Why Rugged Equipment Is Critical For Mobile Workers
Why Rugged Equipment Is Critical For Mobile Workers
Today’s businesses can’t afford the downtime and high total cost of ownership (TCO) associated with consumer devices.
It’s Rough Out There
Whoever said, “It’s a jungle out there,” wasn’t kidding. Navigating city streets, country roads, and even school hallways comes with a fair amount of bumping and jostling, every day. If you’re carrying and using a mobile computing device in these conditions, chances are good that at some point it is going to experience a failure.
In fact, according to a 2015 report from KRC Research, 50% of all smartphone owners experience a cracked screen. Tablets don’t fare much better, with a 30% annual failure rate for devices that are used outside the office at least 40% of the time. Conditions in warehouses, retail stores, or on the streets making deliveries are just too unpredictable, and a 30% failure rate means nearly one-third of your devices will see a need for repairs or replacement every year.
Mainstream laptops clock in with an average annual failure rate of 11%, according to PC Magazine. Over three years, that also adds up to one-third of your fleet experiencing some kind of failure.
"We approach a world where everything is fully connected, new technology and services are popping up everywhere.
While this presents new challenges to operators, it also ushers in a world of new development opportunities."
"We approach a world where everything is fully connected, new technology and services are popping up everywhere.
While this presents new challenges to operators, it also ushers in a world of new development opportunities."
No Device = No Work
When laptops and tablets are out of commission, generally speaking, so are the workers who use them. Downtime costs can run into the thousands of dollars very quickly, when you consider the salary being paid to an employee who’s not productive, the value of the work he or she could have been doing, and the cost of customer dissatisfaction when delays are factored into workflows.
The maintenance, support and repair costs that accrue over a device’s lifecycle also add to its total cost of ownership (TCO), so while you may save some money at purchase, the same device will wind up costing significantly more over a three- or five-year period. In fact, according to Venture Data Corporation, a commercial laptop costs 55% more to own and operate over a five-year period than a rugged computer, due to increased downtime and the need for hardware replacement.
Ruggedized Devices Deliver
Consumer devices can be unreliable at best, especially when subjected to outdoor conditions. The ruggedized Panasonic Toughbook devices used by military and emergency personnel, however, deliver far higher reliability and far fewer failures. What’s their secret?
The answer is purpose-built components and cases engineered for durability, impact-resistance, and consistent functionality, day to day and year to year. The annual failure rate for Panasonic Toughbook devices, for example, is around 2%, making it the provider of choice for military, public safety, and enterprise deployments. High reliability pays off for workers in every industry.
With lower failure rates and a much lower TCO, Toughbook devices help workers deliver more consistent performance, and integrated options like barcode scanners and card readers enable faster, more accurate task completion, as well. Venture Data Corporation found that Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers deliver better than 15% lower TCO each year of operation.
The return on investment in a rugged device comes not only from long-term savings, but greatly increased productivity. Scroll along this Narrative feature to learn more about Toughbook ruggedized devices and the difference they can make in your work life.
Ruggedized Devices Deliver
Consumer devices can be unreliable at best, especially when subjected to outdoor conditions. The ruggedized Panasonic Toughbook devices used by military and emergency personnel, however, deliver far higher reliability and far fewer failures. What’s their secret?
The answer is purpose-built components and cases engineered for durability, impact-resistance, and consistent functionality, day to day and year to year. The annual failure rate for Panasonic Toughbook devices, for example, is around 2%, making it the provider of choice for military, public safety, and enterprise deployments. High reliability pays off for workers in every industry.
With lower failure rates and a much lower TCO, Toughbook devices help workers deliver more consistent performance, and integrated options like barcode scanners and card readers enable faster, more accurate task completion, as well. Venture Data Corporation found that Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers deliver better than 15% lower TCO each year of operation.
The return on investment in a rugged device comes not only from long-term savings, but greatly increased productivity. Scroll along this Narrative feature to learn more about Toughbook ruggedized devices and the difference they can make in your work life.
What Does Rugged Mean?
Building fully and semi-rugged devices isn’t just a matter of hardening the case.
The specifications for ruggedized and semi-rugged devices are designed to anticipate the kinds of drops, spills, and environmental conditions you may encounter in a variety of different environments. Here’s a quick rundown of the military specification tests (Mil-Spec) and the features built into Panasonic fully rugged Toughbook devices.
On the outside
- Magnesium alloy cases withstand wear, drops and knocks.
