Are the members of your team utilizing their Android mobile devices to complete tasks?
The integration of an Android app suite into the workplace can significantly enhance productivity. Many organizations choose Android to elevate their office efficiency due to its flexibility, improved workflows, and effective communication. Every department within a business can benefit from a high-quality suite of Android apps.
For example, an account representative might use an app to update client information during sales calls, saving time and reducing errors that could arise from manual note-taking and later data entry. These apps also contribute to reducing paperwork. Employees no longer need to wait to return to the office to fax or print documents and manage physical files. Instead, they can handle these tasks remotely with less effort, which also reduces the consumption of ink, power, and paper.
Numerous companies have experienced significant advantages from employing Android apps on their team’s devices, and others can enjoy these benefits by integrating a powerful and user-friendly suite of apps.
To assist in this endeavor, this article will outline the top three Android app suites for enhancing office productivity.
THE THREE APPS APP #1 – MICROSOFT 365
Microsoft 365, unlike the one-time purchase Microsoft Office, is a subscription service that eliminates concerns about paying the full price for new updates. This software is highly recommended for both office use and customer service due to its subscription model. Subscribers automatically receive new features, security updates, and technical support without additional charges, and these benefits are available across multiple devices including PCs, tablets, smartphones, and Macs.
The number of devices covered depends on the chosen Microsoft 365 plan, with four business and four enterprise options available, allowing for a tailored subscription to maximize return on investment.
Microsoft 365 serves as a productivity hub, offering more than just the familiar Office desktop apps like Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Subscribers also get access to an array of productivity-enhancing features:
- Built-in professional email and calendaring.
- 1 TB of online storage per user for file storage and sharing from various devices.
- Collaboration tools: Microsoft 365 Groups, Yammer, and Microsoft Teams.
- Advanced security and device management with Microsoft 365 Defender.
- Additional productivity tools like Windows 365 (also known as “Cloud PC”).
- And Windows Analytics can be paired with Microsoft 365.
Moreover, in September 2021, Microsoft announced third-party integration options for Salesforce and Atlassian’s Confluence Cloud, joining other popular apps like Slack, Mailchimp, Trello, and Evernote.
APP #2 – GOOGLE WORKSPACE
Google Workspace, previously known as G Suite, is a major competitor to Microsoft 365, offering subscribers a suite of communication and collaboration apps.
These include popular tools like Gmail, Google Drive, Google Meet, and Calendar, along with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Sites, and more.
Google provides three business plans (Business Starter, Standard, and Plus) and one Enterprise plan with custom pricing. The monthly subscription model of Google Workspace allows for plan changes as needed, reflecting any significant business changes. All plans also come with a free 14-day trial, which is an excellent way to evaluate the value of a plan before committing.
However, it’s worth noting that Google Workspace’s entry-level plan offers only 30GB of storage per user, compared to the 1TB offered by Microsoft 365’s equivalent plan. Despite this, Google Workspace’s higher-tier plans offer competitive storage options, and both services allow additional storage purchases on a per-user basis if needed.
For businesses requiring specific apps beyond the core and supporting apps of Google Workspace, the Google Workspace Marketplace offers a directory of hundreds of compatible third-party apps, such as Dropbox, Trello, HelloSign, and Mind Meister.
APP #3 – WPS OFFICE
WPS Office, supported in nearly 50 languages, is a valuable addition to any workplace. It is free to install and includes Spreadsheet, Presentation, and Writer, with additional features available for purchase.
Unlike other apps, WPS Office can convert PDFs to WPS and read Adobe files, supporting a variety of file types such as HTML, TXT, PPTX, DOT, RTF, and DOC, ensuring compatibility with Google Docs and Microsoft Office.
WPS Writer allows secure document storage with password protection and includes an auto-save feature to prevent data loss. It also comes equipped with a spell checker, commenting capability, and change tracking.
OPTIMIZE YOUR WORKPLACE WITH CUTTING-EDGE ANDROID APPS
While all three suites offer excellent options for Android users, Microsoft 365 may be the best choice, providing essential tools for collaboration, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, along with exceptional ongoing customer support to quickly address any issues.
However, it is crucial to thoroughly evaluate all options before selecting a productivity suite for long-term use.
Addressing workplace productivity is essential, and the trend towards digitization has gained traction even among skeptics and those resistant to change.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the shift to remote and hybrid work models across various industries and countries. As everyone anticipates a post-pandemic future, it is clear that new paradigms of work, management, and productivity will emerge.
If you’re looking to boost productivity and profitability for your small business, consider reaching out for a conversation to explore how you can benefit from these services.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.
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