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Getac has announced the launch of its ZX10 fully rugged tablet, a versatile new 10-inch device built around the Android 11 operating system (OS).

The ZX10 will sit alongside Getac’s popular ZX70 fully rugged 7-inch Android tablet, giving customers in industries such as public safety, utilities, energy, transport & logistics, manufacturing, automotive, and defence more options when choosing rugged Android devices that best suit their operational needs.

Powerful Operational Efficiency

The ZX10’s combination of Android 11 OS, Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 Mobile Platform, and Adreno™ 512 GPU delivers a seamless user experience, enabling efficient workflow in a wide range of field scenarios. Dual hot-swappable batteries ensure full-shift operation, while the LumiBond® sunlight readable display (boasting 800nits of brightness) with rain and glove touch capability helps maintain productivity in a range of weather conditions. The ZX10 also has options of up to 6GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB storage to help customers prepare for future industry demands.

Excellent Field Communications

An 8MP front camera and best-in-class 16MP rear camera deliver exceptionally high-quality photo/video capture, while dual integrated microphones filter out loud background noise for enhanced audio quality. Elsewhere, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth (v5.0), dedicated GPS and an optional 4G LTE module offers rapid data transfer and location positioning capabilities in remote field locations. Dual LTE SIM card slots allow field workers to quickly switch between two 4G network carriers. The support to CBRS private network further increases operational flexibility.

Industry Leading Rugged Reliability

Like all Getac devices, the ZX10 is built rugged from the ground up to provide exceptional reliability and peace of mind. MIL-STD-810H and IP66 certification means it can easily withstand drops of up to six feet, shocks, rain, vibration, dust, and liquid spillages. Furthermore, an operating temperature range of -29°C to 63°C (-20°F~145°F) delivers year-round usability. With all these built-in rugged features, the ZX10 is still only 17.9mm thick and weighs just over 1kg, offering excellent portability and mobility in the field.

Ideally Suited to Key Industry Applications

The ZX10 is designed to meet the needs of public safety, utilities, energy, transport & logistics, manufacturing, automotive, and defence professionals who utilise Android-based devices. As part of Getac Select®, it is available in a range of industry specific builds that combine different features, accessories, and software utilities to help customers quickly solve everyday challenges. Below are some example use cases:

Data capture and ePCR access for emergency first responders

Emergency first responders require real-time access to electronic patient health records (ePCRs) to deliver appropriate care and medication, often in high pressure environments. The ZX10’s powerful connectivity options allow them to quickly access this information, while optional barcode/RFID and smart card readers help verify IDs, check operational procedures, and ensure patient confidentiality.

Rugged, full-shift reliability for field utilities engineers

When conducting outdoor activities like GIS mapping, utilities engineers need devices they can rely on in a variety of weather conditions. Furthermore, a lack of access to charging facilities while working in remote locations means long battery life is vitally important. The ZX10’s fully rugged design, dedicated GPS, versatile LumiBond® display with rain and glove touch capability, and dual hot-swappable battery design gives field engineers the peace of mind they need, wherever their duties take them.

Remote communications and asset maintenance for energy workers

Energy workers must regularly inspect and maintain assets in the field, but often require remote support from experts to do so effectively. The ZX10’s mobile connectivity, best-in-class 8MP front camera and 16MP rear camera and dedicated GPS lets workers interact with colleagues around the world in real-time, quickly share/exchange information, and complete tasks at the first time of asking. Dual LTE SIM card slots also let them quickly switch between two different carrier networks without having to swap SIM cards and staying connected conveniently.

Optimising efficiency for warehouse employees and forklift drivers

Warehouse employees and forklift drivers need to collect and move goods between multiple different environments, ranging from internal cold storage and climate-controlled areas to external yards that are exposed to the weather and elements. The ZX10’s compact yet rugged design and wide operating temperature range means it can seamlessly transition between these environments without fear of damage or disruption. Additionally, the optional barcode/RFID-reader and range of programmable buttons makes it quick and easy to identify/process items in a matter of seconds.

“As Android continues to gain popularity, a growing number of organisations are looking for rugged Android solutions that enable them to enjoy the versatility it has to offer, even when working in harsh and/or challenging environments,” says Rick Hwang, President of Getac Technology Corporation. “The ZX10 does exactly that, expanding our line-up of Android-based solutions and helping customers optimise their operational efficiency, while also hitting all-important total cost of ownership targets.”

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Availability:

The ZX10 will be available in March.

Getac has recently announced the launch of its next-generation S410, a highly configurable, semi-rugged laptop aimed at utilities professionals working in challenging indoor and outdoor environments.

