Information Systems and Applications: Individual blog reflection 1

My thoughts on the role of tablet computers in business

 

Since the introduction of the iPad in 2010, tablet computers have increasingly played an important role in business. There are many reasons that businesses have embraced this new technology including, speed of access to information, portability, a long lasting battery life and also the practicality and sustainability of losing the “paper trail” to name a few.

Portability and speed of access are key benefits when considering the role of tablet computers in business.  Imagine the role of a sales representative. Because of the portability of a tablet computer, they are able to take their “desktop” on the road, providing them with the convenience of being able to follow up on administrative work such as emails and scheduling their next appointment without having to access a desk top computer.  The speed of access enables the sales representative to quickly and easily show their client’s new product ranges through the company website, place direct orders and check product availability.  All this with the knowledge that the battery won’t go flat!

iPad

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Image: flicker-4309966895/ fotopedia.com

In my opinion, another significant benefit of tablet computers is that they are easy to use, which is a real advantage to businesses that have a diverse workforce in terms of confidence and skills with new systems and technology.  Because they are so similar to the smart phone and are touch screen, staff of different levels will be able to adapt to new systems easily.  It also means that someone who does not have a master’s degree in IT will have the ability to understand what is going on!

One of the negative implications of tablet computers is that people may never actually get the chance to switch off from work.  Where it used to be that you were unreachable after hours, now clients/ colleagues/ your boss can reach you anytime, anywhere. People now have the ability to easily take their work home, and there may be a greater expectation that people will continue to work at home and the lines between a “work/life” balances could become very blurred

International company GE is a real life example of how tablet computers are successfully being used to develop the internal infrastructure of the business.