How Wireless Changes the Way We Work

Tracking Disruption

In the beginning, technophile families installed wireless networks in their homes so parents and kids could connect to friends, office and each other from any room, any time. Now wireless networks have left home and gone to work.

Wireless has clearly had an impact outside the home. But to what extent? Given both the hype accompanying wireless technologies and the widespread commentary about the obstacles to wireless adoption, there are many legitimate questions. How fast will industries actually adopt wireless technologies? Are users capturing the expected benefits? Is a technology initially used in households capable of providing industrial-strength security? What lessons have been learned from early adopters?

To answer these and other questions, A.T. Kearney undertook a wide ranging study tapping customers and key industry players in North America, France and Italy. The conclusion: Wireless is a disruptive technology in sectors such as education, healthcare, logistics and warehousing, and retail.

In this paper, we discuss how wireless networks can change the way companies and institutions function—how they distribute, sell and communicate their product—even how they define it. Wireless technologies allow organizations to cut costs, increase flexibility and productivity, and face their customers, students and patients in new and innovative ways.