thank you for the opportunity to evaluate whether to deploy iPads for your sales force. The iPad had emerged as a real force in enterprise computing, leaving companies with a choice whether to embrace it or leave it behind. With the growing popularity of the device, many companies are now exploring the possibility of using iPads, especially as a productivity tool. As a matter of fact, Apple CEO, Tim Cook, reports that 92% of Forture 500 companies were either testing or deploying iPads, indicating that forward-thinking organizations, such as yours, understand the game-changing potential of these devices.
Based on the conversations I had with the representatives from your Sales, Finance and Marketing departments , I specified the following functional requirements the device must have in order to meet your needs and suggested some functionality and applications that will satisfy them:
According to my research, the functionality that the iPad offers will satisfy your requirements whether you decide to use it as a productivity tool that will enhance the performance of your sales team, or as a replacement for the laptop computers. I will need to meet with your IT team to discuss the technical requirement and Mobile Device Management options. Implementing MDM solutions before deploying the device will let you enforce policies, wipe lost or stolen devices of sensitive data, and push new updates that will ensure consistency in how this device is being used by your sales force at all times. I do not expect a high learning curve as the device is very intuitive and the salesmen I spoke with informed me that they are already using their personal iPads for some of their presentations.
Once I receive the details of your current leasing agreement with the PC hardware provider, I can explore and negotiate the potential of swapping your current laptops for iPads provided that the lessor is interested in securing the business with your company. Otherwise, we will need to consider the cost of ending the lease and purchasing the devices. I will recommend that we consider iPads with Retina display in either the standard or mini version. Depending on your memory requirements, the cost of a device ranges between $499 for 16GB to $799 for 128GB (please add $200 to each option if you choose Wi-Fi + Cellular options). For a sales force of 2,500 employees, this puts us at a range between $1,247,500 and $1,997,500 (add $500,000 for Wi-Fi + Cellular) for the hardware only. Please note that we can obtain business volume purchase discounts once we set our specifications and commence negotiation with the hardware provider. We will also need some additional accessories, such as cases and screen protectors to safeguard the devices as well as cables and adapters.
In order to give you an example how iPads can improve sales force performance I would like to reference the case of how they were employed at Daiichi-Sankyo, a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan. Before implementing iPads, the Company's representatives had to carry heavy bags with laptops and lots of brochures to the hospitals and clinics to provide all the information they needed to the doctors, similar to what your sales force does now. With the iPad, the information is available right away allowing them to work much faster. Their iPads come pre-installed with all the applications they need to ensure efficiency and ease of use. Daiichi-Sankyo developed an application for their employees that has all the information about their products with video interviews with doctors who are known authorities in specific medical fields. The application also allows them to track their performance on a daily basis. They use the iPad during their meetings making the process completely paperless. They were so satisfied with the application of Apple technology that they allowed Apple to place their testimonial on their Web site. The culture of mobility and convenience is changing the business world for the better and companies are more pressed than ever to identify the best practices for both leveraging the growing use of iPads and incorporating them into more aggressive business strategies. I am fully convinced that the iPad functionality will make your detailers more efficient and effective, and that you will quickly capitalize on this investment.
Best regards,
MKO
References:
www.businessinsider.com
http://www.apple.com/ipad/business/profiles/daiichi-sankyo/#video-daiichi-sankyo
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