Brilliant all-day performance

The new S410 offers upgraded all-day performance, a brilliant new display and enhanced memory and processing power, all in Getac’s market-proven form factor. Key features include the 11th Generation Intel® Core™ i5/i7 Processors with integrated Intel® Iris® X^e Graphics, PCIe NVMe SSD as default and user-removable storage, for improved efficiency during daily workflows and graphics-intensive tasks.

The S410 also features cutting-edge connectivity, thanks to its Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX201 module that supports the new IEEE 802.11ax standard. The result is smooth streaming of high-resolution video, fewer dropped connections and faster connections at farther distances from a wireless router. Thunderbolt™ 4 technology provides ultra-fast data transfer speeds, while also making it easier to share data with other devices.

A brighter screen (up to 1,000 nits), coupled with LumiBond® 2.0 Technology, ensures comfortable outdoor viewing, even when under direct sunlight. Furthermore, the S410 can accommodate up to three hot swappable batteries, ensuring zero downtime from shift to shift. A backlit keyboard makes work in low-light environments easier, while a larger touchpad enables a smooth user experience with fewer input errors.

As expected with Getac ruggedised products, the S410 is MIL-STD-810H certified, resists a three-foot drop, and sports a wide operating temperature range from -29°C to 63°C (-20°F to 145°F). Compliance with the IP53 rating allows users to operate in dusty and light rain conditions without fear of damaging the unit.

 

Reliable connectivity and safety for utility fieldwork

Asset management for utilities can be challenging as constant remote access to a central database is needed to synchronise information, manage and communicate with your workforce, and carry out GIS mapping. With the S410, service technicians in the field can obtain schematics, generate purchase orders, check inventory, and even video chat with remote experts to quickly solve problems, thanks to integrated WLAN/BT/WWAN/GPS. Getac also works with solution partners to provide connectivity management with built-in security. Multiple I/O configurations are available to accommodate different field workers’ needs and connectivity requirements.

 

Getac Select® program – tailored for industry needs

The S410 is part of the Getac Select® program, which combines pre-configured rugged devices, software, accessories, and professional services into a total solution optimised for both individual applications and user groups. Key software utilities available for use alongside the S410 are the Getac Driving Safety Utility, and Getac Device Monitoring System (GDMS).¹

 

Extensive Configurable Options

Extensive pre-configured options make the S410 uniquely suited to the demands of utilities industry professionals, whether on-site with customers or inspecting assets in the field.

 

Optimise Uptime and Reliability with Getac Device Monitoring System (GDMS)

The Getac Device Monitoring System (GDMS) helps organisations maintain operational efficiency of their installed Getac devices. GDMS, part of the Getac Select® program, is a software solution that monitors deployed devices, spotting potential issues before they impact field personnel, thus proactively reducing the risk of downtime.

For companies without dedicated IT resources that lack time or device admin personnel, Getac offers a premium service called Getac Device Monitoring System Enterprise Plus (GDMS E+)², where trained experts monitor Getac hardware and software in use by our customers.

“With the new Getac S410, we have responded to a great demand for a semi-rugged laptop that adapts easily to rapidly-changing conditions, across a wide range of applications,” says Chris Bye, President, Getac UK Ltd. “Our ongoing commitments to technology advancement, professional service, and reliability offer our utilities customers peace of mind when handling complex fieldwork.”

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Availability

The next-generation Getac S410 is available on March 2^nd 2021, priced from £1350 + VAT. For more information, please visit https://www.getac.com/en/products/laptops/s410/

Our Hands-On review series returns as we continue to evaluate the best mobile technology designed with the field service engineer in mind. In the first review of 2021, we’ve got our hands on Getac's ZX70

When it comes to rugged mobile computing, Getac is a brand name that is one of the first that comes to mind. They have a reputation for developing and producing devices that can meet the rigours of day-to-day use in field service environments while also packing the processing power needed to allow field service technicians and engineers to get through the increasing number of digital operations of the average field-based workflow.

In short, Getac devices have a strong reputation in the field service sector and it is one that is well deserved. 

With this in mind we were keen to get our hands on their compact yet powerful Android tablet the ZX70 and put it through its paces...

 

What the manufacturers say:

The ZX70 7” fully rugged Android™ tablet is just the right size with a thin and light, ergonomic design that’s easy to hold in one hand, making it the ideal solution for improved mobile productivity. The ZX70 provides the best battery run time performance in its class for mission-critical field operations. Rugged to the core, the ZX70’s design is optimised for a wide variety of configurable features and no-compromise ruggedness.

 

First impressions:

The days of rugged tablets being cumbersome devices that looked a million miles away from their consumer-focused cousins are long behind us. The modern rugged device while being reassuringly robust in the hand, has become a much more elegant form factor. When it comes to first impressions the ZX70 hits the mark comfortably. It has a sleek profile while instantly coming across as device that can survive the bumps and drops of a life on the road. 

