From meeting rooms to the GP surgery, iPad is helping transform the way we work. It’s now possible to make presentations, get up-to-the minute information on emergencies and access patient records on a single device that can be taken anywhere.
Small enough for anyone to carry around with them, secure enough to protect sensitive data, and with constant access to internet services, here we talk you through the benefits of iPad and how we can help you get the most from it…
The basics
It’s fully secure Having met CESG requirements for Impact Level 3 information, iPad has four levels of security: device (which includes passcode, timeout periods and device restrictions); network (secure WiFi, cellular and VPN integration); data (hardware encryption using AES 256-bit encoding for preventing data access when device is locked); and platform (apps are prevented from accessing data on other applications).
It improves efficiency iPad gives staff access to everything they need in a single place. They can share information via email, access files and records, create and edit documents, schedule meetings (and hold them), organise their day and much more. In iOS 7, for example, you can be notified about your entire day, including estimated travel times and the weather at your destination. You can even access Windows via virtualisation.
It minimises costs While a deployment of iPad devices is going to be more expensive than replacing computers on an ad hoc basis when they break, the ROI of having mobile devices will more than make up for that. From minimal support costs because of a self-service philosophy to a massive reduction in paper and time spent transferring information to a computer, iPad has a great total cost of ownership.
For local government
With iPad, there’s no need to be bogged down in endless amounts of paperwork – it’s the ultimate tool for digital working. Rather than having to fill out forms and documents, then transfer them to a computer, everything can be done on iPad and from anywhere. This means that more staff are able to benefit from working at home or remotely. For example:
• Environment and planning officers can take photos while visiting a site, then save them straight to a central server or share them with colleagues, rather than having to wait to upload them to a computer when they’re back in the office.
• Visual surveys can be put together that make use of the user interface on iPad. Results can then be automatically synced and downloaded.
• Admin teams can fill in digital forms or documents rather than having to manually do paper versions that are scanned in and a hard copy filed.
For NHS
With the NHS going digital and more focus on having computerised patient records, it’s important to provide staff with the right tools for accessing them. iPad helps eradicate many of the previous problems around adopting a new technology. As well as being incredibly intuitive, it gives users access to records from literally anywhere. For example:
• GPs can access patient records from both behind their desk in the practice or doing home visits. With iPad it would be possible to administer digital prescriptions, refer to guides and access referral letters on a single device.
• Paramedics can use iPad when out responding to an emergency. As well as being able to receive detailed information about an emergency on the device, they can access a full medical history on scene.
• Hospital staff can use iPad to order tests, view x-rays and more, all in realtime while doing their rounds.
For blue light
While iPad for the police and fire brigade is a relatively new idea over here, trials are taking place around the country. If you need access to realtime information, iPad really is the best solution. For example:
• iPad can be used to get directions to incidents, and then for assessing the location and any potential problems that might be faced on arrival.
• Fire teams can stream video back to the station for a second opinion on the best tactic to take or to assess if further resource is needed.
• Police and fire crews can access social media platforms and other online forums quickly and easily to notify the public of any issues, or use those platforms to find additional information on an incident before arrival.
Want to find out how iPad could help improve day-to-day operations and processes? Get in touch with us on 03332 409 323, email sales@Jigsaw24.com.