The usefulness of tablets in business is overhyped, but they can be great in specialized cases. Check out this example of Disney Imagineers using iPads in a construction project at Walt Disney World.
While tablet sales -- mostly the Apple iPad -- continue to accelerate, I've registered my skepticism about how useful they can be for the average business professional. But, I've also noted that tablets can be perfect for a number specialized uses and I'm always on the lookout for new examples. I discovered an interesting one this week in a recently-posted video from Walt Disney Imagineering, which is putting iPads in the hands of construction workers who are building a new expansion to Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
Here are some of the things these workers are doing with the tablets:
- Viewing 3D models of building plans
- Accessing permit documents
- Scheduling
- Video conferencing and Webex meetings with architects and contractors
These are little productivity improvements that can potentially streamline communications and help mitigate the inevitable changes that can slow down a project.
Take a look at the video below to see the tablets in action.