Advantages and Disadvantages of tables computers for traveling salespeople - Essay Example

? Advantages and Disadvantages of Tablet Computers for Traveling Salespeople Executive Summary The paper intends to provides a broad on how modern tablet computers are replacing the way business were conducted using laptops or computers. The paper would also provide a section that would help in identifying the advantage and disadvantage of tablet computers such as iPad for travel salespeople. As per the analysis of the paper, it has been observed that although there exist certain disadvantages associated with cost, increase in work and certain other issues but it offers significant advantages to salesperson in the form of mobility, functionality and features. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Introduction 4 Discussion 4 Advantages And Disadvantages of Tablet Computers for Traveling Salespeople 6 Advantages 6 Disadvantage 7 Tabular representation of Advantages and Disadvantages of Tablet Computers 8 Conclusion 8 References 10 Introduction Technological advancement has not only provided ample opportunities for large firm to flourish in the international level but it has also made the tasks of business person travelling for business purpose quite easy. The advancement in the technology has also facilitated in speedy business process. Among all, tablet computers are considered to be one of the most spoken technological devices that are providing ample opportunities for business persons to establish effective communication with their business partners as well as with their family members. It is worth mentioning that tablet computers are not only being used by business personnel in today’s world but are also viewed to be used by students as they are far more convenient than a laptop or other devices. Furthermore, the use of tablets accommodated with advanced features provides large number of facilities that are not present in a laptop or mobile phones and are also very cost-effective. It has been observed that tablet sales have drastically increased by 80% in 2012. Apples Inc. iPad are considered one of the most renowned lines of computers globally. Launched in the year 2010 the iPad today has various line of products that are considered the first choice of every individuals who tends to buy a tablet computer for their use (1Apple Inc., 2013). The main aim of this paper is to provide a detailed analysis of the growing use of tablet computers by sales people. The paper would also contain a clear view of the various advantages and disadvantages of the tablet computers that can help salespeople to decide whether to choose tablet computers over other portable devices available in the market. Discussion The segments of tablet computers are considered to be one of the growing markets amid other electronic gadgets available in the business market. The main reason behind the growing preference of tablet computers over personal computers (PC’s) and laptops is their superiority in terms of convenience and features when compared to other hand held devices. It is worth mentioning that today’s youth also considers tablet as their first choice over mobile phones as they get larger screens and also provides additional advantages like high battery backup, full screen access and also provides the facility of calling over the laptop. The adaption of tablet PC by salesperson can be widely viewed due to their enhanced features and usability. The prime reason behind adapting tablet computers by salesperson it that, it not only provides them the advantage of carrying it anywhere but also helps in securing the data and helps business organization to keep a track of their sales. It also provides them with the facility to connect to any of their colleagues sitting anywhere. The ability to run programs, managing schedules, contacts can also be considered as an additional feature of tablet computers over laptops and other hand held devices. Though there has been continuous debate amid technological critics about the adaption of tablet computers by salespeople. Furthermore, it has been viewed that business persons prefer Apple’s products over other which is estimated to cover around 72% mobile device, 90% of tablets and 95% of apps based on the survey conducted in the month April and September of year 2013 (Dilger, 2013). Figure: Chart Showing the percentage of Apple users in copmparision to Andriod and Windows (Blue indicated April and red indicates September) (Dilger, 2013). Advantages And Disadvantages of Tablet Computers for Traveling Salespeople Advantages 1. Mobility: The first advantage of tablet computers is their mobility feature. They are basically designed in such a way that it can be carried easily from one place to other. Additionally, they are lighter and smaller in size as compared to a normal sized computer or netbook. It is worth mentioning that the boot time of a tablet is comparatively faster when compared to a computer. In this aspect, it can be stated that they are perfect for sales people who travels a lot as its light weighted and also because use of tablets enables sales person to work irrespective of the surroundings (Luk & Chickering, 2013). 2. Multi-functionality: There are various functions of a tablet that a sale person can utilize while dealing with their clients. It is worth mentioning that tablets are capable of giving small presentation in one on one situation. These kinds of presentations are also considered to be more effective when compared to a laptop. For instance, if a sale person is assigned with the task of selling software or a digital service he/she can provide a quick demo using a tablet computer. Additionally, it can also be used as a sales tool, and payment can be made right way. Besides, it can be used as a communication tool by both the organization and the salespeople to convey vital messages (Luk & Chickering, 2013). 