Monthly Archives: April 2017

What is a “Purpose Built” Rugged Tablet?

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BLOG 7 What-is-a-Purpose-Built-Rugged-TabletWhen selecting a new mobile device to send out to a task force or unit, just finding an aesthetic, affordable make and model is not enough. Matching the device to the needs of the application and user is important, especially when deploying devices intended for precision or sensitive use, or that will be expected to improve efficiency and productivity.

What is a Purpose-Built Device?

A “purpose-built device” is any machine that is built for a specific task. When it comes to rugged tablet tech, the potential for purpose built design is endless:

  • A military grade rugged tablet designed specifically for field mission use
  • A rugged tablet for construction workers, with GIS capability
  • Rugged tablets for first responders, with radio capability and a vault of knowledge base material for emergency situations
  • Local and municipal government use rugged tablets for extra security and portability
  • Rugged tablets for retail and hospitality, when flexibility and speed are high priority
  • Rugged tablets for medical applications, with anti-microbial coating and various data-capture modules to record patients’ information

There are many things to keep in mind when selecting a device and requesting purpose built tech, but the most important features will always be:

Durability

From cruise ship deployment to daily use on construction sites, rugged tablets are built to withstand demanding use. Their durability makes them ideal for harsh environments, whether the risk is impact, dust, moisture, or vibrations.

Usability

The ability to custom build a tablet to include familiar programs, include backward compatibility if necessary, integrate fully with existing programs, and create new unique applications based on specific needs makes the purpose-built device easy for users to understand, shift to, and train on.

Longevity

Purpose built tablets are built to run on the same platforms as most other tech, so they can smoothly integrate with existing networks and ongoing updates with familiar software. This also protects them from obsolescence; purpose built devices are well planned and designed to continue to be functional years after deployment.

Mobility

Tablets are the perfect mobile purpose built device, combining the mobility of a phone with the processing power of a computer. Single hand carrying capability and detachable keyboards allow for quick transition from office to on the go, and vehicle mounts and touch screens make working from a vehicle or in the field even easier.

Rugged tablets can be designed for any fleet of workers, in any industry or vertical, from warehouses to military bases. Designing tech for specific uses is the next technological step into the future. Within weeks, purpose built tablets can be fully deployed, increasing productivity and streamlining operations wherever they are used.

8 Reasons Rugged Tablets Are the Most Secure Option for Mobile Use

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BLOG 6 8-Reasons-Rugged-Tablets-Are-the-Most-Secure-Option-for-Mobile-UsePrivacy and security is especially important when handling sensitive data. Many mobile devices fail to offer the kind of protection necessary to keep people and companies safe from prying eyes, but that’s changing with the advancement of the rugged tablet for government and military use as well as corporate and retail implementation.

Commercial-grade smartphones and tablets don’t always have security as a top concern, and their users may put data at additional risk due to installed apps, careless password usage, and more. Hacks involving hundreds of thousands of bytes of personal information happen daily, and industries that depend on keeping consumer or patient trust need solutions that stand up to the most rigorous standards of privacy and security.

Here are 8 reasons that rugged tablets are the leader in mobile security, and what people should look for when selecting a mobile device.

  1. Physical Security. Tablets can be configured with built-in security locks, and other fail safes to prevent physical access of data.
  2. Pre-boot Authentication. As long as a device is shut down, a thief will not be able to turn on the device without the pre-set code.
  3. Card Reader Access. Keying a tablet to a CAC reader or other type of scanned code can stop invasion of privacy even if an active, unlocked tablet falls into the wrong hands.
  4. Mobile Device Management. This functionality allows a device to be instantly locked or even wiped in case it gets stolen, to protect both user and data from a breach.
  5. Data Encryption. With proper encryption, even the most sensitive data can be protected and almost impossible to decipher. This prevents data loss against both theft and cyber-attacks, so all fronts are thoroughly well-protected.
  6. Remote Location. While PINs and passwords mean access can be denied at multiple points, a stolen or lost device can be tracked and retrieved.
  7. Biologically Sensitive Options. Options such as fingerprint scanners and voice recognition protection are on the horizon for rugged tablet users.
  8. Two-step Verification. For highly sensitive data, a tablet can be secured behind two or more authentication processes.

The digital age comes with a lot of advances in both technology and the way data is stored and protected.  With cyber-hackers intent on accessing any and all unprotected data, and mobile being the weak point in many security protocols, having secure devices is a must for sensitive data.

Why Rugged Tablets are in Demand in the Construction Industry

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BLOG 5 Why-Rugged-Tablets-are-in-Demand-in-the-Construction-IndustryConstruction was deemed one of the most dangerous fields of work in several studies in the past year, and while it’s hard to eliminate workplace accidents and hazards, it’s not impossible to minimize them and keep workers safe. With rugged tablets, it’s becoming easier to organize task forces, post updates and important notices, and keep track of workers and civilians in the area.

While many construction teams are integrating technology into the way they work, rugged tablets are the best option for on-site implementation. With a commercial-grade tablet, there is constant risk of damage from impact, getting dust or water damage in the field, or having the technology become outdated faster than it can be replaced.

In a construction setting, the technology and hardware has to be just as hardy as the workers. With durable glass screens and tough, tightly sealed cases, rugged tablets are built to withstand water damage, dust and sand, and multiple kinds of impact and vibration. They are also designed to keep up with and integrate with future software upgrades that may be introduced, so compatibility issues are reduced.

With tablet technology, construction workers can increase productivity, efficiency, and safety –  all of which are invaluable out on the field. They can take plans with them on the go, stay updated on changes, and pass information among crew members and managerial personnel in real time, as well as correspond with additional people off-site in municipal offices, architectural firms, and more. Workers can also write up inventories, submittals, and punch lists on the go.