While it is not the lightest of rugged tablets in smaller screen form factor weighing in at 780g, in the hand it doesn't feel too heavy at all and if anything the weight and general feel of the device instantly offers reassurance that this is a device that is fit for purpose and will be perfectly at home in a field service engineers toolkit. Indeed, the bold yellow trim just further adds to the sense that the ZX70 is exactly what it is supposed to be - a tool for use in the field. 

Having charged the device for the full rigours of a day's testing it booted up quickly with the familiar welcome screen any Android user will recognise and we were good to go with our hands on test. So how did it perform? 

 

Processing power & memory:

For a tablet of this size in the rugged world, the ZX70 boasts some seriously impressive power. With a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 660, Octa-core 1.95 GHz, burst up to 2.2 GHz the ZX70 on paper at least offers a bit more bite under the bonnet than Panasonic's Toughbook L1 while sitting in a familiar territory to  Janam's impressive HT-1 - both of which are reasonable devices for comparison in terms of form factor and size. Sitting alongside the octa-core processor is a fairly mid-range but perfectly acceptable Qualcomm Adreno 506 GPU. 

It comes with a 4GB RAM which again is pretty much par for the course for a device in this category and it has a 64GB internal memory that can be expanded by microSD. 

In terms of actual performance, the ZX70 coped absolutely fine with all of our baseline test apps and which are designed to factor into account the most regular tasks a field service engineer is likely to undertake in their day-to-day work-flow. At no point during the testing did CPU usage get anywhere close to maxing out. In fact, we can go as far to say that the ZX70 would almost certainly be able to handle any software requirements that would be asked of a 7" Android tablet being used in the vast majority of field service operations. 

 

Operating system:

The ZX70 runs on Android 9 which offers a good compromise of bringing the benefits of well tested OS that means it is enterprise secure, while being modern enough to bring some of the advances of recent OS upgrades. In fact, there were a number of features in Android 9 that actually made it a very good option for field service operations. Perhaps the most important of these is the adaptive battery feature.

Devices that are fit-for-purpose in the field need to be able to last the often long hours of a field service engineer and Android 9's adaptive battery feature is an excellent introduction to push battery life further. This alongside the adaptive screen brightness also introduced in this version of the Google OS can have a big impact - particularly when we consider that the additional screen brightness of enterprise devices can be a major factor in battery life. 

Another benefit of Android 9 when it comes to a device that is designed for work is the App actions feature. Essentially the device can learn routines and surface apps easier according to what is needed when it is needed, e.g placing that mobile workforce management app to hand just when a field service engineer is starting their day. 

The other advantage of Android is of course it's familiarity. This shouldn't be overlooked when selecting a new device for your field service engineers. Familiarity can bring massive benefit when it comes to ensuring smooth adoption amongst your field technicians and engineers. 

 

The Ins & Outs:

As with many rugged tablets the ZX70 doesn't have a huge array of in/out options but ultimately this is something that is hard to avoid when selecting a tablet of this size that is fully protected against dust and water ingress to the level the ZX70 is.

So what does the ZX70 have? .Well there are two USB ports. There is a full size USB port as well as a micro USB port. These are USB 2.0 so not the fastest available for data transfer although perfectly acceptable for periphery devices such as portable keyboard, which one would imagine would be their primary use. Perhaps the most important inclusion is the POGO connecter at the bottom of the device which allows for vehicle docking and really is an essential requirement when it comes to suitability for the field. 

The ZX70 also comes with an optional barcode reader/and or contactless RFID/NFC reader as well. These options can be massive time savers if your engineer or technicians have a lot of parts moving through their van every day. The ZX70 also has two programmable keys which could be used in conjunction with these inputs to make scanning parts fairly effortless which will of course help with keeping visibility on van inventory. 

Perhaps the biggest omission is the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack. This could in certain environments be hugely important, especially as remote support or engineer to engineer communication is becoming increasingly common. This has of course, increased since the prevalence of remote assistance in our sector since the challenges of the pandemic.  While there were able to conduct video calls during our tests the speakers would struggle in a noisy environment and while bluetooth headphones are an alternative, this introduces an additional drain on battery life. 

Talking of video calls, the ZX70 has two cameras, front and rear. The front camera is an 8MP webcam which is fantastic for this level of device and images on video calls we ran were crystal clear. The front camera is 12MP which is a bit more in line with industry standard but is still an excellent spec for such a device and this level of definition is particularly useful for both documenting work and also remote-assistance based calls. 

Finally, when it comes to physical input of data the ZX70 has a multi-touch capacitor screen and comes with a capacitor stylus. We found the stylus to be well weighted and it perfectly responsive and would be great for collecting signature on job completion. 

