I am trying to explore the possibility of equipping our sales reps with tablets or netbooks in the field.
I was wondering if anyone worked for a company that successfully employed this type of technology.
I'm trying to weigh various pros and cons and am gaining insight from a variety of sources, but I always get great advice on BBI from posters who are more knowledgable and experienced than I am.
Some of the things I'm considering are:
The cost of a nationwide wireless data plan.
Cost/Ease of use for an attached keyboard (netbook) vs bluetooth keyboard (tablet) when entering notes into our CRM.
Using the device to play marketing videos and other marketing material, preferably housed on the device's hard drive as opposed to a cloud.
Potentially using Square or another credit card attachment in conjunction with a credit card processing attachment within our CRM (Salesforce.com) while in the field.
Would anybody who has gone through this process or worked for an organization that has explored this option be able to shed some light on their decision and the subsequent results?
2-4 gigs RAM
128 gigs HD
windows 8.1 vs android (much prefer 8.1)
a processor more along the lines of an i3 or i5, as opposed to a mobile processor
bluetooth connectivity (a must if going tablet)
However, I am not really too much of a tech person outside of just reading blogs as a hobby, so I could be off on these specs.
On going items such as user/app support, on-going training (app upgrades, new employees), and hardware support (break/fix, lifecycle)
they can generate sales quotes, check inventory, email people that need to be involved in a big sale and also
also product specs on hand. No brainer.
We have an account with AT&T with very good data plans for each user.
Bottom line is its a great tool if used and manges correctly. Just make sure u give them programs and tools that they actually need w it
Some of us here are in the industry and its an important change coming.
My company has some reps with ipads and they seem to like it.
This. The Surface Pro 3 has ironed out many of the quirks in the older models and can compete with iPad on price point. Advantages include a larger screen, built-in keyboard, OS you prefer, etc.
I really like the pen element - it's something MS was after for a long time, something Gates himself was convinced was going to be the turning point for mobile computing, and it's very well executed on the SP3. I can draw up diagrams and notes in meetings with the pen and they'll go straight to the cloud and ready to be cleaned up and e-mailed shortly after the meeting.
I'm leaning towards Surface Pro 3s. Our company is extremely cash strapped, so I don't know if we have room in the budget for them, and considering the main tasks that these devices would be used for, I was hoping to find a cheaper solution, but I'm learning that it's better not to skimp and just get it right the first time.
To clarify, when I say reps in the field, I mean literally carrying it into a dental office, showing videos to the staff, and then logging notes/entering orders in the car. That's why I'm hesitant to go to laptops - they already have laptops but it's impractical for them to carry them around.
Appreciate everyone's help.