Today I am writing about a very useful tool that I use almost every day. It is an iPhone app called Books.
Many documents I need for day-to-day work like documentation, schedules, specific photos and memos are accessed quite a bit. I usually email them as attachments to myself and then access them on my phone. I will share the attachment with Books; the app will place them into a library and I can access them anytime and not have to worry about losing it on my phone.
Recently I was on a contract job and was asked for a photo of my license and W-9. I pulled up the documents in Books and emailed them right over to the client. Yes, it is that easy.
I use this for all business needs such as invoices, schematics, documentation, contracts, etc. In this mobile-cyber world it is great to have these at my fingertips when needed. You can add, delete and update when needed. It is the best way to store PDFs in a mobile environment. A client will be impressed if they ask you something and the correct document can either be printed or emailed from your phone.
It is also great that you can use PDFs, Word, Excel and image documents. Who doesn’t like important information at your fingertips? Okay Mr. Jobs, you got it right this time!
You can create multiple collections; I separate clients this way. The search function is good, though it could be better.
As many of us “road warriors” know, information is key. But who wants to constantly access everything from a PC going through a VPN? Keeping copies available makes sense, especially if you are carrying your phone anyway.
One thing that I also use Books for is keeping PDFs of manuals. When I need a specific section, I print it from my phone. Remember: An engineer doesn’t have to know everything but does need to know how to get an answer!
This is a great feature for your home life as well. I try to keep all pertinent information like insurance, medical, etc. for my family. Nothing is more annoying than when you need an insurance card and you can’t find it.
I have heard Google Play Books is similar though I have not used it.
Apple Books may not be a “broadcast” tool but it sure is useful. I suggest you try it. And let me know of other apps that are useful. Email me through Radio World at [email protected].