Workers can get instructions, orders, and even important notifications in real time, incoming deliveries can be coordinated, change orders expedited, and any setbacks resolved quickly on the ground without the need to hand carry documents or blueprints back and forth. GIS and GPS allow even complex maps to be viewed on the spot, and corrections made or boundary lines verified instantly.

Construction site managers can benefit even more from having a mobile tablet computer on hand. They can keep track of employees both on and off the field, and make sure they’re where they need to be. Most construction site accidents happen because people are in the wrong place at the wrong time, unaware of a process and ending up in danger due to miscommunications. Such accidents can often be easily avoided with organization and awareness, and a tablet equipped crew has immediate access to everyone else when needed.

Rugged tablets are ideal for construction industry needs, and deployment across architectural firms, engineering companies, and contractor teams can make a new development or a municipal overhaul go like clockwork.

6 Reasons Your Company Needs Purpose Built Tech

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BLOG 4 6-Reasons-Your-Company-Needs-Purpose-Built-TechThe widespread use of purpose built rugged tech is becoming common in many fields, including military, government field employees, and even retail shops and fast food chains. Tablet tech is versatile and easy-to-use for any employee, and can be integrated quickly when it is customized for the end user.

Despite all of the potential uses and functionalities, many companies are hesitating to take the first step in deployment of rugged tech. Here are six reasons to explore purpose built rugged tablets today.

  1. Privacy. With many commercial-grade tablets, privacy protection is forfeited in favor of easy connectivity and the pre-installation of social media apps like Facebook or Twitter. Rugged tablets value protection and functionality above all else. They are designed to decrease data vulnerability, making them perfect for company and government use. They can also be made compliant or compatible with various regulations and standards on demand.
  2. Environment. From cracked screens to broken casings, a tablet’s lifespan can be short lived when it’s put under stress. Rugged tablets are built to withstand those stresses, along with damage brought on by dust, water, and intense temperatures. Customized cases and vehicle mounts make use on the road or in the field worry free.
  3. Portability. Tablets strike a delicate balance between the portability of a smartphone and the functionality of a computer, with user-friendly options like detachable keyboards, touchscreens, and stylus operation designed for the end user’s unique needs.
  4. Functionality. Rugged tablets can be configured to do a multitude of things, all depending on what use they are being purchased for. Purpose built tablets can feature options such as RFID scanners, cameras, barcode scanners, and CAC readers as needed.
  5. Adaptability. Rugged tablets for military and government use are designed to resist obsolescence, tailor built to demanding specifications and integrated fully with the latest platforms for ongoing usefulness. They can be configured to integrate with existing systems, and designed to remain fully functional through regular software updates.
  6. Connectivity. Tablets can be used to communicate between clients, employees, and with other branches. Their high security and connectivity means that they can be used to discuss business plans, upcoming events, and even mergers without issue. Secure network configuration adds an extra level of privacy, and options like media blackout can be triggered on demand.

When customized correctly, a rugged tablet can replace a number of devices found in the workplace. A deployment of purpose built rugged tablets is the natural next step for any company seeking to become more technologically advanced.

3 Benefits of RFID Scanning Enabled Rugged Tablets for Cruise Ship Operations

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BLOG 3 3-Benefits-of-RFID-Scanning-Enabled-Rugged-Tablets-for-Cruise-Ship-OperationsWith the power of mobile computers and portable tablets coming to every industry vertical imaginable, there has been an influx of new, creative uses for tablets. RFID tagging is being continually explored and refined, and there are a number of uses for scannable codes in the cruise ship industry.

Any properly equipped cruise ship can become more productive, efficient, functional, and organized with an RFID tagging system. With the addition of durable, portable rugged tablets, any cruise ship staffer can be ready to scan at a moment’s notice.

Here are three new, innovative uses for RFID codes and rugged tablets on a commercial cruise ship.

In onboard bars and restaurants:

Organizing bar tabs, orders, and customer groups is easy with an RFID scanner. A bar becomes a very hectic place, especially at night. Bartenders can have a hard time keeping track of customers, their orders, and what charges they’ve racked up over the course of the evening. Printed tickets easily get lost in the shuffle or wet on the table or bar.

With a rugged tablet, bar staff don’t have to worry about messes, and can carry a list of customers and tabs on their person as they serve and take orders. RFID scanning can make it easy to record the different customers, and easier to keep track of them when they come in pairs or groups. Underage passengers can also be readily identified.

For in-room services and amenities:

Housekeeping and room service orders get recorded, assigned, fulfilled, and attributed in real time. Chances are, passengers on board for a week or more are going to ask for a multitude of things, and it’s easy to get turned around when there are over a thousand cabins on a ship.

Room service orders can get delivered to the wrong cabins, orders can be misread or charged to the wrong person, and the kitchens and delivery lines can become chaotic. With RFID scanners and rugged tablets on hand, a simple scan can confirm an order and its correct destination and responsible party in seconds.

For boarding and baggage handling:

The most difficult process when getting ready to embark on a cruise ship is boarding passengers, delivering room keys, handling baggage, and updating cabin assignments. With an RFID wristband, passengers can have their room key on their person, and keep track of their baggage and statuses with a mobile app. This process can save time, conserve resources, and clear up disputes before they are able to start.

With RFID scanners and codes, hassle and stress are decreased, for both staff and customers. Technology is making it easier to simplify processes and please people faster, and rugged tablets can offer mobility, RFID scanning, durability, lasting functionality, and a number of other additional bonuses ideal for the cruise ship industry.