- Rounded and reinforced corners ensure that drops don’t damage cases and screens.
- Environmental seals protect ports and connectors from moisture and dust.
- Strengthened and sealed hinges prevent weakening and keep dust and water out of joints.
- Sealed or spill-through keyboards protect against spills and rain.
- Carry handles and straps reduce the risk of dropping the device.
On the inside
- Internal components are designed to withstand impact.
- Connectors are flexible and components are spaced to absorb shock.
- Shock mounts isolate drives from impacts.
- Built-in customized antennas ensure reliable wireless connectivity.
On the screen
- Sealed LCD panels protect against moisture and dust.
- Replaceable touchscreen film protects against wear and scratching.
- Raised bezel around display shields it from impact.
- Innovative technologies enable readable screens even in direct sunlight.
Military Specification testing: MIL-STD-810G: Ruggedness tests
- Up to 23 different tests are performed and passed, from Method 500.5 Procedure I (Altitude Storage/Air Transport) to Method 524 Procedure III (Freeze/Thaw).
- All units undergo and pass drop testing using Method 516.6, Procedure IV up to 10 feet, depending on model.
Other fully rugged testing
- Pressure resistance of up to 220 lbs. for semi-rugged and 300 lbs. for fully rugged.
- IP65 rated for dust and moisture ingress protection (IP).
- MIL-STD-461F tested to ensure units can meet requirements for the control of electromagnetic interference (EMI), depending on model.
- ANSI certified to work in hazardous and potentially explosive environments with virtually no risk of sparking.
- Wireless connections tested in one of the world’s largest anechoic chambers for peak connectivity and throughput, even in fringe areas.
On the outside
- Magnesium alloy cases withstand wear, drops and knocks.
- Rounded and reinforced corners ensure that drops don’t damage cases and screens.
- Environmental seals protect ports and connectors from moisture and dust.
- Strengthened and sealed hinges prevent weakening and keep dust and water out of joints.
- Sealed or spill-through keyboards protect against spills and rain.
- Carry handles and straps reduce the risk of dropping the device.
On the inside
- Internal components are designed to withstand impact.
- Connectors are flexible and components are spaced to absorb shock.
- Shock mounts isolate drives from impacts.
- Built-in customized antennas ensure reliable wireless connectivity.
On the screen
- Sealed LCD panels protect against moisture and dust.
- Replaceable touchscreen film protects against wear and scratching.
- Raised bezel around display shields it from impact.
- Innovative technologies enable readable screens even in direct sunlight.
Military Specification testing: MIL-STD-810G: Ruggedness tests
- Up to 23 different tests are performed and passed, from Method 500.5 Procedure I (Altitude Storage/Air Transport) to Method 524 Procedure III (Freeze/Thaw).
- All units undergo and pass drop testing using Method 516.6, Procedure IV up to 10 feet, depending on model.
Other fully rugged testing
- Pressure resistance of up to 220 lbs. for semi-rugged and 300 lbs. for fully rugged.
- IP65 rated for dust and moisture ingress protection (IP).
- MIL-STD-461F tested to ensure units can meet requirements for the control of electromagnetic interference (EMI), depending on model.
- ANSI certified to work in hazardous and potentially explosive environments with virtually no risk of sparking.
- Wireless connections tested in one of the world’s largest anechoic chambers for peak connectivity and throughput, even in fringe areas.
Deployment by Tier-1 Operators: Vodafone Launched the World's First Cloud-based VoLTE Commercial Network
Above and beyond reduced OPEX, the true value of NFV is found in its ability to drive more revenue with an agile, smart, and value-added cloud-based network. And when it comes to NFV deployment, operators are no longer just talking the talk, but walking the walk. They have accumulated valuable experience in NFV deployment, and are ready to move forward.
Although it's a leading global telecom operator, Vodafone has felt the impact of OTT services on its traditional telecom services such as voice and SMS. NFV effectively addresses this challenge, paving the way for Vodafone to build smart pipes, optimize networks, improve management efficiency, and make its networks smarter and more controllable—all while slashing maintenance costs. In addition, NFV enables Vodafone to truly open up its underlying networks, and strongly promote the innovation and flexible deployment of Internet services.
As early as 2013, Vodafone announced its One Cloud strategy of moving everything to the cloud. They adopted this transformation strategy not only to challenge OTT services, but more importantly to adapt to the explosive growth of data traffic in the Internet era, deliver better experience to its users, and shift its role from a pipe provider to a service provider.
