The Portable Computing Devices

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

The IT Manager of a multinational company with regional offices is asked to facilitate sales staff with portable computing devices

The company presently faces the distinct challenge of changing its outdated method of sales delivery to current standards that will enhance efficiency, effectiveness, professionalism and coordination with its Head Office

The company intends to invest the sum of ten thousand Pounds (£10,000) in equipment to support its sales team, the purchase of this equipment will allow its sales force to improve their image to prospective clients, facilitate report writing whilst on travel, improved presentations to potential customers. Additionally it will eliminate the need for printed product brochures, galvanize the "first impression" to customers and ensure the sales team is equipped with the latest technology.

Plan

Introduction

Describe the assignments objective

Ascertain what the selection criteria are and what may be the possible solutions to achieve the desired result.

Appraise the possible solutions researched and compare with selection criteria in order to attain the best fit for the identified problem

Problem definition. The aim of the assignment is to formulate a report making appropriate recommendations for choosing a device that boasts the latest technology and will allow improved presentations to potential customers galvanize the "first impression" to customers.

In order for this to be achieved:

The best solution must be sought

Research must be done on a variety portable computing devices and a choice made based on the selection criteria.

Consider other requirements that the Sales Director might not have mentioned.

Take into consideration assumptions.

Identify selection criteria

List the criteria that will be used to achieve the best solution.

Process of selection (evaluation of solutions)

Assess the probable solution in contrast to the selection criteria and grade them in the order best to worst fit, "1 being the best and 5 being the worst".

Statement and details of solution

Say which solution was chosen and explain why that particular choice was made.

Description of problem solving process

Problem definition.

The IT Manager in a multinational institution is faced with the onerous task of finding a mobile computing solution for the company he is employed with, the company has (6) locations and (27) sales staff.

The problem that must be solved is how the IT Manager will use this budget of (£10,000) that is allocated, to provide the staff members in these different locations the aforementioned devices.

With the acquisition of these devices staff must be able to do presentations using projectors, send and receive email and be able to use their devices for a minimum time of ten hours.

.

Identifying the selection criteria

The items outlined here will form the basis of my selection of the relevant Device.

Price of equipment.

Choose devices of a certain price range in order to stay within the allocated budget that is to be provided.

Latest technology.

Devices must boast the latest technology available to devices of the type selected, for instance if it’s an android device the latest operating system for android must be loaded.

Connectivity.

Different modes of connectivity will be considered when selecting the device, such as WIFI capability and 3G LTE technology, devices with both modes will be an asset. For example, employees on the road having to send back a report to the Head Office or the regional office will need WIFI or 3G connectivity for sending Emails or uploading data to the company’s server or downloading the latest E-brochures to their device.

Screen

Screen size and resolution is an important factor that must not be overlooked, with a larger screen size ranging from 7" to 10" it will be a lot easier on the eyes of the prospective customer and the employee, resolution plays an integral role also, higher resolutions display better details of images on the screen which will look better to all parties concerned as opposed to a low resolution display.

Synching

Synching technology, comes in handy where the employee uses a compatible smart phone, emails, contacts and other information can be synced between devices, also online syncing can be used keeping important information stored at remote sites or on the company servers.

Storage

Storage also must not be overlooked, on-board storage and expanded memory with the use of memory cards,

For example: the use of on-board or expanded storage is necessary since different types of information and data will be used a fair amount of storage space is very relevant, staff must be able to access the needed data on demand.

Battery life

Battery life of 10 hours minimum with continuous usage, when selecting any device this is a very important factor, but for this particular situation it is of uttermost importance. Assuming staff will be on the field for long hours doing presentations and sales pitches they will need to get the maximum usage from the battery as charging may not be an option when on the move.

Native email support

Native email support with new mail notification Is a great feature to have when on the field, for instance an important email comes in but you don’t have native email support, your only option will be to open a browser to check the message, this can significantly deplete the power source.

Portable office software

Portable office software compatible with Microsoft office,

This is necessary for the staff to have on their devices, for creating and reading word documents, creating and reading excel spread sheets, for viewing PDF documents and creating editing and viewing power point slides.

Process of selection

Selection criteria

c. Process of selection

1. Blackberry PlayBook.

This is a business grade tablet computer that boasts the latest technology; it comes with a 7" high definition display with dual cameras, 1GB memory, 16GB of storage, native email, syncing between devices and WIFI capable. This device comes with a list of software which includes Documents to go; this application is compatible with the Microsoft office suite of programs. The cost of this tablet is $149.00.

2. Apple ipad 4.