In the midst of uncertainty, supply chain shortages, and fluctuation in government spending, government contractors are constantly under pressure. With pandemic influences still lingering, many contractors are hyper-focused on security across all levels of the organization.
A recent study by Deltek found that compliance and data security continue to be front and center for government contractors. As they look to the future, these companies are finding an increased need for investment in cybersecurity for their cloud-based operations.
Why the rise in security concerns?
Government contractors deal with highly sensitive data on a daily basis. Couple this with remote working conditions or blended working environments and you have a situation ripe with potential for security threats.
Operating in a more remote world requires agility. Digital opportunities and technology, like automation and mobile barcoding, can help government contractors address their security concerns head on by enhancing traceability and visibility from end-to-end.
Here’s how mobile technology can help improve your security protocols.
Make Security a Priority
Security risk and prevention is critical for government contractors as they handle highly sensitive data. This begins with a look into critical business functions and how your systems impact data security.
After all, the data that rests in the hands of your employees has to make it into your enterprise system. Whether those employees are remote or on-site, there’s a continual opportunity for a security breach.
That’s why government contractors should consider mobile data collection software to protect their critical assets. This technology transmits sensitive data to your ERPs, keeping it secure from the latest threats. A top-rated mobile software vendor will be able to protect data at any time, regardless if it’s in transit or at rest, decreasing exposure to potential vulnerabilities.
Ultimately, when looking at automation technology options, ensure the technology you choose enhances your data security, rather than putting your sensitive data at more risk. Further, stay vigilant and ensure your organization has the latest security hygiene measures in place to keep security top-of-mind.
Pay Attention to Inaccurate Data
Security impacts all areas of your operation. This includes the data you use to make critical business decisions.
Utilizing a mobile barcoding solution allows you to respond in real time to market fluctuations and uncertainty. Enhanced traceability and data granularity can reduce the costs associated with inaccurate data. Further, tracking inventory throughout your organization can help reduce (or even eliminate!) lost or misplaced parts and product while eliminating inefficient workflows.
This type of efficiency not only protects you from error-prone security risks, but also launches you ahead of your competition. Take CyberCore Technologies. Their legacy solution did not support wireless data collection or enterprise mobility. The result of using inefficient and outdated processes? Bottlenecks in their processes leading to 30-percent of the work being done twice. Not only did this impact their ability to deliver first-class customer satisfaction, it also posed potential security risks through outdated technology.
By implementing mobile barcoding and data collections solutions, CyberCore saw a 450% improvement in productivity and efficiency in shipping and receiving. Through improved inventory management, the team was better able to get a clear, accurate, real-time picture of their data.
Prepare for a Technology Driven Future
No longer can government contractors rely on paper processes or DIY technology builds. Rather, the government contractors who will succeed in the future must focus on strategic digital solutions to stay on top of increasingly complex inventory needs.
Studies have shown that 70% of organizations are currently migrating data for ERP applications to the cloud. Other technologies impacting government contractors include 5G, blockchain, automated guided vehicles and machine learning.
While all of these technologies have great potential, the best way to prepare your organization is by prioritizing the foundation first. By beginning with your enterprise system and automated data collection, such as mobile barcoding, you can enhance your data security in a truly advanced digital tech landscape.
Further, choosing the right vendor for these foundational pieces is critical for building a security-focused future. Mobile solutions can help you create:
- A zero-trust model that focuses on how users access critical data
- A plan for moving data off-device as quickly as possible
- An approach to offline mobility and continual availability
The best security-based mobile solutions will prioritize the highest level of protection for your organization across your tech stack.