6 Everyday Challenges Meet Rugged Devices - Part 1
Rugged devices aren’t just for soldiers, police, and emergency personnel. Even seemingly ordinary jobs can bring plenty of bumps and mishaps, and consumer-grade laptops and tablets often aren’t up to the task.
1
Restaurant Hosting
OSHA lists slip-and-fall plus high-temperature exposure as important safety issues for restaurant workers. Hosts and hostesses have to greet customers, manage reservation systems, assign tables, keep in contact with wait staff and kitchen workers, and even take credit card payments at tableside using an all-purpose tablet.
Panasonic devices are the right choice for these high-pressure environments. They can handle bumps, drops, spills, indoor and outdoor use, and even extreme temperatures, so there’s no danger of damage when they’re exposed to the cold of walk-in refrigerators and freezers, or the heat and humidity of steamy kitchens. They can even double as a drink tray, thanks to their liquid resistance.
2
Photography
Cameras, lenses and the mobile computers to review the work are notoriously fragile, but most photographers don’t have the luxury of working in a controlled environment. Whether you’re snapping portraits for a bunch of rambunctious grade schoolers or shooting nature stills in the great outdoors, the possibility of drops and damage, and the difficulty of replicating the shot, makes ruggedizing a smart approach.
With a rugged Toughbook device from Panasonic, photographers can review their shots with subjects, organize their image files, backups, and business tasks wherever they are, and trust that the device will function reliably throughout the workday on a single battery charge.
3
Building, Site, and Vehicle Inspectors
Inspectors need equipment that will stand up to weather and unpredictable site conditions. The California Environmental Protection Agency lists physical obstructions such as sharp or uneven surfaces, holes, poorly lit areas, and slippery surfaces as hazardous and mandates safety gear such as hard hats, shoe covers, protective clothing, gloves, and eye/ear protection, as warranted. But what about protection for the inspector’s equipment?
In situations like these, devices that provide impact, dust, and liquid resistance – plus reliable connectivity and long battery life for workers on the go all day – are key.
Ruggedized Toughbook mobile devices from Panasonic deliver the durability and dependability needed to carry out these and many other demanding jobs, with multi touch displays and stylus pens that enable inspectors to manage tasks effectively in the field.
4
Retail Point of Sale (POS)
According to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and its counterpart to the north, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), common injuries among retail workers include exertion and slip-and-fall.
When you’re in a crowded outlet store, think about how often you bump into someone else, graze someone with a shopping cart, or trip over a mislaid item or wandering child. Now imagine you’re holding a tablet and trying to conduct inventory reviews or help customers check out.
This is where a rugged tablet from Panasonic can make a huge difference. It can handle bumps and drops with ease, and it’s compatible with a range of rugged integrated options like credit card readers, barcode scanners, and other retail-friendly devices. Select models offer hot-swappable batteries, so you can refresh your power supply without turning off the device and interrupting service.
5
Sound Technicians
Concert roadies and sound engineers need rugged and reliable computers that can withstand the rigors of global shipping and run logistics and even specialized sound-mixing software reliably. Connecting via Wi-Fi to control panels that manage all the instruments and amplifiers, Panasonic Toughbook 2-in-1s provide all the functionality of a laptop, all the portability of a tablet, plus stylus pens and integrated hand straps to make sure technicians have a solid grip on the device while they’re mixing the sound for a music venue.
6
Embarkation Management
The folks in charge of checking in passengers on a cruise ship or even audiences at an event venue need rugged, reliable tablets that communicate seamlessly with back-end systems. These personnel need to scan tickets, passports, and IDs to authenticate customers, then direct them to the appropriate location, and capture credit card information – all while indoors or outdoors, sometimes in wet or humid conditions and sometimes in bright sunlight.
Toughbook fully rugged devices from Panasonic run all major productivity applications, are sealed to withstand humidity and rain, and their screens are designed for easy viewing in sunlight. Best of all, the Wi-Fi and 4G LTE antennas built into Panasonic devices deliver powerful and dependable connectivity.
It's understood that police, fire, field, and emergency services workers need ruggedized equipment. But what about a field inspector, or a sales associate in a busy retail outlet? In this article, we'll look at five scenarios where ruggedized equipment delivers more reliable and consistent performance than consumer-grade devices.
Rugged devices aren’t just for soldiers, police, and emergency personnel. Even seemingly ordinary jobs can bring plenty of bumps and mishaps, and consumer-grade laptops and tablets often aren’t up to the task.
