376 L Chen and R Nath department, and it will then issue a work order to be sent to the repair technician. with a wireless infrastructure, maintenance inspectors can now send in the repair request by checking a few boxes on the screens of their handheld devices. A work request is automatically generated and dispatched to the repair technician. The new and improved process saves time, reduces errors, and leads to a quicker and more proactive maintenance approach [20]. It is reported that due to these advantages, most utility companies expect to recuperate their costs on the mobile systems within six to 18 2.2.2.2 Access critical information anytime-anywhere M-business allows users to have access to critical information from anywhere at any time, resulting in greater abilities to seize business opportunities. Target opportunities of this type can be found in situations where a large portion of the workforce is geographically dispersed and highly mobile and where rapid access to information creates competitive advantages and business opportunities Producer Lloyds Insurance Company specialises in crop insurance. Since September 2001, it has equipped its field agents with laptops and a host of mobile devices so that they can access the companys Policy Administration Services System(PAsS) and Online Policy Update System(OPUS). The remote access has dramatically mobilised the field agents, which is a critical success factor for the industry. This system allows the agents to get instant quotes, create policies in the field, prepare various insurance forms, and determine claim status. Such services effectively improve the agents'chance of closing a deal that would otherwise slip away. Some insurance companies project a 17-21% increase in annual revenue due to implementation of such systems [21] Other organisations with a large mobile workforce are also taking advantage of the mobility of wireless systems to help their employees make better business decisions Auto-maker Nissan lets the salespeople at the dealership showrooms access customer elationship management(CRM) information using handheld devices. Salespeople can offer customers more attractive deals on the spot based on the customers history and financial situation as well as provide an array of other services [22] 2.2.2.3 React to problems and opportunities anytime-anywhere Besides allowing user access to critical information from anywhere at any time, some wireless systems let users react to the information. These innovative systems have changed the way businesses operate and the way employees work Opportunities abound where problems must be resolved quickly and onsite in order to avoid significant loss and shutdown of operations and where conditions change constantly and a close monitoring and quick reaction are the keys to success. a number of software companies are offering wireless network management tools so that network managers can react to problems from any location [23]. These wireless network management tools are designed to solve remotely some of the most common problems that bring down corporate networks The cost savings, convenience, and quick resolution to network problems that these tools offer have enticed both large and small companies without an onsite IT crew Another innovative use of wireless systems to monitor closely changing conditions and quickly react to problems is found in Formula One auto racing. A high-tech race car speeding at 150 mph has about 120 sensors transmitting real-time data ranging from376 L. Chen and R. Nath department, and it will then issue a work order to be sent to the repair technician. With a wireless infrastructure, maintenance inspectors can now send in the repair request by checking a few boxes on the screens of their handheld devices. A work request is automatically generated and dispatched to the repair technician. The new and improved process saves time, reduces errors, and leads to a quicker and more proactive maintenance approach [20]. It is reported that due to these advantages, most utility companies expect to recuperate their costs on the mobile systems within six to 18 months. 2.2.2.2 Access critical information anytime–anywhere M-business allows users to have access to critical information from anywhere at any time, resulting in greater abilities to seize business opportunities. Target opportunities of this type can be found in situations where a large portion of the workforce is geographically dispersed and highly mobile and where rapid access to information creates competitive advantages and business opportunities. Producer Lloyds Insurance Company specialises in crop insurance. Since September 2001, it has equipped its field agents with laptops and a host of mobile devices so that they can access the company’s Policy Administration & Services System (PASS) and Online Policy Update System (OPUS). The remote access has dramatically mobilised the field agents, which is a critical success factor for the industry. This system allows the agents to get instant quotes, create policies in the field, prepare various insurance forms, and determine claim status. Such services effectively improve the agents’ chance of closing a deal that would otherwise slip away. Some insurance companies project a 17–21% increase in annual revenue due to implementation of such systems [21]. Other organisations with a large mobile workforce are also taking advantage of the mobility of wireless systems to help their employees make better business decisions. Auto-maker Nissan lets the salespeople at the dealership showrooms access customer relationship management (CRM) information using handheld devices. Salespeople can offer customers more attractive deals on the spot based on the customer’s history and financial situation as well as provide an array of other services [22]. 2.2.2.3 React to problems and opportunities anytime–anywhere Besides allowing user access to critical information from anywhere at any time, some wireless systems let users react to the information. These innovative systems have changed the way businesses operate and the way employees work. Opportunities abound where problems must be resolved quickly and onsite in order to avoid significant loss and shutdown of operations and where conditions change constantly and a close monitoring and quick reaction are the keys to success. A number of software companies are offering wireless network management tools so that network managers can react to problems from any location [23]. These wireless network management tools are designed to solve remotely some of the most common problems that bring down corporate networks. The cost savings, convenience, and quick resolution to network problems that these tools offer have enticed both large and small companies without an onsite IT crew. Another innovative use of wireless systems to monitor closely changing conditions and quickly react to problems is found in Formula One auto racing. A high-tech race car speeding at 150 mph has about 120 sensors transmitting real-time data ranging from