 

Connectivity:

When it comes to connectivity the ZX70 supports the newer 802.11ac wifi protocol. While being backwards compatible with older wifi networks the newer 'AC' wifi protocol only operates on the 5Ghz bandwidth. This allows for greater speeds with less interference,( the older 2.4Ghz bandwidth is very congested). The reality is that almost all WiFi is now delivered across both bandwidths but this is still a consideration to take into account, particularly if your field service engineers are working in more remote facilities where perhaps the necessity for a 5Ghz network hasn't reached your client base. Even in such situations however, the ZX70 supports 4G LTE mobile broadband as an optional specification. Running the device across multiple networks including wifi and LTE we found that it was able to consistently support fast internet relevant to signal strength available.

As mentioned in the above section the I/O on the device are somewhat limited so Bluetooth specification is important. Getac obviously understood this and have included  Bluetooth 5.0 in the ZX60. Bluetooth 5.0 uses less power and has greater range than previous versions and it is important to note that the majority of similar devices in this form factor and at a similar price range are still offering Bluetooth 4.1 so this does give the ZX70 an distinct advantage in this area. 

 

Ruggedity:

As we mentioned in the opening of this review the ZX70 feels reassuringly robust in the hand. It's rubberised casing looks and feels like something designed to meet the rigours of life in an industrial environment. Certainly it's rugged specifications live up to this initial impression as well. 

The ZX70 is certified to the newer MIL-STD 810H standard which is a 2019 revision of the better known MIL-STD810G and is the new gold standard for rugged devices. It is also important to note that the device is certified at this standard, rather than just tested or designed to. While these terms may often appear to be synonymous, they are not and it is only devices certified to this standard that are guaranteed to meet all of the stringent criteria of this military grade testing. The ZX70 sits proudly in that category. 

The device is also IP67 rated. This means that it is in essence impervious to both dust and water ingress. From a dust perspective it is perfectly sealed. From a water perspective, it is capable of being submerged in shallow water (up to a metre) for 30 minutes at a time. This makes the ZX70 suitable for almost every possible field service environment. 

The display is a LumiBond® display with Getac sunlight readable technology which is also an important factor when it comes to use in field service sectors as this makes it useable bright outdoor environments. 

Finally, the ZX70 is tested to six feet drop tests and also is vibration tested and has operational -21°C to 60°C. In our testing which includes heating and cooling the device, as well as multiple angle drop tests in accordance with the manufacturers claims the ZX70 was absolutely fine and continued to perform at optimal levels at all times. 

 

Battery Life:

In terms of battery life, the ZX70 comes with a Li-Ion battery (3.8V, typical 8480mAh; min. 8220mAh)

After an 8 hour day of reasonable to heavy usage the battery was at 19% so the device should be capable of seeing out most field service engineers working days, especially if the device is placed in an in-vehicle charging cradle in between jobs. 

 

Conclusion:

We like this device. It looks and feels like exactly what it is, a durable tool that can empower the field service engineer. It is certainly capable of coping with the tougher pressure of a life in the field and its super bright display could means it would be as comfortable in an outdoor environment as it would be on a factory floor. Performance wise there is very little to complain about either and it coped admirably with all of the tests we put it through. 

The only one drawback is the lack of a headphone jack which could be useful for remote assistance calls in a noisy environment. However this is somewhat mitigated by the introduction of bluetooth 5.0 which offers low-power headphone usage. 

All in all though the ZX70 is an excellent devices that sits comfortably amongst the best options available within rugged devices in this form factor and also this price range. 

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For more information visit Getac  https://www.getac.com/en/products/tablets/zx70/

 

Lightweight, fully rugged device optimises mobile productivity in a wide range of demanding industrial field environments...

Getac has announced the launch of the ZX70 G2, a fully rugged, highly portable tablet that’s purpose built to boost productivity and decrease downtime for mobile field professionals in the utilities, manufacturing and transport & logistics (T&L) sectors.

The ZX70 G2 builds on the proven track record of Getac’s popular ZX70 tablet, bringing fully rugged design, next generation connectivity and powerful computing performance together in a lightweight and compact design. The result is a mobile device that’s both highly reliable, and easy to operate over long periods, in environments ranging from the factory/warehouse floor to remote outdoor facilities and assets.

The ZX70 G2 features a powerful Android OS and innovative Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 660 platform which offers fast computing alongside low power consumption, meaning users can work for longer between charges – an essential requirement for effective field work. Inbuilt next generation Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality keeps workers connected, while the powerful 8MP/12MP front/rear cameras make it easy to accurately document activity and receive remote expert support whenever required.

The ZX70 G2 also features the very latest MIL-STD-810H certification, ensuring it can easily stand up to the demands of modern field usage. This includes updated vibration resistance - an essential requirement for in-vehicle usage in the T&L sector where devices must remain fully operational during long trips over rough terrain.

