A few years ago, many businesses began to see the need for tablets and smartphone-sized devices to solve their professional needs. The only problem was that enterprise device manufacturers did not have products to fill the needs of the market. This is where app developers and consumer devices stepped in to fill the gap. iPads and Android tablets became an option for many seeking to add mobility to their business strategy. And as predicted, many manufacturers have responded and begun to make devices that better meet the needs of the market without taking away from the fact that consumer devices have also become prevalent.
Customers now have a wide range of enterprise and consumer devices from which to choose. This is great news because there is power when there are options, but it can also create confusion. So, if you’re feeling stumped, consider a few things when deciding if enterprise or consumer is best for your business.
Function
This might be the single most important factor – the device must meet the business’ needs. There can’t be any level of compromise or uncertainty in functionality. When comparing to consumer devices, this is where enterprise really has a key advantage, because the device is made with a specific purpose in mind. In many cases, the device can be configured with accessories that make it nearly a custom fit for you. These accessories can be credit card swipers, barcode scanners, and RFID components. These bolt-on features make the device the perfect fit for your solution. Consumer devices are made for personal use in mind and they fit that need very well, but that also often means they may not be the best fit for your business.
Aesthics
It is undeniable that the design, look and feel of a device is important. Employees on a regular basis will use these devices and customers will often be in close proximity as well. Most companies will want to use hardware that supports the image of the brand. A product that appears to be cheap, cumbersome, or outdated will give the customer the impression that the company is the same. This is an area where consumer devices have been very appealing. However, many enterprise manufacturers have greatly improved their ability to provide better-looking products. Some companies will go as far as to have custom hardware or cases made that match their company’s branding. This may not seem like an important issue but it is important to consider how the device will look in the business environment before purchasing.
Theft
For many, theft is not on their list of concerns, but for others it can be an important factor. Keep in mind that consumer devices can easily be re-purposed for personal use. An iPad is an appealing piece of hardware for an employee or customer to steal, because it can easily be just as useful to an everyday person as it can to your business. Purpose-made enterprise devices typically do not gain the same attraction, because it was never intended to be a personal device. A ruggedized handheld computer with a barcode scanner does not function as a personal smart phone like an iPhone would.
A consumer grade device may be able to fit into some business solutions, and can help save your business money if integrated properly. But in most cases, a device designed specifically for a purpose in your business will be the better option. Every situation is different and it will be important to consider the desired outcomes of the solution as well as consulting with your IT vendor to ensure the decision will provide increased productivity for years to come.