Why you need Managed File Transfer

By Jeff Whitney, Ipswitch File Transfer

For years, businesses have struggled to balance security and productivity in their mobile work policies. In an attempt to get work done, mobile users have often skirted the IT rules and turned to readily available consumer file-sharing options outside the corporate IT structure. This approach creates numerous issues from both an IT and business process perspective, mainly security, visibility and control vulnerabilities.

Forward-thinking businesses are adopting a Managed File Transfer (MFT) solution to alleviate these concerns and integrate mobile into existing file-based processes. An MFT strategy that integrates mobile provides access to files on business systems on the go, allows new file uploads and automates the movement of files back into business systems. By adopting an MFT solution integrated into the mobile process, companies across industries can realize significant business benefits. For example:

Insurance – An insurance adjustor securely transfers documents and images from his tablet while at an accident site. Further, he can initiate the automated insurance claim review workflow process, saving time and improving productivity. In the past, he would have to wait to access the server or rely on a co-worker to initiate the process.

Healthcare – A doctor takes a picture of a patient with her cell phone, adds the medical record number and sends it securely as part of a patient record update process. The medical records department is alerted to the picture’s availability, adds it to the patient record and sends the picture to the practice management system. The process is in compliance with HIPAA/HITECH standards.

Distribution – A sales representative at a customer site securely generates and delivers an approved price quote document, initiating the process from her tablet. Once approved, the quote is automatically and securely delivered to her client and the internal business systems are updated with the information from the quote. The automated process reduces time for quote generation and approval, and ensures security for sensitive pricing and customer information in every step of the process.

Oil and Manufacturing – An engineer securely accesses shared, large unstructured data files, such as geo-physical information, equipment specifications or designs on their tablet. Previously, engineers had to carry paper copies, anticipate which electronic documents they might need or make another trip if they didn’t have the proper information on hand. Needless to say, updating documents on the spot was out of the question before implementing an MFT solution.

Finance – A financial services manager can view sensitive financial documents and reports from her mobile devices without any unencrypted files stored on device. Even better, financial reports can be automatically generated and securely transferred to appropriate executives. And if the files are not accessed within a pre-set timeframe, they are deleted or can be deleted after a pre-set number of views. Previously, they were chained to their desk or forced to put sensitive information at risk using unsecured methods.

These are just a few examples of the many benefits Mobile MFT can provide across industries. Do you use Mobile MFT in your business?

Jeff is responsible for all aspects of worldwide marketing at Ipswitch File Transfer– including product marketing, demand generation, online marketing, and PR/ Analyst relations. Before joining Ipswitch, Jeff served as Vice President of Worldwide Marketing for OutStart, a learning and knowledge company. At OutStart, Jeff helped to establish a dominant market position for their cornerstone learning content management solution, achieve five consecutive years of profitability. Jeff graduated from Westminster College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics.