ABC Photosigns, which designs and erects more than 100,000 billboards a year, said its drivers now spend 20% more time on the road because they no longer have to keep returning to the office to process work.
The company took delivery of 45 Samsung tablets late last year and combined them with a specialised app that integrates real-time customer communications.
Managing director Mick Hollingsworth told ProPrint: "Traditionally our drivers would take a photo of the signs, go back to the office and email them to clients.
"Our drivers use their tablets to take a photo of newly installed billboards. The app automatically assigns a job number and sends an email and attachment to real estate agents so they can check and confirm the placement of the board."
ABC Photosigns had two staff when Hollingsworth founded it 20 years ago. Now it has 126 staff, five offices and is Australia's only national sign board company, he said. The efficiency gains provided by the tablets would give the company further room to expand, he added.
"We forecast that the business could grow by 15% before there’s a need to employ more staff," he said.
"The time saved is one thing but customer satisfaction has also improved because we’re installing more boards correctly the first time round.
"Our sales team is also using tablets as selling tools for the business as well – it shows we’re an innovative company that’s prepared to look at technology to stay ahead of the competition."
The company's photographers will receive tablets of their own by the end of April, according to Hollingsworth. He said that would further boost efficiency as they would be able to spend longer on the road and email in a steady stream of photos throughout the day.
Fast turnaround times are crucial given Hollingsworth's mantra of "what comes in today gets erected tomorrow".
All the signs get printed in Melbourne on two HP Scitex Turbojet TJ8300s and can then be erected the next day even if it's in Perth, said Hollingsworth.
ABC Photosigns is not the only printer using tablet technology to improve efficiency. In February, ProPrint reported how Gold Coast-based IBS Design Resources had equipped its sales force with iPads, while MIS vendor Optimus will be showing new tablet functionality of its system at Drupa.
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