Maximizing the latest technology to make your online business run as efficiently as possible is essential in order to keep up with today’s busy eCommerce marketplace. As of June 2014, a survey of online retailers revealed that 62 percent of the respondents ranked eCommerce platforms at the top of their spending list in the technology department, according to Internet Retailer. Everyone is trying to keep up with the times, but it may be less expensive than you think. In addition to having a solid online store platform, you can also maximize your efficiency by using certain apps for your tablet.
There are many free or low cost apps for tablets out these days, with developers working on more every passing month in an effort to strike gold. While there are lots of basic apps that cover the actual day-to-day functions of your online business offered by online shop platforms such as Shopify, there are other apps that can help you in other ways.
Here are four highly rated, useful apps for your tablet when you’re on the go running your business.
1. Evernote
Evernote is one of the most popular note taking apps out there, but there’s much more you can do with it than just typing in text. Recent improvements to the app now include the ability to record handwriting, audio notes, reminders, images, and the standard text notes that most users have come to expect. Evernote can also be synced with your computer as well as mobile device, and accessed from just about anywhere.
This can be especially useful while you’re in the process of doing something where you need make notes as you go. The audio function is a great way to remind yourself of things you need to do while taking inventory, for example. If you have a great idea about a new type of merchandise you want to offer for sale, or something occurs to you about how to better organize, simply access Evernote, and talk as you go.
One of this app’s strong points is its ability to compile all of your notes and information into one central location that can be accessed in a wide variety of ways. The way the app interacts with the user is also very simple, so there’s no need to unravel the mysteries of a complicated app with lots of bells and whistles. Evernote has been included on many “best app” lists for 2014.
2. Skype
Skype for iPad was included in the Top 25 iPad Apps by Laptop Magazine in June 2014. The app is praised for offering unlimited HD calls, and is compatible across a variety of platforms. This is a great way to stay in contact with business associates for free. It’s known to be one of the least glitchy communication apps out there, and it’s effective in a variety of different ways.
If your phone bill is looking steep these days due to your business commitments, defray the cost by using Skype to call or video conference with overseas colleagues or employees. It’s common for online businesses to employ staff located in a different time zone, for example, which makes an app like Skype perfect to have.
There are lots of chat programs that boast the same features, but none of them outrank Skype in terms of reputation and popularity. In this case, there’s a reason the app and program is so widely used. The developers also consistently offer updates, continuingly making the app more functional and responding to user reviews.
3. Dropbox
Dropbox is a popular file sharing site, but the app is equally as impressive. This is a great way to share reports or other files with employees and colleagues. Have a mobile device full of inventory photos you want to send to your visual content editor? Throw them up into Dropbox with a swipe of your finger, and they’re there immediately for download.
The app’s simple interface is one of its strongest features, and will automatically integrate into the way you share and send content on your mobile device. Usually, file exports or images will have Dropbox as a sharing option if you have the app installed.
You don’t have to click through lots of different options with this app. Setting up folders and maneuvering through your Dropbox account is also very easy using the app, whereas many times the mobile versions of file sharing sites can be muddled. If you’re looking for a user friendly app, this one is for you.
4. Barcode Generator
This is especially great for ecommerce businesses owners. Barcode generator apps are simple solutions to creating barcodes for your merchandise. When you’re managing inventory, using barcodes is a particularly good way to keep track of everything. This is especially true if you’re dealing with a high volume of merchandise. Keeping on top of the state of your inventory is crucial.
This is especially true due to the fact that if it sits for too long, certain factors can contribute to its deterioration and devaluation. The top four include the cost of labor for inventory management, refurbishing or repairing due to damage, wasted staff activity as they work around the disorganization of old inventory, and expansion of storage space, according to Logistics Management. Create barcodes with ease when you’re using a barcode generator app, and stay on top of what you have in stock.