Tablet Tech Drives Innovation Growth

The introduction of the iPad has forever changed software users' perspectives as to what they consider acceptable software; and most have no real awareness of these devices' dramatic impact. The iPad and the tablet marketplace has had the greatest push on software evolution compared to any other offering since Windows versions 3.1 and 95.

These tablet devices, which are readily available at our fingertips, multiple to the household and incredibly easy to learn, fit perfectly into the insurance-focused sales environment. This is especially true when technology leverages and builds upon existing knowledge of a forms-focused sales experience. By providing the sales force with flexible, device agnostic and data capture with direct-on-tablet screen e-signature capabilities, an invaluable process is provided to the end user.

So, why is this important? What business value does this provide?

In just four short years, tablet form factor computing has provided software designers with the flexibility to provide a value proposition to insurance advisors. By implementing automated business processes that uses the flexibility and mobility of these technological devices, advisors realize an overall cost, time and processing benefit, seeing valuable ROI. These technology capabilities advance sales to a new level for advisors by enabling them to expedite sales processing in today's demanding environment.

It's truly amazing when we look back at past software as to what was acceptable to the general population of end users. Can anyone remember actually using Windows 3.1 on a daily basis? Think back to early web-based applications and how they were primarily limited by the technology available at that time. Most people couldn't see a future where applications accessed via the Internet and web browsers would ever be a viable option. In early cases we made them work because they provided some benefit over what we were currently doing. So we adapted to what they had to offer and we were glad we had them, but there were ALWAYS issues.

Even with the insurance space becoming exceedingly efficient at managing paper processes, end users are more rapidly changing their outlooks and desires for instant gratification via technology as they see platforms that leverage what's possible. Historically, change within this space hasn't been triggered by end users clamoring for new technology; rather it has been driven by compliance, oversight and recordkeeping–and today, even this dynamic is changing, primarily due to the advent of tablet devices.

Looking back in contrast to the technology offerings of today, our expectations continue to evolve and tablet computing has forever radically influenced end users' expectations. It's obvious when your parents, who have never seen the value or the need for computers, are suddenly Face-Timing with your son on their iPad, paying bills via their bank app on their iPad and actually using email as a way of communication. These types of experiences are happening every day.

But how did we get here? What are the factors that caused this evolution? Did the iPad suddenly open technologists' eyes to what is possible? Was it simply the intuitiveness or immediate ease of use capabilities?

You could build an argument for each of these questions. However, it all began with the introduction of the iPad and it has not been apparent to most people that this impact has even happened. It's only in hindsight, leveraging sales and usage statistics, along with kids', grandma's and grandpa's experiences that the impact of mobility is becoming clear.

What started with entertainment focused applications on the iPad has now proliferated into the business world. What was once viewed as an escape from boredom on long flights has become a mission critical component to the insurance industry and a valuable tool for financial advisors.

Just as early software for the computer meant having an application installed locally, the impact of the tablet computing phenomenon has followed the same path in beginning with a locally installed application from the app store. Now computing is using a cloud based software as a service, providing a device-agnostic software experience. Moving from your desktop to your tablet and back to your desktop leveraging the same end user experience is providing the kind of value and flexibility that has never been available before. 

These behavior changing technology advances provide a value we didn't really know was possible.  They are leveraged in a way that makes our lives, whatever that is, easier. It makes us look at things differently without forcing change—rather it makes us desire the change.