We all know how frustrating it is when service on your mobile device is interrupted – a dropped call, a picture that won’t send, or the web page that just refuses to load. And when your job relies on your mobile device, the aggravation can be overwhelming.

It’s no secret that mobile usage is exploding, and last year’s mobile data traffic was nearly 18 times the size of the entire global Internet in 2000. Furthermore, mobile device usage in the commercial real estate sector grew 46% from 2012 to 2013, according to a recent survey from inMotion Real Estate Media.

So, as more and more building teams commit to a mobile workforce, how can they ensure the same (or improved!) level of efficiency? Well, if property owners are willing to invest some money, they could purchase a cellular repeater. These devices boost cell reception through a reception antenna, a signal amplifier, and an internal rebroadcast antenna, and guarantee improved signal strength – meaning you can still complete work in the basement and areas of poor service. Prices vary based on coverage area (square footage) and the amount of users.

Another way to minimize loss of service is to equip your team with 4G or higher mobile devices. A 4G system, in addition to the usual voice and other services of 3G, provides mobile ultra-broadband Internet access, for example to laptops with USB wireless modems, to smartphones, and to other mobile devices.

If a property owner isn’t in a position to incur additional expenses to avoid service issues, the building team could implement workflow options for when staff members are in areas of low connectivity. For example, if one staff member is normally assigned all work orders related to lighting, but is in the basement dealing with another issue, the work order would automatically re-route to a different team member to eliminate delays for the tenant.

Property and Tenant Management Software like Building Engines can automate your tasks and processes (such as the auto-routing example above), and provide a mobile App that not only works offline, but syncs seamlessly with the web application as soon as you’re back in a reception zone. This allows you to accurately track arrival and work completion times, escalate issues in the moment, and receive new work orders throughout the day with updated priority and required response times.

Mobile workforces should be a blessing for property managers – not a frustration. Make sure your team is armed with the tools needed to help your building stand out from your neighbor down the street.