Benefits of Using Tablets in the Boardroom
Tablet computers like the iPad have changed the way the world consumes content and the way everybody views portable computer systems in general.
Many people get excited about the opportunities to browse the internet, listen to music, or to play games in a sleek, non-clunky manner.
However, tablets aren’t just valuable for consumers utilizing the machine in a recreational sense. It’s also made a tremendous impact in the professional sphere, such as making significant changes in the boardroom.
There are multiple features and benefits that come with using a tablet in the boardroom that’ll be discussed below:
Cutting Down on Paper
The average size of a corporate board is around 9 directors. So, printing a board handbook, for instance, would generate at least 460 pages.
On bigger boards, a board handbook could yield 27,900 pages just for the board books alone. Then there are ink and printing costs on top of all that.
Utilizing board governance software on a tablet removes both the cost and the wastefulness of these papers.
Plus, members can’t lose papers and require reprints because the information will always be on their device.
Perfect for Travelling
Laptops can be clunky and awkward to travel with.
Think about it. Many directors are frequently on the move, especially if they’re part of a company where most board meetings are done via video chat platforms, such as Skype.
Having to drag around a laptop with its array of cords while searching for outlets isn’t conducive to seamless connectivity on the road.
iPads are compact and easy to bring on the go, remaining unobtrusive until they’re required.
Meeting Information Provided in Real-Time
Another issue with boards providing information on physical documents is that directors have to spend time sifting through a wealth of papers trying to find the relevant reports or memos.
With iPads, coupled with board portal software, boards of directors will receive up-to-date information on the most relevant documents immediately.
The second the information is entered into the iPad, it can be made available to all board members. As such, there’s no reason for any knowledge discrepancies between directors. Everyone will know high-priority information as it’s happening.
Digitize the Meeting Process
In any given meeting, there is a wealth of processes and procedures that may occur. Motions are passed, meeting minutes are recorded, and presentations are given.
There are many situations where doing things the old-fashioned way only serves to slow down the processes of a meeting.
Conversely, with iPads, many corporate boards, for instance, will have their visitors sign in using the tablet. Other organizations will position tablets outside the boardroom, allowing board directors to record their attendance before they enter a meeting, formally.
Other boards use iPads and the adjacent portal technology to vote on motions and to annotate critical notes during meetings.
As such, meetings can remain centered around more pressing issues, while directors won’t be wasting time on tasks that should be digitized.
Is Your Board Not Leveraging Tablets?
It’s 2019, and any board of directors worth its salt is utilizing technology to streamline their operations. In fact, they’re using tablets to be more inefficient in the boardroom. If you’ve yet to start taking advantage of these technologies, now is the time to start.