Vendors. We all have many of them. 

Some we enjoy speaking with.  

And some... not so much.  

If you’re an IT professional, you understand how time-consuming mobile management can be. Your relationship with your mobile provider can almost feel like a second marriage ate times with how much time you spend speaking with them.  

This is understandable since MLM is so impactful and important for any IT organization. For example, MLM can help reduce the time it takes to set up a phone from 60 minutes to as low as 5 minutes. Effective MLM processes often allow IT teams to automate the deployment and provisioning of mobile devices, from initial setup to configuration. Instead of manually configuring each device, IT can now automate settings, app installations, and security protocols, reducing time spent on repetitive tasks. 

So, let’s talk about how you can get the most out of your relationship with your mobile provider while spending the least amount of time on the phone with them.  

There are four key ways to do this: 

1. Utilize Self-Service Tools 

One of the easiest ways to spend less time on the phone with your mobile provider is to take full advantage of their self-service tools. Most providers now offer robust online portals or mobile apps where you can manage everything such as: 

• Checking your data usage 

• Updating account details 

• Troubleshooting issues 

• Paying invoices 

These platforms are designed to be user-friendly and save you the hassle of waiting on hold. By using these tools, you can often resolve common issues within minutes, freeing up your time for more important tasks. Plus, many of these platforms are available 24/7, making it even more convenient to handle account-related matters at your own pace. 

Think for a moment... 

Imagine having a team of experts who can handle these types of requests for you, in real time. How much time do you think that would save you and your team? 

2. Outsource and Automate Your Contract Negotiations 

When it comes to negotiating contracts with your mobile provider, outsourcing and automating the process can save you a significant amount of time and stress. Leveraging third-party services or software solutions can help you streamline contract negotiations, ensuring you're getting the best deals. All without having to engage in lengthy back-and-forth discussions.  

These tools can help with the following: 

• Analyze your current usage 

• Identify cost-saving opportunities 

• Renegotiate terms on your behalf 

Yes, the last point is 100% possible and something more and more IT departments are taking full advantage of.  

Outsourcing these tasks to a lifecycle management company or automating it through specialized software can help you avoid the frustration of navigating complex contracts and allow you to focus on growing your business instead.

3. Centralize Your Assets and Invoices

Centralizing your mobile assets and invoices is a hack for reducing the time spent managing your mobile provider. By consolidating all your mobile contracts, device inventories, and billing information into a single platform or system, you can streamline the entire process.  

This makes it easier to track expenses, identify discrepancies, and manage multiple accounts or devices without having to sift through scattered documents or wait on hold for support. A centralized approach not only provides a clear, real-time overview of your mobile operations but also allows you to resolve billing issues or contract renewals faster and with less confusion.

4. Lean on a Subject Matter Expert

When dealing with mobile providers, leaning on a Subject Matter Expert can significantly reduce the time and effort required to navigate complex issues. SMEs have in-depth knowledge of the telecommunications landscape, allowing them to quickly identify cost-saving opportunities, negotiate better contract terms, and troubleshoot technical issues that would otherwise require long phone calls.  

Whether you bring in an internal expert or outsource to a specialized consultancy, having someone with industry expertise on your side ensures you’re making informed decisions while avoiding the common pitfalls of dealing with providers. This way, you can bypass the headaches and get faster resolutions to your mobile needs. 

Bringing [IT] All Together 

Working with your mobile provider is necessary and has many benefits. The good news is that this relationship can be more streamlined and much of it can be outsourced to the right tools and experts.  

Working with the vCom team is what makes all of the above information a reality for your IT team. Take the first step to improving your mobile environment by booking a call with one of our experts to talk about your needs.