The workforce in various domains seems to have fallen in love with iPads. From construction and healthcare to restaurants and cafés, iPads have become almost ubiquitous, as professionals are increasingly realising how fast and efficient their work will become with the use of this device. With the increase in sales of iPads for workforce across different domains, iPad accessories too are in heavy demand. From iPad cases and iPad covers to iPad stands, docking and charging stations etc, iPad accessories are flying off the shelves in quick succession.

Want to know the reasons behind the iPad’s steadily rising popularity? Let’s dive deeper to take a close look.

iPads in Construction

iPads can help construction contractors walk the green path by chucking paper and using digitally stored information instead. Not only will this make it easy to access, retrieved and manage information easily, it will also save time and money, not to mention the environment as well.

Communication between architects, contractors and workers in the field can be made faster and easier with iPad apps. For example, a contractor needing any structural clarification from the architect can simply use his blueprints app, mark the problem and send it out to the architect via an email right from the field rather than visiting the office, finding the paper blueprints, marking the problem on the plan, scanning it and then accessing a computer to mail the same. With apps like Fieldwire (to facilitate collaboration between foreman, superintendents and project managers) and PlanGrid (for collaboration between contractors and architects with respect to project specs, plans and images), different people involved in the various stages of construction can work together efficiently.

With several analytics and tracking apps, construction company owners can now have a clear idea of what’s actually going on in the field and who is contributing to what. While the Google analytics app gives you several key performance indicators to measure your construction business’s overall performance, other apps like Corecon Mobile (that allows users to share project dynamics, daily logs, punch lists, administration etc) and Construction Manager (that facilitates transfer of daily logs, maintenance reports, times sheets etc between construction sites and company headquarters) can also help to track the progress.

By using apps like BIMx (a free, interactive 3-D presentation and communication tool for architectural designs) and AUTOCAD 360 (to view, share and edit drawings from desktop, Internet and mobile devices), those in construction can even market their present and upcoming properties to potential buyers via the digital mode rather than printing flyers and placing ads in TV and newspapers etc.

iPads in Healthcare

From doctors and patients to those managing records for healthcare facilities, iPads can act as a powerful tool for all. No wonder a growing number of healthcare facilities are using iPads and even encouraging patients to start using them.

While getting our loved ones admitted to hospitals, most of us have to bear the hassle of filling lengthy forms with detailed patient data before s/he can be admitted and the treatment starts. In serious cases like accidents, such a delay can be telling on our nerves. By using iPads and online forms synced to their database, healthcare facilities can make it quick and easy to get patient information, thus decreasing the time lag significantly.

Storing patient information digitally on iPads makes it easy for doctors to access them without leafing through a lot of papers or deciphering handwriting. In case of critical patients, such quick and easy access to details like present medication lists, current symptoms, allergies if any etc can help in fast and effective decision making with respect to the best treatment option.

Some iPad apps that act as diagnostic tools such as Airstrip Cardiology (that facilitates extensive review of patient’s ECG history, thus enabling faster life-saving decisions) and Mersey Burns (that generates precise and fast calculations for fluid management, which is vital for burn victims) can also help doctors significantly.

Armed with an iPad, physicians can now share valuable information with their patients about their disease, course of treatment and post-treatment care using visual and multimedia apps. This will make it easy for patients to understand what ails them and what they should expect from the treatment.

For doctors who want to stay updated about the recent developments in their field but don’t find the time to read reference books and journals, Johns Hopkins ABX Guide App (an all-inclusive reference app), Medscape MedPulse (news aggregator for everything related to medicine) and UpToDate app (with its “what’s new” section to browse headlines) can help.

iPads in Restaurants and Cafés

Pairing technology and taste is the buzzword in many restaurants and cafés these days. From using iPads to let guests browse the menu and place their orders, to using them to educate and entertain them until their order arrives at the table, restaurants and cafés are communicating and interacting with their clients like never before.

By providing high resolution images of foods and beverages, restaurants and cafés are letting their patrons browse them, select portion sizes and place orders with a simple tap. An order thus placed is passed on to the kitchen or bar directly, thereby eliminating errors and speeding up the delivery process.

With the use of iPads and bidding adieu to paper, there’s no longer a need to reprint the menu every time you change it or make some additions. You can update the digital menu faster, with just a few clicks. Thus, whether it’s a seasonal cuisine or a special diet menu that’s on offer for the first time, faster updates on the iPads ensure guests can place orders for them right away to make them fly away from the kitchen quickly.

By making the ordering process faster with iPads, lesser number of waiters can manage more tables easily without affecting the level of customer service. Encouraging guests to share their feedbacks and suggestions digitally, giving them a sneak peek into the kitchen or bartender’s job are other ways to keep the guests engaged until their order arrives at the table. Thus, the use of iPads is a win-win scenario for everyone involved – the owner of restaurant/café, the workers and the guests.

Final words

If you belong to any of these sectors, are already using, or plan to use iPads for work, make sure to buy the right accessories like iPad cases and others to protect your device and ensure its optimal performance.