What is the best technology to enable your mobile workforce?

Nearly every day I talk to companies who are considering whether to distribute tablets to their sales reps for handling email, sales tools and CRM applications.  Recently, we reviewed the options using Microsoft Dynamics CRM for one of our current customers.  This customer is piloting mobile technology with a couple of their sales managers before rolling it out to their larger sales team.

 

We presented several options to access Microsoft Dynamics CRM via a variety of mobile devices.

 

·         First, we reviewed the iPad. We loaded two options of Microsoft Dynamics CRM: Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobile (which is a very simplified version of Dynamics CRM) and the full version of CRM which automatically adapts to and is optimized for the tablet. Both were very easy to access and fast to navigate on the iPad, where there was enough real estate to view the entire application. There was even room to create emails and view dashboards. The primary disadvantage of the iPad option is that you would not have a full desktop experience as you would with a laptop. 

 

·         Next, we tested CRM on an Android phone.  Because of the screen size, we used Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobile, which is optimized for phones. This allowed us to see and edit contacts and accounts in real time, update the sales pipeline and send emails easily.

 

·         Finally, we reviewed a Windows Surface Pro tablet with Windows 8. It immediately became clear that we could see much more of the Microsoft Dynamics CRM application without having to scroll sideways.  What I liked most about Windows Surface Pro was its small size and touch screen.  However, I missed the integrated keyboard and mouse included with a laptop — although you can always connect a keyboard and mouse to your tablet. Another advantage of the Windows Surface tablet is the ability to switch to the desktop environment instantly and effectively use only one computer for multiple purposes.

 

Depending on your specific needs, there are multiple options which could work for you and your team. You also need to consider investment costs, upgradability and personal preference. All of the options can work, once you decide to commit and make the required time and resource investments necessary to ensure success!  Contact us if you would like to see the mobile options for yourself, 800-880-1960.