“With the Getac ZX70 G2, we’ve taken one of our most popular rugged tablets and improved it in nearly every way to create a highly versatile new device that’s perfectly suited to life in the field,” says Chris Bye, President, Getac UK Ltd. “When working in challenging environments like those found in the utilities, manufacturing and T&L industries, workers need devices they can rely on regardless of location, weather conditions or time of day. The ZX70 G2 is purpose built to deliver just that, helping them get the job done as efficiently as possible.”

The ZX70 G2 comes with Getac’s three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, covering accidental damage as standard, providing workers with the confidence to operate anywhere with peace of mind.

Fully rugged tablet offers advanced features and high performance for workers in the utilities, industrial manufacturing and emergency services industries.

Getac have  announced the launch of the new UX10 rugged tablet, offering reliability, powerful performance and lightweight portability to professionals operating in challenging field environments every day.

 

For emergency service paramedics, field utilities technicians and industrial manufacturing engineers, bad weather, remote locations and adverse working conditions are all part of the job. To work efficiently, they need powerful mobile devices they can count on day-in, day-out, regardless of the location or circumstances.

 

The lightweight and compact UX10 has been designed to maximise worker productivity in any environment. It’s 10.1-inch Full HD LumiBond® touchscreen display with 1000 nits of brightness and optional digitiser mode offers crystal clarity in all weather conditions, from bright sunlight to heavy rain, and can even be used while wearing gloves.  MIL-STD-810G and IP65 ratings ensure operation in temperatures ranging from -29^o to +63^o C and drop resistance of up to 6ft, for complete peace of mind when working in harsh, dangerous or chaotic situations.

 

The UX10 features an Intel 8th Gen Quad-core CPU, 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD for exceptional computing power, while connectivity options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 4G LTE with integrated GPS, keep workers connected in even the most remote locations. The UX10 also features multiple battery configurations including an optional high capacity battery for full-shift computing and optional bridge battery, enabling hot battery swaps for continuous operation.  For maximum functionality, the UX10 is compatible with a wide range of accessories including detachable keyboard, hard carry handle and secure vehicle docks. A robust suite of enhanced security features, combined with authentication options including Windows Hello facial recognition webcam, magnetic stripe reader, smart card reader and fingerprint scanner, keeps sensitive data protected at all times.

 

“Working in sectors such as utilities, industrial manufacturing and the emergency services can be unpredictable and extremely challenging, so the last thing personnel want to worry about is their device failing on the job,” says Rick Hwang, President of Rugged Business Unit at Getac Technology Corporation. “The new UX10 is purpose built to provide the reliability, performance and usability that workers need, meaning they can focus on the task at hand, whatever the situation.”

 

The UX10 comes with Getac’s three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, covering accidental damage as standard, for even further peace of mind.

 

Emergency Services: Answering the call with paramedics

The UX10 is optimized for the latest Electronic Patient Care Records (EPCR) and ambulance mobilization software, putting life-saving critical information directly into the hands of field personnel when they need it most. A range of optional vehicle docks and optional hard carry handle further optimizes device mobility, allowing the UX10 to be easily operated and transported in time-critical situations. 

 

Industrial Manufacturing: Monitor and manage critical processes through a single device

Digital transformation has revolutionised industrial manufacturing in recent years. The UX10 allows workers to monitor plant performance, integrate critical workflows and maintain quality control, all through a single device. An optional RS232 port supports the use of legacy equipment, while an optional LAN port allows for direct communication with different machines and equipment throughout the facility. 

 

Utilities: The ultimate device for field service management

Manage your workforce, fleet and assets directly on the UX10 using the latest field services management applications. Optional dedicated GPS enables fast and easy mapping when using GIS software, while integrated screen-blanking technology decreases the risk of accidents and driver distraction. The UX10’s light weight, compact form factor and multiple hands-free carry options make it ideally suited to full shifts in the field. 

 

 

 

 

Captec, the designer and supplier of specialist computing platforms, has teamed up with market-leading rugged tablet manufacturers to provide 360-degree in-vehicle solutions.

The specialist tablets from Dell, Getac, Panasonic and Samsung are designed to accommodate the needs of demanding applications in industries including construction, utilities, and fire and rescue.

In the modern working environment, it is crucial for fleets to have the tools that allow them to work efficiently through improved communication and efficiency. By securing these strategic partnerships, Captec provides fleets with high-performance technology and the flexibility to achieve an optimal balance between performance and budget for their application.

With features including high ingress protection, ruggedisation, built-in GPS and barcode scanners, the tablets meet and exceed the needs of mobile workforces across multiple sectors.

Each tablet can be combined with a vehicle dock, specifically designed to accommodate it – sourced by Captec from its trusted vehicle docking partners, Gamber-Johnson and Havis.

To provide a true 360-degree solution, Captec offers a complete installation service including full vehicle audits, custom cabling, onsite installation performed by experienced engineers and tailored through life support.

