Construction firm gives Windows 8 tablets the nod over iPads
Brian Ranger, GM of systems and technology for PCL Construction, the 6th largest construction firm in the U.S., began using the preview version of Windows 8 back in February, and told the Wall Street Journal that it’s now using the final version of the software to help field workers communicate and share information from construction sites.
“I’m hearing a lot less struggle with managing the Windows 8 devices than I have about iPads [from PCL’s IT staff],” Ranger told the WSJ’s Clint Boulton.
Technically, a lot of the PCL field work could be completed with iPads. But Ranger said he found the iPad limited because it isn’t compatible with Microsoft productivity software, or with apps for cost estimates, project management, or computer-assisted drawing.
Foremen's staff now uses the Windows 8 tablets to file inspection reports, view building blueprints and schematics, and email their work when completed; tasks that used to require filling out paper forms that later had to be reentered into desktop computers and emailed.
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Comments 5
Ok, I call BS. We're been rolling out tablets over the last 18 months in similar work environments to PCL. I'd love to get the details of how PCL is using the Windows tablets and then coming up with this article saying it's better suited than other options. Either they never used other tablets or they just refuse to consider alternatives to windows and are hell bent on using no matter what. Believe me, we evaluated all tablets options and knowing what I know about current windows tablets, windows 8 included, there is no way this tablet is better in a field environment. Maybe in a year or two this will change, but for sure this is not the case today.
It'll be great to continue the conversation. i've sent you an email with my contact info and hope we can touch base.
I smell a propaganda stunt here. I am employed on a major construction project and I use the new iPad and iPhone for my inspection and audit reporting and find that it networks quite nicely with every necessary productivity software.
I work for a 65,000 plus employee construction firm in the Middle East BTW.
I just created an article about Windows 8 here http://blog.studenti.it/infokus/iconia-pc-tablet/ Windows 8 contained at Acer are very nice and user friendly