Embrace tablet PCs as valuable ERP tools

1/10/2012 at 12:32 pm by The Sage ERP Team

New technology that penetrates any market will eventually penetrate all markets, assuming that it is sufficiently applicable and affordable. The internet may not have seemed like a very effective tool in many industries as recently as 10 years ago, but there's nary a successful business these days that doesn't use the world wide web in some way, shape or form. Consequently, companies need to constantly explore the lists of new technology that's becoming popular for tools that can streamline their operations.

Tablet PCs, for instance, are consumer items used mostly by regular people for entertainment. Apple iPads are essentially status symbols that perform exactly the same tasks as a laptop computer in a slightly more interesting way. However, it is only a matter of time before tablet PCs become extremely important components in many industrial business settings and provide added functionality to scores more organizations.

Consequently, enterprises that use business intelligence such as ERP need to start thinking about embracing this sort of technology. The combination of tablet PCs' mobility, functionality and adaptability make them perfect for use in quite a few industries once they've been outfitted with enterprise resource planning applications and are prevalent throughout industries across the world. Here are some reasons why alterations to a company's business model should begin sooner rather than later.

Functionality
Even the most experienced workers in a variety of fields can have trouble when confronted with a computer screen. The keyboard, mouse and multitude of functions can seem intimidating and require a great deal of training. However, tablets are very intuitive. There are no other devices except the computer itself, which makes it easier for staff members to experiment and learn on their own.

Portability
As it stands right now, even the most sleek and powerful laptop computers need to be set down on desks and properly used to retrieve and log information. This doesn't mean they're useless, but they certainly can't be held and handled the way one would a clipboard. However, a tablet PC can be durably used in the field and on the floor of a facility to accomplish more of what ERP systems already do – streamline operations.

Prestige
The future has been overtaking society and industry for some time, to the point where many of the wildest ideas from the science fiction of the past seem outdated. It is one thing for companies to put on the appearance of an organization that uses futuristic technology – It is another entirely to provide results by using new devices effectively. Convince clients and collaborators that the future has come, and that you are ready for it.