For more complex applications demanding a high level of customisation such as additional ruggedisation for uninterrupted operation in hostile conditions, Captec offer bespoke engineering and technical services. From the initial design concept through to testing and validation, Captec can make any necessary modifications quickly and effectively at its dedicated in-house engineering facilities.

Ian Langton, Product Manager, Captec, said: “We have partnered with leading technology providers in complete confidence that, when combined with our installation service, we can address the performance, reliability and longevity needs of today’s mobile workforce. Our aim is to create a one-stop-shop for fleet managers looking to equip their vehicles with rugged and reliable mobile computing.”

In addition to offering models from suppliers through strategic partnerships, Captec has recently designed, developed and introduced a brand new rugged tablet of its own.

The VT-681 tablet is a fully rugged device, powered by Windows 10 IoT, making it ideal for fleets requiring a cost-effective solution, without compromising on performance or features from other well-known suppliers.

Find out more about Captec’s in-vehicle computing solutions @ www.captec-group.com/in-vehicle

 

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A new fully-rugged solution purpose-built for the challenging conditions and uncompromising demands of those working within hazardous industries

Getac announced last week the launch of the new F110-Ex fully-rugged tablet, as an enhancement to its popular F110 model, designed to deliver unrivalled efficiency, reliability and safety to workers in hazardous environments.

In many industrial sectors, extreme temperatures, poor weather conditions and close contact with dangerous substances are all factors to contend with daily. Workers need devices they can rely on for efficient field maintenance, accurate safety checks and equipment monitoring tasks. IT failure not only has a significant impact on productivity, it also puts lives at risk.

The new F110-Ex fully-rugged tablet has been designed with this in mind. Featuring an 11.6-inch sunlight readable display and weighing just 1.49kg, it is both versatile and compact providing reliable operation in the field. MIL-STD810G and IP65 water and dust resistance certifications ensure seamless operation in wet, dirty environments, while an operating temperature range of -21°C to +60°C ensures full functionality in even the most extreme conditions.

The F110-Ex features intrinsic safety design limiting electrical and thermal energy output to a level below that required to ignite hazardous atmospheric mixtures. Like all of Getac’s Ex fully-rugged tablets it is certified to ATEX, UL913 and IECEx standards, for complete operator safety.

Powering digital transformation

Advances in AI and IoT technologies are powering digital transformation across all industrial sectors and the F110-Ex allows those businesses working in hazardous environments to fully benefit from productivity and process improvements and migrate legacy paper-based documentation to live and even cloud solutions.

Chris Bye, President at Getac U.K. Ltd, comments, “The F110-Ex enables users to safely collect and send digital data, capture images and even engage in video communication in high-risk environments, helping enterprises complete the last mile of digital transformation.”

Exceptional performance and security

Equipped with the 7th generation Intel Kaby Lake Core processors and multi-factor security mechanisms, the F110-Ex provides exceptional computing power and secure authentication. Full data protection is provided by Windows 10, with an optional face recognition camera compatible with Windows Hello, as well as barcode scanner and (LF/HF)RFID reader.

As one of the top rugged solution providers, Getac offers a comprehensive portfolio of vertically integrated solutions for all types of extreme operating conditions.  In addition to the new F110-Ex, Getac’s fully rugged tablet portfolio includes the EX80, ZX70, T800 and other ATEX-certified models, all delivering exceptional ruggedness and performance for hazardous industries.

Availability:

The new F110 will be available to buy from 27th September 2018. For more information, please visit: www.getac.com

 

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Captec is pleased to announce the agreement of a new strategic partnership with Getac, one of the world’s leading providers of rugged mobile computing solutions.

The new relationship demonstrates Captec’s commitment to the in-vehicle sector, and will see it gain access to Getac’s fully rugged tablet range to deliver reliable usage in critical working environments.

By combining Getac’s tablets with its end-to-end installation service, Captec will deliver complete solutions for in-vehicle applications, optimised for reliability, safety and performance.

Captec’s service comprises tablet sourcing, customisation, vehicle auditing, installation and comprehensive through-life technical servicing and support.

With in-depth experience of in-vehicle applications, Captec can integrate Getac mobile tablet computers into any service vehicle, regardless of make or model. Captec supports applications in a wide range of industries including emergency services, field services and defence.

Successful Captec and Getac deployments already include a waste management application, saving a customer time, money and inconvenience by reducing unnecessary vehicle recalls.

Peter Molyneux, Director of Sales, Captec, said: “Getac’s fully rugged solutions enhance our ability to satisfy specific mobile user demands in critical working environments, whilst lowering the total cost of ownership over the life of projects.”

This new relationship is the latest in a line of strategic agreements that benefit the in-vehicle market. Chris Bye, President, Getac, said: “Getac’s recent expansion has been built through working with an exceptional group of partners, organisations that genuinely provide value to their customers.

