Devicemakers Turn to iPads to Boost Sales Pitches, Save Time
BY LAUREN UZDIENSKI, DECEMBER 15, 2010
Medtronic, Zimmer and Stryker are just a few of the medical device companies equipping their sales representatives with iPads. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, the tablets put product information at a representative's fingertips and may also drive sales and increase efficiency.
The Journal quotes the chief information officer of Medtronic saying iPads provide an opportunity for "engaging in a really different way than we've done before." An iPad allows a representative to quickly access a presentation or product information, and the cordless, lightweight device is easier to handle than a laptop and boots up a lot faster. With these benefits in mind, companies are stocking up on the tablets - Apple estimates that 65% of the Fortune 100 companies are "either deploying or testing the use of iPads." Medtronic has purchased 4,500 iPads and may increase their order to 6,000; Zimmer has 1,000, and Stryker said they were testing the tablets in a pilot program. Even amid a cost-cutting and restructuring initiative, Boston Scientific is setting up representatives with iPads. CEO Ray Elliott commented that the devices can help minimize time lost to things that don't drive sales, like filling out expense reports or requests.
Of course, an iPad can also help you stay up-to-date with the latest orthopedic news. Check out the HealthpointCapital app, available here.
