Whether you’re planning a project for a mobile business app or developing a mobile business intelligence (BI) strategy, it’s critical to gauge your users’ overall mobile readiness. Even though sales of mobile devices continue to increase, some mobile users show chronic use of PC-era habits.

Yes, the mobile savvy Millennial Generation is taking the workforce by storm, but they don’t necessarily represent the largest portion of business users. Mobile-ready users, on the other hand, will display at least some of the following characteristics.

DISCLAIMER: All characters appearing in this blog post are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

10.  They own smartphones and more

The limited real estate on the smart phone makes the tablet a better candidate for many business applications, especially in mobile BI. Therefore, they may also own a tablet provided by their employers as well as a lot of accessories to improve the usability, such as data entry.

9.  They remember the password to unlock their screen or app

As funny as this may sound, it usually is a good test of whether the device is being used frequently. Many businesses use device management systems to prevent unauthorized access to enterprise apps and/or corporate data on mobile devices. Therefore, the password to unlock the screen won’t be the only password they will need to remember. Mobile-ready users employ methods to remember different passwords similar to those they use on their PCs.

8.  They use their devices as more than a paperweight

Clearly the decision to purchase tablets or smartphones is a considerable investment for any business. Though mobile devices may be fun to watch movies on, using these devices to their maximum capacity results not only in higher returns on investment (ROIs), but also new opportunities for growth and profitability.

7.  They have apps other than Angry Birds installed

Apps are a good indicator of the basic usage. Whether the device is provided by the business or it’s part of a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) arrangement, there’s nothing wrong with having more personal apps installed than business apps. However, it’s important that required business apps for the user’s role are installed, working correctly, and being used. Delivering these devices to users preconfigured or completing set up remotely will help considerably.

6.  They own multiple chargers (and go nowhere without one)

Although mobile device batteries have improved significantly over the years, the more the device is used, the more quickly the battery will need a charge—especially for battery draining business apps (watching movies doesn’t count). A mobile-ready user who heavily depends on his/her device will typically have several chargers and have them placed in strategic locations such as the car, briefcase, or the office. If they stick to a single charger, as some do, they won’t travel anywhere without it.

5.  They meticulously keep their apps up-to-date

This is yet another indicator about the usage. Business people are very busy—especially road warriors—and may not have a chance to constantly keep an eye on the updates, opting out for the “Update All” option. However, if the device is not being used frequently, this is one of many neglected areas. As a result, the app may not work because it’s an older version. The idea is not that users should update every hour (or so many times a day), but that they do so at least once a week.

4.  They know how to back up their device

Although some businesses make the option of backing up corporate apps and data easier, many mobile users may be left on their own to deal with this task. It gets even more complicated in scenarios where the employee uses the device both for personal and business reasons. But the savvy user knows how to back up their data adequately.

3.  They can afford to come to meetings with only their tablet

This is, without a doubt, a good sign of an advanced mobile-ready user. To begin with, the number of days they may forget their mobile device at home will need to stay in single digits. They also come to meetings ready to take notes on their device and/or connect it to the projector. If it’s an online meeting, sharing their mobile device screen won’t be a limitation.

2.  They get annoyed when they’re asked to use their PCs

These mobile lovers compare PCs to manual typewriters and, simply put, they don’t like anything unless it’s available on a mobile device. They can’t understand why an app doesn’t exist or can’t be developed for it.

1.  They get upset when people give them paper copy of reports

For the users who have really ”drunk the mobile Kool-Aid”, anything on paper represents old times and they don’t care much for nostalgia. They argue with equal fervor that paper is not only bad for business but also bad for the environment.