The Future of Tablets in Business

People have developed a tendency to adopt those devices that are most convenient for hem and have the capability to play a wide number of roles. He tablet has had a good reception owing to its lightness, portability and ability to perform a wide number of roles. Statistics shoe a possibility of tablets exceeding the sales of other computer devices by the year 2015 (Luk and Chikering 2013). This paper analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of tablets to determine whether they have a future as business devices for travelling salespeople.

Advantages

According to Luk and Chikering (2013), the majority of sales people have adopted tablets as regular day to day sales tools for the sales. This is most likely owed to its advantages. First, tablets are created t be held by the hand. They are therefore created lighter hence increasing its mobility or portability far above that of netbooks and regular computers. For individuals who are always travelling, this is the perfect device. It also has a faster boot time speed compared to computers. While computers take long to start, tablets are almost instant. The small nature of the device also enables salespeople to work in small spaces where regular computes would be inappropriate.

Second, tablets are created with multiple functionalities. They can create and present small presentations in a face to face situation. The preventability of this function on a tablet is much better compared to the same on a laptop or a desktop computer. For salesmen who are selling software, a demonstration would be possible and appropriate. Sales people are able to get real time data from a central database by using a laptop. Moreover, tablets can work as point of sales. In case a client makes a purchase, the payments could be processed on the spot. They are also transformed into communication tools through which teams communicate.

Thirdly, tablets provide a way through which companies can be more environmentally friendly. Sales people who have tablets have reduced need for papers in the form of reports and to make notes. This capability enhances the sustainability of a company and improves the chances that the company makes savings in the terms of paper costs.

Disadvatages

On the other hand, tablets also have some disadvantages. First, tablets are often more constantly than computers. The extra advantages that are endowed on the tablet come at a high price. It is unlikely that tablets will eventually replace laptops and desktop computers if the difference in cost persists. The price is however coming down and gibing hope to potential consumers. The drop in tablet prices is to be blamed on the competition in the industry.

The change process requires commitment from the company and its employees. If the change process is not done properly, there are chances that the device will become unproductive in a company. The multiple capabilities of the devices could become a disadvantage in the company in various ways. If discipline is not enhanced, the devices may become tools for engaging illegal and unethical activities. They could also be used for socialization rather than for enhancing productivity.

Conclusion

The future of tablets is agreeably bright. Laptop computers are already being used by salespeople to do business. The portability of the device is the biggest endowment for the device. It enables the device to be used in small spaces and with ease. Coupled with the speed that is comparatively higher than in computers, it becomes a perfect business device. Moreover, the tablets are environmentally friendly and hence save the company on paper costs. They also have multiple functionalities hence increasing the productivity of the employees.

References

Luk, W. K., and Chikering L., (2013). Tablet: A Medicine for Salespeople?. Available at: http://lchickering.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/ba-305-bi-weekly_assignment_3.pdf