In a recent supplement published by Field Technologies magazine, called 5 Reasons to Go Rugged, a selection of senior industry leaders made the case for choosing rugged mobile devices over equivalent commercial-grade products. Going beyond the traditional total cost of ownership (TCO) measurement, their focus shifts to the technical, operational and business ?considerations when selecting a mobile computing solution.
Reliability
The article states, ?[A] critical aspect of any successful TCO [Total Cost of Ownership] analysis needs to include the business elements of TCO. These include length of deployment/ replacement cycles, failure rates and causes, and opportunity cost of lost productivity due to device failure, to name a few. Through such a full analysis, organizations can determine the solution which will best serve their company.? The article also points out that, ?[e]ach additional percentage point increase in failure translates into a 5% increase in TCO.?
Rather than just looking at the cost of purchase, install and support of a mobile computing solution, Field Technologies is highlighting that the long-term reliability of the computer is absolutely crucial when calculating the overall cost.
This is further explained: ?When consumer-grade devices are deployed in scenarios where rugged devices are really needed, replacement costs for devices that are unreliable or fail in the field will directly impact overall workforce efficiencies and can easily offset any initial savings of a consumer-grade solution. Further, the transitional disruption of deploying a new field mobility investment must also be considered; if the proposed solution fails to live up to expectations, there can be a significant cost in manpower and expense to retrain, restructure, and reconfigure existing systems if an alternative solution must be deployed.?
It?s Not Just Device Failure
Reducing the failure rate of devices in the field is undoubtedly an extremely important aspect in the purchasing process of a mobile computing solution; however it is not the only problem that may be faced if the incorrect products are selected. The article states, ?[p]ortability, connectivity, extended battery life, and a viewable outdoor display are also key to selecting the right rugged tablet to ensure productivity.?
Devices that are not well suited to the day-to-day functions of your field workers in areas such as transportation and mounting, back office connectivity, battery life, and viewing capabilities in different lighting conditions will dramatically affect worker productivity.
The article continues, ?[b]ecause field workers are often outdoors, an additional value to rugged computers is a daylight viewable screen. The glossy screen associated with consumer-grade devices makes using laptops or tablets outdoors nearly impossible. More advanced LCD technology, along with antiglare and antireflective features, contributes to the level of outdoor view-ability users will experience on rugged devices. Also, with a field crew?s constant remote whereabouts, a battery that can last the full shift is important to keep workers productive throughout the workday.?
No Compromise
Another key component in the selection process of a mobile computing solution is whether or not the chosen devices will have the ability to perform very specialized tasks and utilize specific peripherals that are vital to the effective operation of the system.
Field Technologies also emphasizes the importance of extended functionality with specialized rugged computers explaining, ?[t]oday?s rugged devices come equipped with an array of additional features to increase productivity including bar code scanners, magnetic stripe readers, digital cameras, high-speed access to secure wireless LANs, and integrated RFID technology. Not only are these features integrated into the device, but they?re designed to the same rugged specifications as the tablet itself.?
Continuing to say, ?[b]usinesses that choose non-rugged devices make additional compromises due to the products not having all the features required, inhibiting their ability to achieve the full impact across the entire enterprise. Companies with a no-compromise mind-set evaluate a broad set of attributes when selecting a rugged versus non-rugged tablet. They require a rugged mobile tablet platform rather than a single point solution. By selecting the tools for improving productivity anywhere, they gain significantly more long term value and leverage across the business and also are able to truly deliver sustained innovation to their businesses.?
How Rugged is Rugged?
Today there are many different definitions of what a rugged device actually is. Some might consider that a consumer-grade tablet encased in a durable shell could be called ?rugged?, but it is important to ensure the device?s specifications when making an investment in rugged mobile computers.
The supplement explains that for a mobile device to accurately be described as rugged, ?[i]t means specially engineered parts that protect your data from on-the-job accidents. It means peace of mind when you drop a computer or leave it out in the elements. It means safeguards for your data that just cannot be expected of a consumer device. What it means, therefore, is protection for your investment ? a truly rugged tablet will not break under tough industry circumstances, thereby ensuring increased productivity and more efficient operations over a long life cycle.?
The article goes on to explain that specific testing standards can help to ensure that the purchased devices will be able to handle the rigours of all potential environments. ?There are two tests that are mainstays of rugged device standards: the ?Military Standard for Environmental Testing and Engineering Guidelines? (MIL-STD-810G) and the ?IEC (IP) Ingress Protection Test?. MIL-STD-810G is used for determining the effects of natural and man-made environments on products intended for use in harsh mobile environments.? IP ratings indicate the level of protection a computer offers against the ingress of particles and liquids. For example, an IP rating of IP67 means hardware is sealed against dust and can be immersed in liquid.?
The supplement closes with a final point to consider when selecting a rugged mobile computing solution, ?if you want to make the most of your investment in your new hardware, don?t just purchase a unit without checking the testing it has undergone, the durability of its parts, and its ability to protect your data. Otherwise, the rigors of your industry can quickly wreck your new computer ? and your ROI along with it.?
To read the complete ?5 Reasons to Go Rugged? supplement please visit this link.
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