Mobile work stations the new choice
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The efficient use of time and money is essential for Jakartans struggling to get to work amid notorious traffic congestion.
With studies showing the average traveling speed in the capital is 14.75 kilometers an hour, several major companies have set up a mobile working system that enables their employees to work outside the office.
As well as blue collar and white collar workers, the system suits the new group of "collarless" employees who do their work at home or from a more convenient location.
"Coming to the office prior to a meeting with clients is a waste of time. Employees don't have to do that anymore. They can do their work anytime, anywhere without sacrificing their quality time with their families," said Irfan Setiaputra, the managing director of Cisco Systems Indonesia, a local arm of California- based Cisco System Inc.
The mobile system uses Internet Protocol (IP) Telephony, the communications foundation of the Internet, which is used to transport voice and other kinds of data, and Virtual Private Network (VPN), which accommodates the needs of remote employers and distant offices.
The Internet and network system company understands that a mobile working system could improve the company's sales activities, enhance customer satisfaction, create savings, better control of businesses and increase employee's productivity.
"(By applying the system) we expect between 30 percent and 40 percent increase in employees' productivity," he said, adding that Cisco is applying the system and encouraging its workers to work out of the office to build better relations with potential clients.
To apply the IP Telephony, Irfan explained, a company should have Internet basis with back-end system where all complex data, transaction processing, application development, system architecture and integration work take place.
"The cost of building the system ranges from US$25,000 to $50,000. It can even cost up to $5 million, depending on the amount of connections to the PCs, number of employees and if the company has purchased it to be sold to other vendors," said Irfan.
Cisco's clients -- mostly multinational companies in oil and gas and banking sectors -- have applied the mobile working system using IP Telephony.
Nazri, an IT manager at an automotive company using IP Telephony, said the system has helped his company to make long- distance connections with representative offices located outside Jakarta.
"Even though the system enables the company to save on connection costs we are still having some trouble operating the hardware," he said.
Achmad, 43, an employee at a multinational oil company in Central Jakarta, said that instead of using IP Telephony, his company is using a leased-line connection, which supports the use of VoIP.
"We have been using the leased-line for quite a while. This kind of system enables us to connect to our offices in remote areas as well as abroad," said Achmad, who has experienced the advantages of using a leased-line when he was on duty in Korea.
He pointed that IP Telephony was not useful for behind-the- desk employees like himself.
"The system is useful for those dealing with marketing and clients. Even people who have the possibility to work outside the office are better to choose the regular dial-up connection," said Achmad. (001)