Recommendation - Laptop or iPad

To:       Bill Wolfson, VP, Amrahp, LLC

            Tom Armstrong, Sales Operations Manager, Amrahp, LLC

From:  Jennifer Mackson   

Date:   June 20, 2016

Re:      Replacing Laptops with iPads

Amrahp LLC is considering whether to switch to iPads or keep their current laptops. 

The detailers (sales representatives) use their laptops for heavy data entry and each laptop consists of the following internally developed operating systems:

 

1.    A system that consists of a QR code reader that is used to scan drug samples that are given out to medical doctors.  After the drug sample is scanned, the information is transmitted to headquarters and then to the FDA as a means of record keeping. 

 

2.    A Customer Relationship Management System (CRM) that keeps track of all the information gathered about each doctor in the detailer’s territory.  Information about a doctor can range from children’s names and birthdays to his/her last vacation.  This helps the detailer manage and maintain a business relationship with the doctor.  Detailers also keep notes regarding discussions with doctors, notes to managers and other detailers in the territory as well as notes to themselves.  From the CRM, detailers can prepare reports that detail how many calls were made and/or how many documents (studies about a particular drug) were delivered.

 

3.    A system that records and tracks travel and expenses. 

Whether he/she is using a tablet or a laptop, both have to have Microsoft Word.  Detailers use Word to prepare reports.

 
In addition to data entry and preparing Word documents, the laptops are used to present information to medical doctors.  Three means of presenting information are video, charts and tables and presenting a PDF of a published study.

There are two drawbacks to switching to iPads.  The first is that it is unknown whether iOS is compatible with the operating systems discussed above. The other disadvantage is that the iPad is touchscreen and is not equipped with a keyboard.  However, a keyboard can be purchased for $150-170.   There are many advantages, however, that will benefit the detailers.  Detailers spend a lot of time on the computer or in their car.  Carrying around a laptop can be cumbersome.  The iPad provides a lightweight option and provides ease of transport.  An iPad can be carried under your arm while a laptop has to packed and unpacked from a bag. An iPad can also be carried in a bag but it is not nearly as heavy nor does it take up as much room as a laptop.  For presentations, like the ones discussed above, iPads are easier to maneuver because they are handheld. They can even be handed over to a doctor for him/her to review themselves without having to worry about finding a place to prop it up on.  Another advantage of iPads is that they also support Microsoft Office programs. 

The cost of purchasing iPads for 1,000 employees is $897,990.

Breakdown of cost of purchase:

iPad: $629.00 x 1000 = $629,000
AppleCare:  $99 x 1000 = $99,000
Microsoft Office 365:  $99.95 (for 5 licenses) x 200 = $19,990
Keyboards:  $150 x 1000 = $150,000

AppleCare is not a requirement but is recommended since it provides technical support and some repair coverage. 

The cost of training, if necessary is approximately $120,070.  Please note that it is possible to cut training costs if many of the detailers are already comfortable with using iPads. 

Breakdown of training costs:

Training personnel cost= $35/hour for 2 hours for 1 day = $70
Employee hourly wage = $60/hour x 1000 employees x 2 hours = $120,000
 

Considering the requirements of the job – the travel and amount of data entry, the iPad seems like an attractive option. They are lightweight, easy to maneuver and support Microsoft Office programs such as Word and Excel. However, purchasing the iPads and training are expensive.  There is also the additional cost to consider of possibly having to re-write the operating software so that it is compatible with iOS since it is unknown whether it is compatible.  Considering the costs of purchasing equipment, training and possibly purchasing or re-writing software, I would recommend that Amrahp continue to use the laptops at least until it knows that its own software is compatible with other operating systems.