Scanning Technologies: 3 Reasons to Evaluate for Upgrades

There is a constant push to keep up with technology across all industries. Computers first moved us into a new age technology in the 80’s and 90’s, but smartphones really changed the way we did business and how we interacted with customers in the 2010’s.  Today, technology moves at lightning speed and sometimes it is hard to know if the technology you have used for the past few years is still relevant today.

No one wants to get left behind in industrial operations running inefficient systems when new hardware and software can improve operational speeds and provide better customer experiences. In this blog we address concerns many users have regarding their industrial mobile devices; specifically, how to get started, what is gained by migrating to a new device and how to do it without disrupting the normal course of business.

How old is ‘too old’?

If you have been using the same devices for the last 5+ years, it’s time to begin evaluating newer technology that can accommodate the needs of your business.

Here are a few reasons why:

• Service & Support – If you’re running Windows Mobile, you will no longer be receiving security patches and regular updates needed to keep your device and data safe.
• Data & Voice Connectivity – If you’re operating on a 3G Verizon network (other carriers are expected to follow) you will need a device that can operate on a 4G LTE network when 3G is no longer available
• Bandwidth & Application Flexibility – Application development is much easier with an Android™ OS due to the nature of the open platform environment. This takes the burden off IT for new application requirements.

 Taking Mobile Device Versatility to the Next Level

From asset tracking and inventory management to shipping and receiving, the days of being tethered to a workstation are a thing of the past.  Workers want and need to be mobile, and studies have shown mobile workers are more productive and less error prone than those who are using devices that require them to travel back and forth to a desk.

For example, consider a material handling operator’s daily workflow.  Just the motion of repeatedly getting on and off a forklift can decrease productivity levels.  With a vehicle-mount industrial mobile computer, the operator has the flexibility to access desktop applications right from the vehicle, without having to repeatedly get on and off the truck.  Warehouses that implement vehicle-mount computers see dramatic increases in worker productivity for material handling applications.

Honeywell IIOT Innovation

Honeywell has been aggressively introducing a full complement of IIOT innovation across its portfolio of mobile computers, printers, scanners and more.  For example,

Honeywell’s Mobility Edge™ platform , a unified hardware and software architecture with an integrated software toolset that extends asset life, accelerates deployment and simplifies management of mobility solutions. Honeywell Mobility Edge is the leader in Android version support providing the best available security, features, and lifecycle duration of any ruggedized device in the world. Honeywell is deeply committed to the longevity and quality of the Mobility Edge platform. The following products are built on the Mobility Edge platform: Honeywell™ CT40, CT40XP, CT60, CT60XP, CN80, CK65, RT10A, and Thor™ VM1A, and VM3A.

Honeywell Operational Intelligence platform for the workplace, a cloud-based software solution that systematically tracks, manages and optimizes mobile computers throughout the operational lifecycle. New features were recently added to the Operational Intelligence platform to help companies enhance health and safety procedures for mobile workers returning to the workplace.

The Next Step: Planning Your Strategy

Migrating to next generation mobile devices can be a process, indeed.  You do not want to go it alone.  Working with an experienced solution provider, like TDS,  is the smartest approach, and you leverage their knowledge of previous technology upgrade projects.  They can guide you on how to properly prepare for a technology upgrade, including how to budget, based on your immediate (and future) needs.

The good news is that with newer technology, you’ll be opening the door to innovative and time-saving ways to automate manual processes, both inside and outside the four walls.  In addition, many of today’s mobile computing devices offer both Android and Windows platforms.  This means you can migrate on your own terms, at your own pace, to accommodate any budgetary or resource constraints you may have.  Read more about the advantages of Android OS in our previous blog.

Ready to take that first step?

We have the expertise you need to get started on the right foot. Contact us today to set up an introductory call and start working toward improving processes, building stronger workflow processes and increasing productivity.