I recommend iPads for the detailers (sales employees) when the laptop leases’ end. The laptop leases will expire in a year and half. This would be a sufficient amount of time to make the necessary functional requirements. New technology requires time and dedication to make a significant step on improving technology for the sales team. I do like Bill’s enthusiasm regarding iPads, but there must be research, structure and organization to implementing a new technical product. There would be a timeline with three different phases of implementing new iPads (Development, Pilot and Production).
The
functional development of iPads is to have security, accessibility, efficiency
and convenience for the users. I would recommend purchasing Citrix Receiver
software with iPads to make it compatible with your system. Citrix Receiver is
an easy-to-install software client that lets you access your applications,
desktops and data easily and securely from any device including smartphones,
tablets, PCs and Macs. Working with a Citrix-enabled IT infrastructure,
Receiver gives you the mobility, convenience and freedom you need to get your
work done[1].
Citrix Receiver provides instant secure, single-sign on access to all Windows,
SaaS, and internal web apps or entire Windows desktops for apps. not
immediately accessible, you can kick off an automated workflow to get manager
approval, quick access, and get back to work[2].
The Citrix Retriever is $3,200 for 15 users ($213/employee) and does provide 1
year of maintenance. In my opinion, the
cost is an immaterial amount for the iPad ($1,200/employee) and Citrix
($213/employee).
I
like the idea to switch 2,500 sales representatives to iPads but I suggest using
1 out of the 4 regions as a pilot group. I would recommend 100 users in the
Northeast region. The 100 users would be an excellent resource to see the
return on investment (ROI).
I
believe it’s important to start small to see the pros and cons of iPads. There will
be a learning curve for Amrahp employees when rolling out the iPads. The pilot
region would take 3 months and they can provide feedback on iPads to the
company on whether this is an efficient decision. Once the pilot group is doing
well, I would present the iPads to the rest of the region. Each region would be
a phase after a 3 month implementation program and the 2,500 sales employees
will be on iPads within 1 year.
There
are several pros for the sales representative that will make it a beneficial
function. I agree with Bill that it would be more convenient for detailers and
iPads are lightweight. The iPad provides a quick and efficient process for the
detailers with using a touch screen during the sales visit. The detailers (sales representatives) can provide
a demo to the doctors to see the value of iPads. iPads are less prone to
viruses and malicious software compared to laptops. The iPads are also easy to
upgrade compared to laptops.
There
are several cons with iPads such as a learning curve, storage restrictions and
the current infrastructure would need support. The 2,500 detailers will need
training to learn how to use a touch screen. There is no external storage such
as a standard USB and a battery isn’t easily replaceable. The current
infrastructure needs support like Citrix Receiver.
The
iPad pros outweigh the cons as iPads are the future for the medical field based
on the convenience of bedside work. There
was a survey with small and medium-size medical offices. Of the small- and medium-sized
medical and dental offices surveyed for the report, 76 percent said they intend
to buy tablets over the next 12 months[3].
According to the report, most of those looking to buy tablets want an iPad,
which is quickly becoming the eponym for a tablet computer, the way the iPhone
has for smartphones and the iPod for digital music players[4].
The surveys are in favor for iPads in the medical field and I recommend them to
replace the heavy duty laptop.
Once
the sales team goes live for a year with iPads, Amrahp could eventually switch
to iPads for the entire company as a long term IT goal...
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