“Captec’s capabilities through engineering heritage epitomises this and its experience in customising solutions specifically to customer requirements, building on our durable, reliable and secure mobile platforms, is exceptional.”

This new relationship is the latest in a line of strategic agreements that benefit the in-vehicle market. Partnerships have already been tied up with industry leaders including Gamber-Johnson and Havis, as Captec grows and enhances its capabilities in this specialised sector.

Find out more about Captec’s end-to-end vehicle installation service here.

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Our Hands-On review series returns as we continue to evaluate the best mobile technology designed with the field service engineer in mind. In the first review of 2018, we’ve got our hands on Janam’s XT100 - the stablemate of the XT2 which we found to be an excellent unit when we reviewed it back in September 2016...

The launch of Janam’s new rugged mobile computer the XT100 looks set to continue on the path that the company began walking along when they launched the XT1, which introduced a more modern form factor to their product line up.

When Field Service News reviewed the XT2 back in September 2016 we concluded that “all in all the XT2 is a fantastic option for any field service technician, it is a lightweight device and the programmable buttons could greatly improve work-flow in some areas. However, the XT2 is especially suited for those field technicians working in an environment where a fully rugged device becomes essential.”

So 18 months on how does the latest iteration of the XT range shape up?

What the manufacturers say:

Power. Performance. Price Advantage.

While smartphones have grown more popular in the enterprise, organizations still struggle with their poor fit and high failure rates when deployed in demanding work environments. Today’s mobile worker requires a rugged, purpose-built device that is capable of reliably and securely running line-of-business applications in the palm of the hand.

Eliminating the pitfalls and hidden costs associated with deploying consumer-grade devices in the enterprise, Janam’s XT100 rugged touch computer delivers the best of both business and personal. With more features and functionality than any other device in its class, the XT100 delivers the latest technological advances to organizations of all sizes at an extremely attractive price point.

First impressions:

As alluded to above when we last reviewed a device from Janam we were indeed highly impressed.

The XT2 had built upon the solid foundation that Janam held in their other rugged mobile computing ranges (notably the XM and XP ranges) by introducing a device with high-end specs both in terms of its ruggedity and its processing power that was housed in a form factor which adopted much of the feel of a consumer device.

Janam were by no means the first rugged manufacturer to follow this route with Getac, Panasonic, and Xplore amongst others, all following the trend of producing devices that blurred the lines between rugged and consumer – certainly from an aesthetic perspective at least. Indeed, there are strong arguments behind the reasoning for this shift, which in the main centre around an uptake in adoption rates amongst engineers when the devices they use in their working lies are similar to those that they use in their day-to-day consumer lives.

That said, with such a trend emerging amongst rugged manufacturers the need for Janam (or any of their peers) to ensure that their new range didn’t just look and feel good, but that they also maintained their credentials both in terms of the rugged value of the device as well as it’s potential use within an enterprise sector that values long battery life, high performance and perhaps most important of all reliability in mobile computing devices, was of huge importance.

This was very much in our thoughts when we reviewed the XT2, and the device passed all of our benchmarks with flying colours and on initial glance the XT100 acts and feels very much in a similar vein.

For a rugged device the XT100 is light. Really light.The XT100 does have a smaller and lighter footprint than its stablemate (which itself was able to boast of being lightest in its class when we reviewed it at launch.)

Janam appear to prefer to avoid comparing their devices with smartphones, referring to the XT range as the rugged touch computers, so they may not thank me for this, but in terms of the device in hand, the difference between the XT2 and the XT100 is most easily described as the difference between a phablet such as the Galaxy Note or iPhone Plus compared to a regular sized smartphone - with the XT100 falling into the latter bracket.

For a rugged device the XT100 is light. Really light.

At just 7.5 ounces (213 grams) the XT100 is lighter than both the Gen2Wave RT1600 and the Ruggex Rhino 3 (despite having a bigger screen than the latter as well). The profile of the phone is certainly chunkier than a regular consumer device of course, which is largely due to the inclusion of a dedicated barcode scanner but also to mention being sturdy enough to survive multiple 1.2m drops – which we will explore a little later.

Having booted up the device for the first time the device was quick to launch and the menus responsive and quick to access as we would have anticipated based on the performance of the XT2 in the previous review.

So how did the device fare during our hands-on review?

Processing power:

In terms of processing power, the XT100 comes with 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 410 quad-core, which is pretty much in the same ballpark as the XT2’s MSM8916 CPU @1.2GHz. In terms of the market for similar devices as to the XT range these offer a fairly standard amount of processing power. It’s certainly true that this is still a wee bit short of devices such as Panasonic’s FZ-N1 (which runs a Qualcomm® MSM8974AB 2.3GHz Quad Core for example) but the XT100 should certainly be powerful enough to cope with the majority of field service related software that might be required for a service engineer’s day-to-day tasks.

