communication tools, companies are embedding mobile solutions into core business functions. From rugged tablets in retail to bespoke apps in financial services, businesses are finding new ways to drive efficiency. Looking ahead, we’re seeing increasing interest in smart spaces—digitally upgraded buildings where employees can interact with systems via mobile devices. As workplaces become more flexible, mobile technology will play an even bigger role in enabling seamless operations.”
At the same time, the miniaturisation of devices has placed powerful computing capabilities in our pockets, significantly influencing the CX and EX. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for the mobile will only amplify what is possible in the future.
For organisations navigating enterprise mobility, Brooks said a key takeaway stands out: “Mobility is a transformation tool – Businesses that integrate mobile devices strategically will unlock new efficiencies and enhance user experiences.”
To read more about the challenges and opportunities in digital transformation, check out: Customer Insights Report: Unlocking business success with transformative mobile solutions. The key to talent retention and customer loyalty.