1
Restaurant Hosting
OSHA lists slip-and-fall plus high-temperature exposure as important safety issues for restaurant workers. Hosts and hostesses have to greet customers, manage reservation systems, assign tables, keep in contact with wait staff and kitchen workers, and even take credit card payments at tableside using an all-purpose tablet.
Panasonic devices are the right choice for these high-pressure environments. They can handle bumps, drops, spills, indoor and outdoor use, and even extreme temperatures, so there’s no danger of damage when they’re exposed to the cold of walk-in refrigerators and freezers, or the heat and humidity of steamy kitchens. They can even double as a drink tray, thanks to their liquid resistance.
2
Photography
Cameras, lenses and the mobile computers to review the work are notoriously fragile, but most photographers don’t have the luxury of working in a controlled environment. Whether you’re snapping portraits for a bunch of rambunctious grade schoolers or shooting nature stills in the great outdoors, the possibility of drops and damage, and the difficulty of replicating the shot, makes ruggedizing a smart approach.
With a rugged Toughbook device from Panasonic, photographers can review their shots with subjects, organize their image files, backups, and business tasks wherever they are, and trust that the device will function reliably throughout the workday on a single battery charge.
3
Building, Site, and Vehicle InspectorsInspectors need equipment that will stand up to weather and unpredictable site conditions. The California Environmental Protection Agency lists physical obstructions such as sharp or uneven surfaces, holes, poorly lit areas, and slippery surfaces as hazardous and mandates safety gear such as hard hats, shoe covers, protective clothing, gloves, and eye/ear protection, as warranted. But what about protection for the inspector’s equipment?
In situations like these, devices that provide impact, dust, and liquid resistance – plus reliable connectivity and long battery life for workers on the go all day – are key.
Ruggedized Toughbook mobile devices from Panasonic deliver the durability and dependability needed to carry out these and many other demanding jobs, with multi touch displays and stylus pens that enable inspectors to manage tasks effectively in the field.
4
Retail Point of Sale (POS)
According to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and its counterpart to the north, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), common injuries among retail workers include exertion and slip-and-fall.
When you’re in a crowded outlet store, think about how often you bump into someone else, graze someone with a shopping cart, or trip over a mislaid item or wandering child. Now imagine you’re holding a tablet and trying to conduct inventory reviews or help customers check out.
This is where a rugged tablet from Panasonic can make a huge difference. It can handle bumps and drops with ease, and it’s compatible with a range of rugged integrated options like credit card readers, barcode scanners, and other retail-friendly devices. Select models offer hot-swappable batteries, so you can refresh your power supply without turning off the device and interrupting service.
5
Sound
Technicians
Concert roadies and sound engineers need rugged and reliable computers that can withstand the rigors of global shipping and run logistics and even specialized sound-mixing software reliably. Connecting via Wi-Fi to control panels that manage all the instruments and amplifiers, Panasonic Toughbook 2-in-1s provide all the functionality of a laptop, all the portability of a tablet, plus stylus pens and integrated hand straps to make sure technicians have a solid grip on the device while they’re mixing the sound for a music venue.
6
Embarkation ManagementThe folks in charge of checking in passengers on a cruise ship or even audiences at an event venue need rugged, reliable tablets that communicate seamlessly with back-end systems. These personnel need to scan tickets, passports, and IDs to authenticate customers, then direct them to the appropriate location, and capture credit card information – all while indoors or outdoors, sometimes in wet or humid conditions and sometimes in bright sunlight.
Toughbook fully rugged devices from Panasonic run all major productivity applications, are sealed to withstand humidity and rain, and their screens are designed for easy viewing in sunlight. Best of all, the Wi-Fi and 4G LTE antennas built into Panasonic devices deliver powerful and dependable connectivity.
Do’s and Don’ts of Rugged Equipment
Rugged means different things to different hardware vendors. Learn what sets Panasonic Toughbook laptops, 2-in-1s, tablets, and handhelds apart from the pack.
Hardware failure is a fact of life when you’re working with electronic devices. The grinding sound that presages a hard drive catastrophe, the cracks that distort an LCD screen, and the mis-seated port that reflects a motherboard problem are all guaranteed to require expensive and time-consuming repairs or replacement.
