While most believe that shared iPads are used in education, they are unaware that you can also use them for business. A shared iPad for business use ensures that multiple users can use the device without issues.
To achieve this, the shared iPad for business use needs managed Apple IDs and a mobile device management solution issued by the organization. With a managed ID, users can log onto any of the apple devices in the MDM solution.
You should note that a shared iPad for business use must have at least 32GB of storage space and be supervised. You can operate the shared iPad for business use on any of the following shared devices:
- 4th generation and later iPad mini
- iPad Air 2 and later
- 5th generation iPad and later
- All iPad Pro models
You should also note that a shared iPad for business use does not support Family Sharing.
Steps to Setting Up a Shared iPad for Business Use
Focus on Your Ergonomics
While this might not seem important, having great ergonomics can ensure your workflow on your shared iPad is great. One disadvantage of the iPad Pro and other iPad is that they haven’t been designed to promote great posture when used like a mini laptop. This means in an office environment, you will have to use a stand to place it at eye height.
Several third-party manufacturers have options to enable this. You have to find the one that works for you. When on to go, ensure you leverage the shared iPad’s handheld nature, holding it as you would a book when reviewing, browsing, or reading.
Always Backup Your Shared iPad for Business Use
Backing up is extremely important for any device, especially a shared iPad for business use. A shared iPad is portable, and that makes it easier to lose. You can keep your data safe by backing it up to the cloud.
Fortunately, some features enable you to seamlessly back up your apple devices to the cloud with just a single setting. Furthermore, you can back up your shared iPad using iTunes if you have a Mac or a PC.
Get Rid of Distractions on Your Shared iPad for Business Use
Just as with any other computing device, minimizing distractions is the best way to be productive. To this end, you should use the first home screen and dock on your shared iPad for business use to keep important work-related apps.
Everything else—games, TV, and social media apps—should be moved to the second screen, where they can be out of sight. For the preloaded apps, you can delete the ones you don’t need or place them in a folder on the second home screen. For notifications, you can filter only the ones pertinent to your business or work.
Discover how to improve your workflow here.
Check Out the App Store
There is no harm in sticking to apps and apple services that have served you well in the past. If, for instance, your organization has always used the Microsoft Office suite, then you definitely want to continue using it on your iPad.
Furthermore, you can explore the App Store for other apple services that can boost your efficiency and productivity while on your shared iPad for business use.
Purchase a Stylus for Your Shared iPad for Business Use
iPad OS has been created to be used with your fingers, and the touch targets are sufficiently large that you don’t need to strain your fingers to hit a point. Nevertheless, a stylus like the Apple Pencil can be a great investment if your workflow requires precision and speed.
Consider the many use cases of a stylus: document annotation, mind-maps, and sketches. The latest version of the Apple Pencil can also be charged by simply attaching it to the iPad Pro. This feature ensures that you always have a stylus near you.
Learn how to connect your shared iPad to a computer to draw.
Purchase an Apple Smart Keyboard
While it is possible to type on glass, it isn’t something you want to do for extended periods. To this end, you will need a smart Keyboard Folio with your shared iPad for business use. This Smart Keyboard from Apple instantly connects to any iPad shared device transforming your tablet into a mini laptop.
If you spend a lot of time typing on Microsoft Docs, you need a keyboard to make your workflow manageable. The Apple Keyboard can connect to your Apple device via Bluetooth, and some other keyboards provide additional features, such as letting you stand while typing or protecting your iPad Air while you are on the move.
Choose a Cellular Model Shared iPad for Business Use
When choosing a shared iPad device for business use, you must select a cellular iPad. This is because not every carrier lets you use your Apple iPhone as a personal device to access the internet. If your carrier is one of such, an LTE-enabled shared iPad for business use makes sense. And while these models tend to cost a bit more, you can utilize the inbuilt sim card for internet access.
Go Big
If you are considering getting a shared iPad for business use, using the metrics highlighted above, you might be tempted to use the iPad mini. While it can act as a great productivity tool, its mini screen, hence the name, after prolonged usage, can feel cramped.
It doesn’t matter the use case, be it mind mapping apps or sorting email; this multiple user shared iPad can do with a bit more screen real estate. In this instance, your shared iPad for business use should have more screen space, not less.
This is why you should use the iPad Pro for your Apple shared iPad for business use. The 12.9-inch screen offers a lot more than the iPad mini’s 8.3 inches, making it more suited to work-related tasks.
Where To Next?
This blog is a blog dedicated to using modern computing devices to run and manage a business. If you’re interested in using an iPad for your business, either as an entrepreneur, a small business owner or for your employees to use I recommend reading the following articles:
