A framework for mobile business applications 2.2.1.2 Reduce information float etting the right information to the right persons at the right time has always been one of the top concerns of businesses. Outdated information is as good as having no information. Therefore, reducing information float has always been a top priority. especially when the associated information can alter the course of action taken by a decision-maker. Wireless systems reduce information float by delivering needed and relevant information to field decision -makers so that time-sensitive business decisions can be made on the spot. For example, at Carlson hotels, rers use Pocket PCs to access all the information they need to mange the properties in real-time. The wireless system compiles information from the hotel,s various information systems and delivers it to the manager. This information ranges from how many minutes it takes room services to fill an order to the night's occupancy level. Equipped with such critical information, managers can quickly spot any problems or opportunities at their hotel and react to [17 2.2.1.3 Enhance service quality The wireless technology allows organisations to bring their services to where their customers are, and hence a higher level of customer convenience and service quality can be achieved. For example, the Sheraton hotel in New Jersey is experimenting with a new wireless check-in technology in order to reduce the waiting time for guests during check-in and check-out [17]. Employees carrying wireless devices will be able to check guests in the lobby, parking area, meeting rooms, and any other hotel facilities. The system also allows a key to be issued at the time of check-in from a portable imprint device. This application offers the hotel guests a real and visible convenience Major stadiums and retailers are experimenting with wireless point-of-sale(POs) terminals. The new wireless Pos terminals can take credit or Atm cards. receive authorisation on the spot, and print out a receipt for the customer. The wireless POS terminals reduce transaction costs, increase the number of contact points with customers and make the purchasing experience more rapid and convenient for customers. Industry analysts predict a 25%o annual growth rate for the sales of wireless POs terminals in the next few years [19] 2.2.2 Taking advantage of the mobility offered by wireless systems 2.2.2.1 Capture information electronically anytime-anywhere Often business operating efficiency is hindered by paper-based processes and the inability to electronically capture data at its source and in the field. This results in data reentry, repetitive tasks, increase in errors, and waste of human and natural resources Modern computer systems have partially addressed this problem by replacing a great deal of paper-based systems with computerised systems(e.g, purchasing orders vs electronic data interchange(EDD)). M-business has taken this process one step further. It allows data capture anywhere in the field and the ability to interact with the company headquarters in resolving problems and answering client questions. For example, consider the operating efficiencies achieved by many utility companies by virtue of employing wireless systems for maintenance inspectors. Traditionally, when a repair work is needed, inspectors create an entry on paper. At the end of the day, the work request is typed and sent to the repairA framework for mobile business applications 375 2.2.1.2 Reduce information float Getting the right information to the right persons at the right time has always been one of the top concerns of businesses. Outdated information is as good as having no information. Therefore, reducing information float has always been a top priority, especially when the associated information can alter the course of action taken by a decision-maker. Wireless systems reduce information float by delivering needed and relevant information to field decision-makers so that time-sensitive business decisions can be made on the spot. For example, at Carlson hotels, managers use Pocket PCs to access all the information they need to mange the properties in real-time. The wireless system compiles information from the hotel’s various information systems and delivers it to the manager. This information ranges from how many minutes it takes room services to fill an order to the night’s occupancy level. Equipped with such critical information, managers can quickly spot any problems or opportunities at their hotel and react to them [17]. 2.2.1.3 Enhance service quality The wireless technology allows organisations to bring their services to where their customers are, and hence a higher level of customer convenience and service quality can be achieved. For example, the Sheraton hotel in New Jersey is experimenting with a new wireless check-in technology in order to reduce the waiting time for guests during check-in and check-out [17]. Employees carrying wireless devices will be able to check guests in the lobby, parking area, meeting rooms, and any other hotel facilities. The system also allows a key to be issued at the time of check-in from a portable imprint device. This application offers the hotel guests a real and visible convenience. Major stadiums and retailers are experimenting with wireless point-of-sale (POS) terminals. The new wireless POS terminals can take credit or ATM cards, receive authorisation on the spot, and print out a receipt for the customer. The wireless POS terminals reduce transaction costs, increase the number of contact points with customers, and make the purchasing experience more rapid and convenient for customers. Industry analysts predict a 25% annual growth rate for the sales of wireless POS terminals in the next few years [19]. 2.2.2 Taking advantage of the mobility offered by wireless systems 2.2.2.1 Capture information electronically anytime–anywhere Often business operating efficiency is hindered by paper-based processes and the inability to electronically capture data at its source and in the field. This results in data reentry, repetitive tasks, increase in errors, and waste of human and natural resources. Modern computer systems have partially addressed this problem by replacing a great deal of paper-based systems with computerised systems (e.g., purchasing orders vs. electronic data interchange (EDI)). M-business has taken this process one step further. It allows data capture anywhere in the field and the ability to interact with the company headquarters in resolving problems and answering client questions. For example, consider the operating efficiencies achieved by many utility companies by virtue of employing wireless systems for maintenance inspectors. Traditionally, when a repair work is needed, inspectors create an entry on paper. At the end of the day, the work request is typed and sent to the repair