Mobile devices bring the added risk of accidental drops, liquid spills, and physical damage. All told, nearly one-third of all laptop computers experience some form of hardware failure (20 percent) or accidental damage (11 percent) within the first three years of operation. Smartphones fare even worse, with half of all device owners around the world reporting cracked screens, even though these are rarely in use much past 2 years.
These risks add up to significant dollars when they lead to unplanned downtime. The exact figure will fluctuate from one worker and business to the next, but it’s important to consider the amount of time employees are offline and unable to work, the logistics of repairing or replacing failed units, plus the potential damage to customer relationships.
Unclear claims
In today’s mission-critical environments, failure is not an option. A logical choice – especially if you’re in a job that requires frequent travel or field work – is to use devices that are truly durable and reliable.
The problem is that many of the terms used to describe this – ‘spill-resistant,’ ‘rugged,’ to name two – are not clearly defined and may mean different things to different manufacturers. When you read the fine print for these devices, you’ll find that ‘water-resistant’ isn’t the same as ‘waterproof,’ and that impact from a 3-foot drop may be sustainable, but not impact from 4 feet which is not uncommon.
This is where Panasonic and its family of Toughbook mobility devices comes into play. Each device is tested and verified through an independent third-party, to meet and exceed military-grade specifications for drops, spills, and extreme temperatures. Where mainstream laptops fail at an annual rate of 11 percent, Panasonic devices deliver, on average, a remarkable 2 percent annual failure rate, meaning that they deliver years of reliable service in even the most challenging environments.
"In today's mission-critical environments, failure is not an option.
A logical choice – especially if you’re in a job that requires frequent travel or field work – is to use devices that are truly durable and reliable."
"We approach a world where everything is fully connected, new technology and services are popping up everywhere.
While this presents new challenges to operators, it also ushers in a world of new development opportunities."
Drop testing
Many laptop warranties won’t cover repairs for damage incurred when a unit is dropped, and even devices that have passed basic drop tests are only confirmed to boot up after being dropped 3 feet, while turned off, onto a flat surface. In real life, however, laptops often fall while in operation, especially if someone trips over a power cord.
Fully rugged Panasonic Toughbook devices, on the other hand, undergo numerous drop tests from heights of 4-6 feet onto each edge, corner and side of the device, up to 72 drops in total. Many of the chassis and storage drives used in Panasonic Toughbook devices can withstand drops up to 6 feet.
Panasonic combines numerous design innovations to produce this level of ruggedness. Edges are reinforced, flexible connectors are used and internal components have room to shift and thus absorb impact shock more effectively.
The bezels around Toughbook screens are raised, to provide an extra level of protection in case of a drop. The touchscreens have outer films to protect against scratches and other wear.
Spills and moisture
There seems to be no clear standard for exactly how much liquid it will take to destroy or damage a laptop. Some devices advertise that they’re resistant up to 50ml; others can recover after a spill of 11 ounces. Immersion is certainly not an option, and a coffee or water spill – even on a moisture-resistant laptop – will still require hours of drying and may even need to be shipped away for remediation.
Fully rugged Panasonic Toughbook devices, in contrast, are subjected to simulated soaking rains for 30 minutes or more. Not only are they able to operate in wet conditions, but Panasonic tablets are designed to recognize finger taps and ignore raindrops, enabling reliable functionality even in inclement weather.
Panasonic also subjects its fully rugged Toughbook devices to extremes of humidity to ensure moisture does not infiltrate exterior seals.
Altitude and temperature
Drops and spills are the most common causes of device damage, but high temperatures can cause a laptop to overheat and shut down, if not cause physical damage to internal components. Even being stored in a car on a hot day can lead to disaster for ordinary devices.
Fully rugged Panasonic Toughbook devices, on the other hand, are tested to military specifications as low as -60◦F temperatures and then subjected to heat levels as high as 200◦F.
High altitudes also pose unique atmospheric challenges to laptops that have spinning-platter hard drives. That’s why Panasonic tests its devices in conditions that simulate up to 40,000 feet of unpressurized altitude, and ensures that they operate for 30 minutes or longer under these conditions.
Rugged means Panasonic
Panasonic Toughbook laptops, 2-in-1's, tablets and handhelds ensure that mission-critical services and tasks can be carried out under virtually any condition. Instead of worrying about the durability of your device, look to Panasonic Toughbook mobility devices to deliver years of worry-free, dependable, and reliable service.
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Copyright ©2017 Panasonic Corporation of North America. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2017 Intel Corporation. All rights reserved. Intel and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.