The business case for rugged

Posted on Monday 3 October 2022

Rugged devices are becoming the product of choice in areas where you may not expect to see them, due to the longer lifespan and higher return on investment over their consumer counterparts, says Bar Code Data.

THE DEVICES offer better ingress protection and drop specification, but there are other aspects to rugged devices which are less obvious but just as important, as the durability of a devices is not merely determined by its exterior. In many cases it’s also what’s inside that counts.

Rugged devices typically have an extended battery life, so that they can last an entire shift, or longer, away from a charging point. Some devices even benefit from hot-swappable batteries so your staff don’t face unnecessary downtime when a battery fails.

Working in wet or sunny conditions? With sunlight-readable screens and touchscreens that can be used when wet or by a worker wearing gloves, rugged screens are not only ultra-tough but also usable in any conditions.

Rugged devices are built to last in extreme environments and so have a longer lifespan than their consumer counterparts. While they may be slightly more expensive than a consumer device, the extended life, reduced risk of downtime and lower rate of damage or breakage more than make up for the cost of investing in an estate of rugged devices.

Functionality

With leading global manufacturers, such as Zebra Technologies, the product roadmap is forever advancing. And, their devices are built to be forward-compatible with their future counterparts and accessories, alongside long-term support. This means that it takes a very long time for a new rugged device to become outdated or unsupported, unlike consumer devices.

Zebra builds devices on the Android platform, using their Mobility DNA infrastructure so their devices are not only built to last, but are supported for the entirety of their lifespan. They are also compatible with a full suite of add-ons such as RFID sleds, docking stations and smart cabinets, allowing enterprises to build an entire ecosystem of technology specific to their business’ needs.

Security

While still popular, the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model faces certain challenges, none more so than security. Being able to secure an employee’s device through software and passwords may be one thing, but protecting the device while in the hands of its owner is entirely different.

Imagine having to ensure your BYOD smartphone users have updated their software when an issue arises or a new software update becomes available – the entire process is a nightmare. And, it’s not much better when those consumer devices are in your own estate, although at least you have them in your possession at the end of a shift.

Rugged devices are used by the military, police, emergency services and other groups who demand the highest security available – in fact security is built in to these devices as standard and can be tailored to meet your specific business’ needs, including biometrics. With Zebra’s devices, you can even control and update individual or whole-estate security remotely, including device shutdown or wiping in the event of theft. Try doing that with consumer devices!

Efficiency

Rugged devices come in many form factors which are designed to enhance the comfort and efficiency of the user. Pistol grips assist with repetitive scanning activity while full keyboards facilitate data entry, touchscreens collect digital signatures and cameras can record issues such as damage. Each of these features has been carefully designed to support the user to complete their work quickly, efficiently and safely.

Both employees and employers benefit from improved efficiency and ease of use as staff become happier in their work, the work is completed to a higher standard and more quickly, and customer satisfaction increases. Quite simply, these devices are built for business.

Types of rugged devices

You may be wondering what types of devices are available. Here’s a small selection of different devices and form factors which demonstrate the wide range of options available to your business