Apple products for corporate use have already established themselves abroad. Large companies move their offices to Macs and give iPods or iPads to employees to increase productivity through mobility, automation, and simplifying repetitive processes. In Russia, few have appreciated Apple's capabilities so far, but interest in them is growing. How can these devices help transform business processes? How to integrate them into the work of the company and build management? Is it possible to switch to “apple” technology if the budget for updating is limited? All this was told at Softline.
Dream Workplace
According to statistics, about a third of life, a person spends at work. And the same statistics say that the main driver of sales of Apple devices in recent years has become young people, the so-called Generation Z. Those who have never lived without gadgets will soon be the main workforce in the market, and it is important to consider their preferences.
However, Apple does not necessarily mean "expensive." In companies that already use "apple" technology in offices, they calculated: the total cost of owning a Mac is comparable to a personal computer. Buying a PC, of course, will be cheaper. However, the cost of operation and ensuring safety during further operation, the costs of updating the software, management and support become at least threefold. In addition, any office equipment loses Apple at a residual value at the end of its life. For comparison: after 4-5 years of service, the Mac saves at least 25–35% of the initial cost, while the PC does not reach up to 15%.
The course on mobility
Transforming the workplace is possible not only with the MacBook. Other Apple mobile devices can help save time and streamline routine tasks.
“The iPad can be a working tool for a sales assistant,” says Anton Karpov. - This is especially true for sales and medical representatives who often go to meetings. They can show the client on the iPad an interactive presentation, which "branches" depending on the answers. And at the end of the process, the consultant can transfer all the data to CRM in one click and immediately put up a quotation. The speed in this case significantly increases the conversion. And besides, with such a scheme of work, the manager spends much less time processing the information received and preparing proposals and can hold more meetings. ”
Gadgets can also be used in heavy production. One of the cases is connected with the Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant. iPod is one of the main tools for repair workers. Employees were given mobile devices in protective cases, implemented software, and provided all the factory mechanisms with RFID tags. Now, when bypassing nodes and assemblies, the worker scans the label, the system issues a task for verification and monitors its implementation.
As a result, the company reduced by 2/3 the number of unplanned downtimes that had previously occurred due to equipment breakdowns. In addition, after the introduction of such a control system, NLMK managed to reduce the repair budget by 3%.
Apple in retail
Apple technology is also successfully used in retail. One of the major participants in the fashion market turned to Softline with the task of optimizing warehouse logistics and reducing costs.
iPod or iPad is already an alternative to inventory
“We analyzed the current situation and proposed, instead of the data collection terminal, to use iPod touch and a Dataphone case with corresponding software in warehouses”. As a result, the cost of one such set turned out to be half as much as a standard data collection terminal. The bunch came out more portable and lightweight, as well as virtually indestructible. After the crash test, when we really threw these devices into the wall, the client even refused to insure the kits. ”
As a result, more than 7 thousand of these sets were introduced in the warehouses of a fashion retailer. Clients considered the project successful and are now developing it in the company’s branches in Eastern Europe and the CIS countries. In addition, an option is being worked out to equip sales consultants in the hall with the same devices.
“This has something in common with another Apple case, which has already been introduced abroad,” says Anton Karpov. - In Apple stores there is no such thing as a cash register. It is believed that every additional obstacle in the way of a person to purchase - they carry goods for a long time, cannot navigate in the assortment - reduces conversion. It’s much easier to equip the sales assistant with a device that displays all the information. ”
This can be a tablet or an iPhone / iPod with an online cash desk, where the product description, stocks, necessary references to additional accessories are also uploaded. The buyer receives all the necessary information directly from the seller-consultant and immediately pays for the purchase on the spot without unnecessary "steps".
Applications can be developed specifically for the needs of the retailer both for accounting balances and for customer service “in one click”
iPad can also become an assistant for the merchandiser. The system using Apple technology has already been implemented at one of the largest Russian gas stations, where almost every gas station has a minimarket.
The person responsible for laying out the goods scans the shelf and, in augmented reality mode, receives information about the leftovers (or any other analytical information on the product). Depending on the number of goods in stock, it is highlighted in green, yellow or red. In addition, the system is able to distinguish between "hot" and "cold" shelves and give advice on the correction of the calculation.
Rent or purchase?
Even if the transition to Apple technology seems logical, necessary and resolved, it is often difficult for companies to allocate such a budget at once to provide new devices for all employees. In the case of cooperation with Softline, it is possible to obtain financing for the purchase of equipment.
Integrate Apple-based Solutions For Rent
Rental equipment has another advantage: it is insured against any damage, damage or theft. This will protect against unnecessary “headache”: the equipment will be repaired or replaced with a new one in just a few days. Any company that has passed the financial audit of Softline can apply for a lease. The second condition: the total cost of the devices should be from a million rubles. For customers who do not need such a large amount of equipment, Softline is ready to offer a purchase option. At the same time, all implementation and maintenance services will also remain available.