The pressures on local government to increase efficiency and provide a joined-up service are immense. The Gershon Efficiency Review in 2003, set targets of 2.5% efficiency savings per year, then the Hampton Review in 2005 overlaid the need to reduce administrative burden.

Alongside these two are the needs to provide Shared Services and implement the Accommodation Reduction Strategy. As with all organisations, there is an urgent need to reduce carbon footprint and to attract and retain the right staff.

By making back office systems fully accessible to field staff, mobile technology makes a major contribution to meeting these challenges. Measurable improvements to customer service and increased productivity can also be achieved through the use of innovative technology.