by Ted Saul
Computing tablets such as the iPad, Toshiba Excite and Motorola Dorid are here to stay and whether or not they will replace the laptop has yet to be determined. But the uniqueness of the tablet along with its transportability makes in an attractable tool not only for consumer use but for business use as well. It is a matter of finding where it can be used most efficiently and benefit the success of your company.
We know tablets are an excellent method for looking up and displaying information from the web so leveraging this capability may be a start. Sales personnel facing customers each day may benefit from applications that access company product information. As discussion gets close to a potential sale, a tablet can show prospective buyers more in-depth information about the product. For example a video might show the product in use by other customers. Or give a visual with a series of high definition pictures showing the product being built and functioning. As we know, one picture can speak a thousand words and an online demonstration that forms the most current catalog will certainly impress the customer. And should the customer like to have a copy of what they’ve just seen, a couple quick touches on the screen and its all sent to them by email. No more promises of “getting back to you” or accidentally forgetting to follow-up.
For those in the manufacturing segment there are applications being created for the tablet as well. These cloud based programs let you connect to your manufacturing system from your mobile device to plan and adjust production runs and estimate completion dates. Supplier delivery information can be determined as well. Inventory can then be allocated to customer orders allowing you to give an expected delivery date. If you are interacting with the customer at the time, they will be pleased to have such up-to-date information.
The tablet can prove useful within your store as well. For example, if you equip your floor sales employees with similar tools, they can service customers much quicker. On request, they can perform a quick look up to provide inventory and product information, sales prices and even competitive information of which a customer may have interest. There will be no running back for a look up or waiting for the availability of a computer. They can stay with the customer preventing the loss of an impatient customer.
The tablet can be used in your IT operations by using system apps that allow the remote monitoring of computer systems. Performance can be tracked along with special processing such as month-end updating and reporting. Hardware can also managed to report error counts and anticipated problems, system temperatures and other key operating factors. Finally a secure environment may be maintained by running apps that allows you to remotely view logs while looking for intrusion information.
Ted Saul provides private business consulting that assists startup and small businesses with organizational and planning needs. Ted holds an MBA from Regis University out of Denver Colorado. Ted can be reached at t.saul@juno.com, teds787 on Twitter and on Linkedin.