accordgroup.org.uk /value-for-money
2. Information Systems - Mobile Communications
The information systems team undertook a thorough review of the Group’s mobile communications arrangements and associated
contracts in 2015. The results of this review triggered a major re-procurement project. The key outcomes of this project include:
n 180 handsets were replaced with new smartphones to support the Group’s commitment to improved mobile working.
n Over 100 devices were removed from service through smarter working and contracting arrangements to reduce service
usage costs without impacting on service delivery.
n A hardware fund of £115,000 was secured to support the procurement of future mobile devices and other similar devices,
such as 4G enabled tablets. This fund was part of the contract.
n The centralised operational management of all devices to ensure efficient and effective management of the Group’s mobile
communications service and contracts. This includes the central deployment of applications to handsets and centralised,
included data security and anti-theft applications.
n The introduction of a friends and family benefit scheme to staff through the Group’s mobile communications provider.
The main achievement of this review and re-procurement exercise however was a financial saving of £135,000 per year.
This represents a reduction of 49% when compared to previous contracts. In addition, the way in which the mobile
communications contract had been arranged with the Group’s means that one IS colleague can administer a contract of
almost 1,300 mobile devices. The project was delivered over a four month period and has identified significant future financial
and operating benefits to the Group.
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Accord Group