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Mobile Computer Basics

Mobile Computers for Every Industry

Mobile Computing Devices are small enough to hold and operate in the hand and have the functionality of your applications typically found on a desktop computer. Mobile computing today allows users to take their applications outside the office. They provide a keyboard or touchscreen interface, (or both). Mobile Computing technology allows transmission of data, voice and video via a computer or any other wireless enabled device without having to be connected to a fixed physical link. For help finding the right device to match your operating system or application, contact us.

Mobile Computer Types

How often does your inventory need to be checked? How much time will it take? How closely do you need to track work-in-progress? Would a deeper insight into my stock help me to become more profitable? Your last question should be how much will this cost. If you purchase a device and software that cannot grow with your company, you have just wasted your time and money. As of 2019 many product manufacturers' have made the change to Android as their operating platform because of its ease-of-use and security.

Standard Mobile Computers

Standard Mobile Computers do not have Wi-Fi or WAN (cellular) capabilities they collect retail inventory information via scan or keypad, and hold it in a basic text file. The device is then connected to a computer and batch information is uploaded, giving them the name "Batch Devices." They are ready to use out of the box.

Perfect for new business, inexpensive and easy to use.

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Phone Size Computers

Not to be confused with the popular consumer-grade cell phone, rugged mobile devices are designed to survive the work environment. With these devices you will have options for Wi-Fi, WAN, Bluetooth, and even GPS connectivity. Great for field workers, delivery drivers, site managers, or any application outside the 4-walls of your business. A phone-size mobile computer fills the role of a laptop, phone, and scanner in a single device to empower your employees with the information and connectivity they need wherever business takes them.

Easy, convenient and recognizable interface makes the phone-size mobile computer very popular. Powerful options for voice, data, images and GPS tracking.

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Rugged Tablets

Manufacturers' have responded to the demand for a Tablet form factor by offering Rugged Tablet Computers, not to be confused with your kids iPad. Similar capabilities as the phone-size computers only in a larger size with the ever-popular touch screen interface. Commonly used for loading docks, warehouse, outdoor use and becoming popular in the retail industry.

Easy user interface with touch screen and large display. Good for warehouse and retail applications.

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Full Size/Gun Grip Mobile Computers

Not to be confused with the popular consumer-grade cell phone, rugged mobile devices are designed to survive the work environment. With these devices you will have options for Wi-Fi, WAN, Bluetooth, and even GPS connectivity. Great for field workers, delivery drivers, site managers, or any application outside the 4-walls of your business. A phone-size mobile computer fill the role of a laptop, phone, and scanner in a single device to empower your employees with the information and connectivity they need wherever business takes them.

Popular with manufacturing and warehouse operations. Powerful options for scanning, rugged rating, interface and ergonomic use factors.

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Wearable Mobile Computers

Not to be confused with the popular consumer-grade cell phone, rugged mobile devices are designed to survive the work environment. With these devices you will have options for Wi-Fi, WAN, Bluetooth, and even GPS connectivity. Great for field workers, delivery drivers, site managers, or any application outside the 4-walls of your business. A phone-size mobile computer fill the role of a laptop, phone, and scanner in a single device to empower your employees with the information and connectivity they need wherever business takes them.

Increases productivity of any pick-and-pack industry.

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Vehicle Mount Rugged Mobile Computers

Not to be confused with the popular consumer-grade cell phone, rugged mobile devices are designed to survive the work environment. With these devices you will have options for Wi-Fi, WAN, Bluetooth, and even GPS connectivity. Great for field workers, delivery drivers, site managers, or any application outside the 4-walls of your business. A phone-size mobile computer fill the role of a laptop, phone, and scanner in a single device to empower your employees with the information and connectivity they need wherever business takes them.

Rugged Computers are used by Police Departments, Industrial workers and anyone who needs extra processing power and years of worry-free use.

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Basics
  1. Mobile Computer Communications
  2. The infrastructure put in place to ensure reliable communication can take place. These would include devices such as protocols, services, bandwidth, and portals necessary to facilitate and support the stated services. The data format is also defined at this stage. This ensures that there is no collision with other existing systems which offer the same service.

  3. Mobile Computer Hardware
  4. A large variety of devices with different form factors provide unique choices for every environment, from sales floor to shop floor and delivery trucks.

  5. Mobile Computer Software
  6. There are two major software platforms used today. Windows Embedded, Mobile and CE was the first software in the market. Many companies have been using Windows for years. As of 2019 Windows CE will no longer be supported and many new mobile devices use Android Software. macOS devices can also be used with Sled attachments such as the Honeywell's Captuvo for Apple iPods and iPads. They are however not ruggedized for industrial applications.


Questions to Help Decide What to Choose

Employees' biggest concern about their devices are the scanner and the capture ability. This speaks directly to the quality of the device you purchase, and the quality differs between models and how they work with your network.

What exact insight into your inventory will help you become more profitable? How closely do you need to track work-in-progress?

What formats do you need the device to capture (data, voice, images, GPS)? Connecting directly to the main database with mobile devices on the floor can provide a true picture of your stock, and help avoid inventory mistakes. Would cellular connection make sense for constant voice contact or web connections?

Should the scanner be built in or will you use a rugged scanner to transfer data to a separate device? Do you need a 2D imager that can scan over 20 feet? How rugged must it be? Would an active light, sound and vibration alert help guarantee a good scan? Is your wireless connection WLAN, Bluetooth or Cellular?

What form factor will best work for your employees? Would a tablet increase retail sales by showing your customers on the floor what is in stock and where it is? Ordering a similar product online from the sales floor is becoming very popular. Do you do a great deal of pick and pack? Would a wearable mobile computer with ring scanner help? Would RFID or RTLS be an option for real-time vision into your inventory?

Please fill out the form below, or call us toll-free at 888-237-8525, for assistance in finding the correct mobile computer to meet your needs.

For more information or to discuss your project, Contact Us or call 888-237-8525.


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