Tablets making impact at every level of business

Just as the tablet computer is seeing huge success in the consumer market, so is it having an influence in the enterprise sector. Businesses are finding uses for the device at nearly every level, from the warehouse floor all the way up to the boardroom.

Electronics distributor Avnet, for example, is piloting a tablet program for its warehouse operations, technology news provider InformationWeek reports. Avnet has developed an application that enables employees to scan bar codes using the tablet's camera. The app is designed to collect information about the items in Avnet's warehouse, and presumably it could one day be extended for inventory and other purposes.

At the other end of the spectrum, boards of directors are employing tablets to provide members with easy access to digital board books. Such applications allow board members to read reports offline and make notes. Companies can also reduce the amount of paper they would have used to create these board books.

The tablet is also finding uses in the sales department, retail, restaurants and in the field. However, while the device's enterprise reach is extensive, there is still room for growth. As the technology becomes more commonplace in the office, its applications are likely to expand and further impact business operations.