When the iPad first came out in 2010 all of us at IBS loved it, writes IBS managing director, Gareth Powell. Typical ground breaking Apple genius, though we envisaged its influence was going to be more personal consumer than corporate business.
We saw it very much as a brilliant consumer device, from web reading, video, music and gaming to newspapers, magazines, social networking and personal data communication. A larger companion to the iPhone, perfect for personal use.
Aesthetic Appeal
However, that has not stopped a lot of business users wanting to use it in business environments, attracted by its cutting-edge aesthetic appeal and sheer mind-blowing trendiness.
Many people involved in the hospitality sector clearly pictured the iPad as a mobile device that could easily be used to take orders for food and drinks and carry out transactions with customers.
At face value, that sounds a really attractive option – especially as the large multi-touch screen is so much easier to use than much smaller PDA-style device and handhelds.
Robust
One or two clients have even asked if we could run our POSLink and StockLink applications on an iPad. Setting aside the actual time and cost of rewriting Windows-based software for Apple and Android technology, the reality is the unique of the hospitality sector needs hardware designed and fit for purpose – and much as we admire the iPad as a piece of kit, it’s not built to be used in a busy pub or restaurant. It’s simply not going to be robust enough. Spillage, easily damaged glass screens and excessive time recharging the battery are just three of the drawbacks.
However, the concept of a large screen and a mobile handheld device for taking orders and completing transactions did capture our collective imagination. The question we all asked ourselves was how could we give our clients all the benefits of an iPad, without it actually being an iPad. Easy, really. Go and find a compatible model with a Windows platform and all the robustness of the Welsh pack in full flow.
10″ PC tablet
And after a lot of research and a thorough trawl of the tablet technology market, we are delighted to announce that we are offering our clients the rugged and robust CL900 10″ PC tablet, which runs with mobile versions of both POSLink and StockLink. More details can be found in the news and solutions sections of our www. The immediate benefits are obvious – from speeding up service to enabling key staff to spend more time selling to knowing the resilient PC-based tablet is never going to need as much servicing and maintenance as an actual iPad.
From our perspective, this is a great opportunity for clients to discover if large-screen mobile tablets are for them beyond the novelty value.
Benefits
The major hurdle to clear is that previous experience has shown staff need to be introduced carefully to any form of new mobile technology. If they aren’t, the kit can tend to take up long term residencies in cupboards.
Our advice for customers is to have a look at the technology. Introduce it gradually to staff so they can see the benefits of the tablet technology. As they gain confidence in the concept, so they will embrace the technology.
If you want to find out more about POSLink and the CL900, simply contact either myself, Dee, Mark or Justin for a demonstration.
ENDS