Most of us have been embracing mobile apps on our personal mobile phones for a number of years now. In some business sectors, mobile apps have been used for a while now, whilst others are just coming around to the idea. If you have been using apps to help you with your work for a number of years, it is a good idea to get a refresher on what is out there, as it is a rapidly changing landscape. If you are new to using apps for work, you are starting at a great time, as there is so much to pick and choose from.
Get yourself organised with a to-do list
Love them or hate them, to-do lists are a great way of keeping yourself on task. The trouble with handwritten to-do lists is that while it is satisfying to cross out a completed task, it is difficult to reprioritise your tasks without wasting time re-writing the whole list.
Hoping to solve this problem is the Wunderlist app. It is free and allows you to not only set due dates for tasks but also add reminders and even notifications straight to your phone. Emails can quickly be turned into actions by forwarding them, and your to-do lists can be printed. If you are collaborating with a co-worker on a project, it is easy to share a list with them, and you can even leave comments for each other.
Never forget an important document again
Cloud storage is a great way to make sure you are never without that important document again. There are many options available, and the best choice for you is likely to depend on the software you use for work. Microsoft OneDrive, paired with Microsoft Office Mobile allows you to store, view and edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents straight from your phone. This allows for a seamless link between your mobile phone, work computer and home computer, which is great if your company allow you to utilise your fibre broadband connection and work from home. Similar options are available from the likes of Google and Dropbox, however with many businesses already using the Microsoft Office suite, you are likely to find this offers the best compatibility.
Keep your notes on your mobile
Handwritten notes are easily lost, and it is not always practical to bring your laptop to a meeting with you. There are many notepad-type apps available for mobiles that allow you to simply type, with a few that really stand out from the crowd, with a whole host of additional features.
Notability is one such app. It allows you to combine typing, handwriting, sketches, photos, and audio notes in one place. If you want to annotate the meeting agenda, simply import the file into the app, draw, and write on top of it. If you are presented with any paper documents upon arriving at the meeting, you can simply take a photo of them and annotate your photo. With an app like this, there will be no need to waste time looking for lost pieces of paper again.
Many businesses have green aspirations, and mobile apps are slowly helping us move toward the era of the truly paperless office. On the mobile that you already have in your pocket, they are as convenient as a traditional notebook, whilst in many cases having the features of a full-blown computer programme.
