While a few years ago it seemed that tablets were the go-to item for any business, with workers and staff seemingly always attached to them, in recent years tablet sales have stalled a bit. This does not mean however those tablets are on the way out. On the contrary, they are still used rather pervasively in many companies. A recent study has found that 40% of small businesses do have their employees utilize tablets in some way. Especially as certain tasks really do lend themselves to tablet use, it is important for business owners (when relevant/) to not only integrate tablets but what's more, understand the best ways in which to take advantage of this particular device and thus help the business run more smoothly.
The same survey that saw just over forty percent say they use tablets, also reported that over thirty percent do say they intend to buy tablets for their business within the next six months. While they are more commonly seen in Europe, the US is starting to gain some ground in this tablet-driven arena.
What are the primary purposes for tablets within the context of business? Among other things they help employees to:
- Create lists and thus stay organized
- Take notes when needed
- Stay on top of the firm's social media accounts
- They are often used as far as financial tasks
- Appointment setting
- Communicating with customers
And most of those polled did say that they primarily use apps on their tablets. Apps simply make life so much easier to this end. Social media accounts can be managed via intelligent and sophisticated apps. The tools available now by way of apps help to make employees that much more efficient and thus they are spending their time far more productively.
So should you incorporate tablets into the workplace as far as your team is concerned…If your business does deal in a substantial amount of documents and files, then perhaps a computer is the better way to go for most of those working for you? However, there are circumstances even then where a tablet may make more sense. For instance, does your team travel a lot? Here, a tablet could certainly come in handy. Also, our team members working where sometimes internet access is hard to come by—again, a tablet works well in this type of situation. Furthermore, if you are looking to cut expenses during this difficult economic period, tablets are cost-saving versus more traditional tech equipment.
The challenges to keep in mind should you go the tablet route: ensuring that they are not being misused. Also, there is the security factor—how do you ensure the information is secure. And managing all such devices could prove a bit tricky. That said, you need to weigh the pros and cons and decide if tablets could help your business run more seamlessly.
If you need cash to purchase new technology and supplies for your business, First Union Lending can help. Our loans are fast and flexible. Call today!