In the ever-changing world of industrial operations, choosing the right device for specific use cases is a fundamental decision for businesses. This choice impacts efficiency, productivity, and overall performance. An appropriate device must meet the unique demands of the operational environment, whether through durability, speed, or integration capabilities.
Making a well-informed selection ensures that businesses can adapt to evolving needs, maintain seamless operations, and achieve optimal outcomes in their daily activities. This blog highlights the seven key considerations for choosing the right mobile device.
Overview:
The importance of choosing the appropriate device
The industrial world is rapidly digitizing and becoming more interconnected, increasing the need for devices that can endure rugged environments and perform under demanding conditions. With many RF scanning and mobile computing devices in the market, customers often feel overwhelmed and confused.
Whether for field service, maintenance, warehouse management, or manufacturing, the right device boosts efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. Conversely, a poorly chosen device can cause operational disruptions, raise costs, and introduce safety risks. Although consumer devices like iPhones and Samsung Android phones may seem affordable, devices from Panasonic, Zebra, and Honeywell offer better suitability despite their higher price.
Why the Right Device Matters?
1. Enhanced Operational Efficiency
Devices tailored to specific use cases streamline operations, minimize downtime, and increase productivity.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
The right device reduces the need for frequent replacements or repairs, offering a better return on investment.
3. Safety and Compliance
In many industrial environments, using the appropriate device is not just a matter of efficiency but also of safety and regulatory compliance.
4. User Satisfaction and Adoption
Devices that align well with the user’s needs and the nature of their work are more likely to be quickly adopted and effectively utilized.
What factors influence device selection?
Choosing the ideal device requires understanding the specific demands of the use case. This involves assessing the environment, tasks, and users. You must balance technical specifications, durability, ergonomics, and cost.
Many customers rely solely on handheld mobile devices for supply chain operations, such as field sales, maintenance, field service, manufacturing, and warehouse tasks. Disruptions in these devices or barcode scanners lead to lost productivity and downtime. Mobile handheld computers are mission-critical for industrial organizations.
In the above context, let’s explore the seven key considerations in selecting the right device, as outlined in the next section.
7 Key Considerations in Device Selection for Industrial Operations
1. Understand Use Case Specifics
Conduct an in-depth analysis of the operational environment, tasks, and user requirements. What is effective in a field sales environment may not be suitable for maintenance operations, and what works for maintenance operations may not be appropriate for manufacturing.
2. Evaluate the Technical Specifications
When evaluating technical specifications, consider processor speed, memory, storage, connectivity options, and other factors. Different organizations have unique technical needs. For instance, one manufacturing customer discovered they needed tablets mounted on forklifts so drivers could work hands-free. They also utilized an external rugged Bluetooth scanner for barcode scanning during their picking, packing, and shipping tasks
3. Durability and Ruggedness
Evaluate the need for dust, moisture, and shock resistance, as well as temperature tolerance. Some devices cannot endure the vibrations on a forklift, especially on rugged surfaces. There are ultra-rugged devices, rugged devices, ruggedized devices, and consumer devices, each suited for different levels of durability and environmental challenges.
4. User Interface and Ergonomics
Ensure that the device is user-friendly and suitable for the intended operators. Some use cases demand larger screens such as tablets to provide more information such as digital manufacturing instructions, maintenance operational instructions, viewing of product manuals and more.
Some use cases demand faster and easier barcode scanning devices tethered to a forklift, while some demand a device that can easily fit in a pocket.
5. Longevity and Scalability
Consider the device’s lifecycle in the context of evolving technology and business growth. Apple iOS devices have shorter life cycles. They generally do not last more than 3 to 4 years. On the other hand, industrial devices from Zebra, and Honeywell last longer than 7 to 8 years in some cases.
6. Cost and ROI
Weigh the upfront costs against long-term benefits and savings. Consumer devices are cheaper but break frequently. On the contrary, rugged devices are relatively expensive but last longer.
7. Operating System
iOS could be a good option for some use cases such as field service, and Android rules the industrial use case market. As Windows CE was discontinued by Microsoft, almost all hardware vendors (Zebra, Honeywell, Panasonic, SAMSUNG) switched to Android as it is open source and does not need to pay royalties to OS providers.
In the past, hardware vendors were paying hefty sums of royalty to the operating system vendors such as Microsoft, while Android has some security concerns.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right mobile device for industrial operations is a critical decision that can significantly impact a business’s efficiency, productivity, and overall performance. As industries continue to digitize and interconnect, the importance of choosing devices that can withstand rugged environments and meet specific operational demands becomes even more paramount.
By understanding the unique requirements of different use cases and carefully evaluating technical specifications, durability, user interface, longevity, cost, and operating systems, businesses can make informed decisions that lead to enhanced operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, safety, and user satisfaction.
In the rapidly evolving industrial landscape, the right device ensures seamless operations and optimal outcomes. Investing in the appropriate technology not only minimizes disruptions and costs but also fosters a safer and more productive working environment.
Reach out to us today to find the best device tailored to your unique industrial needs and receive a comprehensive evaluation of your operational landscape.
