Tablets like the iPad have taken the world by storm over the past year, dominating the Consumer Electronics Show, and working their way into the business world. On first glance, the devices seem like something of a novelty—but the continued development of applications suggests some staying power and perhaps some real practicality. With all this in mind, I began to wonder—is there a place for the iPad in the gases and welding industry?
First and foremost, gases and welding distributors are businesses, so it’s important to look at the iPad from a business perspective. Bob Evans, of Information Week, explained why he believes tablets will catch on in the business world: “By the end of this year, there will be thousands of enterprise-level apps for the iPad that are not just dumbed-down versions of traditional enterprise apps. Many of them will enable the iPad to do things that no other device can do as quickly, as attractively, as productively, and as simply.”
Even within the industry itself, apps are starting to pop up. I spoke to a supplier last week who offers remote monitoring of fill plants via iPad. From anywhere, the distributor or supplier can log on to troubleshoot problems or even do things like change a mixed gas recipe. Minimizing downtime and boosting flexibility are two of the advantages of this. A tablet could also give an owner or operator the confidence to step away from the business to attend GAWDA events, knowing that he can access such things remotely.
Welding and cutting manufacturers have released several apps to help end-users pick the right tools for the application. Such tools can empower a salesperson who adapts and embraces the technology, or it can render him unnecessary if he dismisses it. Tablets could also give salespeople the power to bring up videos and demonstrations on the spot or refer to online resources like GAWDAwiki at a moment’s notice. Many of these uses are already available and require no app at all.
What do you think? Do tablets have a place in the gases and welding industry? To those who are already using an iPad or tablet for business, please share your experience.
