Updating or introducing new technology within your business is undoubtedly one of the most daunting decisions. Still, it is essential to address so that you dont find yourself on the back foot.
Making the right decision early for your business is crucial, and knowing what to ask will help narrow down what options are best for you and make sure what you decide is suitable for your company’s needs.
So, what do you need to ask to help you make the right decision to ensure you future-proof your mobile technology?
Form Factor The tasks carried out by your staff will dictate the best mobile computing form factor. For instance, tablets are great for some customer-facing retail operations. Still, they are not generally suitable for a warehouse environment, and pistol-grip, handheld or wearable devices are ideal for those with intense scanning routines inside or outside a warehouse.
Ergonomics When it comes to productivity and safety, taking ergonomics into account and ensuring hardware is efficient, appropriate for the environment where it will operate and comfortable to use is crucial.
Ruggedness The working conditions must also be considered when choosing a mobile computer, especially if the device needs to withstand harsh conditions such as low temperature or outdoor use. Ruggedised devices are built to withstand more difficult working conditions, minimising failure rates.
Value return on investment is a key metric when considering an investment in new equipment. However, it is easy to get bogged down by the purchase price. We advise companies to calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO), as the actual value far outweighs the purchase cost.
Benefits what device will provide the maximum benefit quantified in terms that meet your operational needs. Such as battery performance to ensure full shifts are supported without the need to recharge or invest in additional batteries. Ensure your staff are productive and motivated by minimising business disruption caused by equipment shortages or failure. Feature sets will allow you to set up a device that meets all your operational needs, streamline operations and automate manual tasks.
Ease of use mobile computers should be matched to their use requirements and be user-friendly appropriate form factor and weight, regardless of their function, an essential thing to look out for when considering your options.
Data collection is crucial for any business using mobile devices. It is essential to consider how and what types of data your company collects and how it is gathered.
Touchscreen v keypad both touchscreens and keypad devices have pros and cons. However, most find touchscreens offer a comfortable way to input most simple forms of data. In contrast, keypads might be easier to use, particularly for a workforce who have to wear gloves for example in cold store or chilled retail environments.
Barcodes, symbols and tags you must consider if you need a mobile computer with a built-in scanner that can handle 1D/2D barcodes, RFID or Digimarc and the range optimised to scan these.
A significant consideration when deciding is the amount of time your mobile computers spend in use and where theyll be used. It is essential to ensure your computer offers good battery life, fast-enough charging and mobile device management systems delivering operational insight and meaningful information.
Battery life and charging nothing is more frustrating than a device running out of battery mid-task. It affects productivity and, ultimately, morale. If the device is needed to be used continuously, long-lasting or extended performance batteries are a must. Swappable batteries are helpful when your shifts run back-to-back.
Mobile device management systems it is vital that your devices are supported with a suitable MDM software platform to provide the business with real time reporting on device and usage to avoid loss and damage and ensure maximum productivity.
Wireless wireless connectivity is required for most environments, but 5G is a viable alternative for smaller locations or where connectivity is required on the move. Your business needs will determine what type and mix of connectivity is necessary to deliver your applications and services.
Operating system programs and applications used within your business will dictate the operating system required. Today many organisations are moving from Windows based options to those based on Android supplemented with Terminal Emulation software if needed.
Enterprise software integrations remove the worry of any new equipment working with your software. Look for a solution partner that can reduce risk, provide support, guidance and evaluation equipment up front to ensure the production environment is delivered smoothly on time getting new equipment set up smoothly and efficiently is essential. For this to be the case, you must ensure your enterprise software integrates with your devices.
Lifecycle Support upgrading technology is often a fundamental factor in supporting growth, reducing cost and increasing productivity. The hardware is one element, and you need to consider a support option tailored to your needs and guarantees service availability once deployed vital for growing your business and increasing productivity. Still, you must ensure the products come from a reputable company with a reliable service.
Ongoing support will your technology partner provide a technical support service to help you manage any issues as they arise? Something to check as you decide on the best solutions partner to support you over the coming years to ensure that you are kept current and upto date and be there for those inevitable bumps in the road!
Here at PLM Global, we are here to solve all your logistics issues and have comprehensive experience in delivering hardware applications solutions across many sectors, including retail, manufacturing, warehousing, aviation transport and logistics. If you need support in finding the right mobile computing solution or validating your thoughts from a technology independent solutions partner, contact our team at websales@plm-global.co.uk or on 01275 406640.
Word of caution I rand this number and it rang for a long time before it dropped to voicemail. No introduction or confirmation of reaching PLM. This is not good practice and is potentially detrimental