3. Paper Replacement: One of the prime advantages of tablet computers for organization and the society is that they are more environmental friendly replacing paper recordings with digital technology. Additionally a lot of data can also be maintained chronologically and can be accessed without wasting time (Luk & Chickering, 2013). 4. Growing Acceptance: According to a survey conducted by the Sales management Association, it was viewed that 40% of the current sales person are using mobile solution while conducting businesses with their clients. Additionally, it has also been viewed that among all executives who are related with the sales department of an organization and uses tablet computers 70% are were reported attain a tangible return on the investment (Luk & Chickering, 2013). Furthermore, according to the U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index Study, it was observed that customer satisfaction level amid new vehicles buyers rose by 52 points when the sales persons used tablets profession. The vital reason behind this can be stated as the versatility and the effective tool that helps maintain consistency in the sales process over a laptop or computer (Auto Remarketing, 2013). Disadvantage 1. Cost: One of the major disadvantages of the tablets can be associated with its cost factor. Accordingly, the cost of most of the tablets are usually very high than a normal business laptop or computer. However, it is worth mentioning that the prices of tablets are decreasing resulting from more the increasing competitors in the tablet market (Luk & Chickering, 2013). For instance, the price of an apple iPad Air with 16GB storage capacity is priced around US $499 (2Apple Inc., 2013), while the price of the recently launched Microsoft Surface 2 is US $499. However the storage capacity is 32GB and provides more additional features (Microsoft, 2013). 2. Increase in Work: Updating a working process is considered to be a positive aspect for every business in this growing competitive corporate world. Additionally, there would be additional expenses while implementing the practice of using tablet computers to deal with customers as additional software’s need to be purchased Furthermore, file’s need to be converted into digital forms as all tablets are not compatible with many computer documents (Luk & Chickering, 2013). Tablet computers also lack in physical keyboard. In this aspect it has been viewed that sometime excess typing on the screen hangs the device resulting in damaging the device sometimes (Michigan State University, n.d.). 3. Low Processor Speeds for Work: Although tablet computers are considered as positive aspect for every sale personal, as it offers the handy facility of carrying it anywhere with utmost ease. However, when compared to laptop they have very limited processor speed making it difficult to run activities such as rendering videos, complex spreadsheet or other (Michigan State University, n.d.). It is worth mentioning that tablet computers that use Android as an Operating System (OS) are far superior to iPad in this aspect (Debate.org. 2013). 4. Charge: Another prime disadvantage of tablet computers can be associated with the issue of charging. As salespeople traveling from one place to another need to move out of their business place that may create certain problems for them such problems associated with charging of tablet computers. Therefore, if the device runs out of charge the business transaction would remain incomplete. Tabular representation of Advantages and Disadvantages of Tablet Computers Advantage Dis-advantage Mobility Cost Multi-functionality Increase in Work Paper Replacement Low Processor Speeds for Work Growing Acceptance Charge Conclusion The adaption of tablet computers to complete one task is viewed to be increasing. It is not only business professionals but students are also viewed purchasing tablets for their use. Among all tablet computers available in the market Apple’s iPad is considered to be the most purchased device in the tablet segment. The main reason behind the increasing sales is because of its versatile features and its elegant design that makes it separate from other tablets. With reference to the above stated discussion, it can be viewed that though the iPad has some disadvantages like high cost. However, when compared with the future effect of using an iPad, it can be said that that the disadvantages can be considered as an investment as the return would be considerably high from the adaption of the tablets. References 1Apple Inc. (2013). Apple launches iPad. Retrieved from http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2010/01/27Apple-Launches-iPad.html 2Apple Inc. (2013). IPad Air. Retrieved from http://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/ Auto Remarketing. (2013). J.D. power: customers prefer salesperson with tablet. Retrieved from http://www.autoremarketing.com/retail/jd-power-customers-prefer-salesperson-tablet Dilger, D. E. (2013). Good: Apple leads business adoption with 72% mobile devices, 90% of tablets, 95% of apps. Retrieved from http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/10/17/good-apple-leads-business-adoption-with-72-mobile-devices-90-of-tablets-95-of-apps Debate.org. (2013). Is iOS better than Android? Retrieved from http://www.debate.org/opinions/is-ios-better-than-android Luk, W. K., & Chickering, L. (2013). Tablet: A Medicine for Salespeople? Introduction. Microsoft. (2013). Surface 2. Retrieved from http://surface.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/html/pbPage.CATS/categoryID.66734700?WT.mc_id=MSCOM_SurfaceCat_Misc Michigan State University. (n.d.). Limitations and benefits for the use of the Apple iPad, tablet, and netbook computers. Retrieved from http://tech.msu.edu/ipad-guidance/ Read More