Design 1: Not Just "As Good" But Dramatically Better

Designing ERP software for the iPad, part 1:

Make iPad version dramatically better than legacy systems.

ERP apps that are being ported over to the iPad/iPhone platform shouldn't aim to just duplicate the functionality of windows/keyboard platforms. iPad versions should be dramatically better, in the sense that they should leverage the unique features of this unique platform. They should take advantage of:

• Mobility
• Real-time business optimization
• Mobile capable workflow
• Slick user interface
• Form factor
• Location-based optimization of all types
• Bar code scanning, bluetooth data collection, video, audio, and photo

We hope to get into more detail in later posts.
Does this mean that any and all types of corporate applications should be converted to excellent iPad versions? Probably not. There is a certain class of users who are well suited to tablets. These target users have a certain set of functions they need. Any vendor porting enterprise applications to the iPad needs to start by choosing those target user functions, and create a "mini" version of the application for iPad.