The XT100 also comes with 2GB RAM and 16GB ROM as standard, unlike the XT2 where whilst these specs are available they are an upgrade option (from a 1GB/8GB standard option).

Again this sits pretty much in the middle of the pack in terms of similar devices and is definitely suitable for a number of field service applications. Also, as with the XT2 the memory is expandable via a user accessible Micro SD slot with SD and SDHC support – which can become a very useful option for engineers who need to record a lot of data, or even for those who work in offline environments regularly where locally storing asset maintenance information to aid a firsttime fix could be of benefit.

Operating system:

The XT100 is currently running Android 6 (Marshmallow), which is a perfect option for industry, focused devices. Whilst the latest consumer devices are now running Android 8 (Oreo), in a world of enterprise, the need for a robustly road-tested OS is hugely important. Marshmallow is currently the most advanced iteration of the OS that also has the stability required for enterprise-grade computing.

Additionally, there were two important inclusions in the Marshmallow iteration of the Android OS which could provide important benefits for use by field service operatives which were not included within the previous version of Android (Lollipop).

This makes Marshmallow a strong platform for field service organisations where the need for a mobile device to last the duration of a service engineer’s often long working day is essential.The first of these is an improved battery management feature, which utilises two solutions to extend battery life. These are Doze - which automatically puts your phone to sleep when not being used and App Standby which reduces the amount of battery drain form seldom-used apps.

This makes Marshmallow a strong platform for field service organisations where the need for a mobile device to last the duration of a service engineer’s often long working day is essential.

The second development in Marshmallow of interest in the context of the field service engineers is the ability to migrate data and applications to a MicroSD card. As we referenced earlier the XT100 has MicroSD memory expansion options which can be useful for field service engineers working offline or who are required to record a lot of supplementary data, so improving the functionality of file management is another welcome introduction to the Android OS.

In addition to this Marshmallow also remains the most widely used Android OS in the world of consumer devices as well according to the Android developer community website (last updated February 2018) so there is also the added benefit of the interface being likely to be familiar to end users which will also have big benefits on user adoption rates.

The Ins & Outs:

As with the XT2, the XT100 doesn’t have a huge array of physical input options – but this can’t really be avoided in a device of such a size. However, in terms of the physical inputs, the key essentials are all included and there are a number of excellent inclusions in terms of data capture functionality that mark out the XT100 as a well thought out device designed to be fit-for-purpose.

To begin with the basics, there is a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is, of course, is a hugely important inclusion, especially as remote support or engineer to engineer communication, is becoming increasingly common. There is a micro USB 2.0 port, which is there for charging and data syncing although the XT100 is also capable of wireless charging as well.

One of the core USPs and strengths of the whole Janam range is that their devices are designed for the industry and with their end-users workflow in mind.There are also two cameras, which are additionally useful for both data collection and video conferencing. The rear camera is 13MP and the front-facing camera is 4MP – which whilst neither being particularly groundbreaking in terms of resolution, are both absolutely fit for purpose.

However, one of the core USPs and strengths of the whole Janam range is that their devices are designed for the industry and with their end-users workflow in mind.

The XT100 has two additional hard keys (three including the power key), which by default trigger the XT100’s built-in barcode scanner which is the Honeywell N6603 2D Imager – which in our tests responded extremely efficiently and reliably.

Another inclusion which is hugely beneficial specifically for the field service engineer is the inclusion of a NFC/RFID reader (which reads Reads ISO14443 Type A; ISO14443 Type B & ISO15693; MIFARE UltraLight; MIFARE UltraLight C; MIFARE 1k/4k/Plus; MIFARE DESFire;MIFARE DESFire EV1; NFC in the 13.56MHz range). Again, within our tests, we found the XT100 was able to identify and read tags with easily and we had a 100% success rate during our tests of this functionality, finding the reader to have a good sensitivity.

Both of these inclusions are important as amongst other benefits they can allow the field service engineer to easily log spare parts moving in and out of the van – and given that tracking parts inventory remains a considerable challenge for many field service organisations, all solutions that can improve efficiency in this area are of course highly desirable.

Finally, there is a Pogo Connector at the bottom of the device, which can be used for charging within a cradle such as a vehicle dock.

Connectivity:

When it comes to connectivity the XT100 supports the latest 802.11a/b/g/n/d/h/i/k/r/v protocols so accessing strong wi-fi connectivity speeds should be no issue and within our tests, the device was able to reach 50Mbps. The XT100 also supports EDGE/GPRS/GSM, WCDMA and LTE for 4G mobile internet and when tested with a moderate to strong 4G signal the device reached 18Mbps.

As one would expect with a device designed for the enterprise XT100 has robust security protocols (IEEE802.11; WEP; WPA/WPA2; PEAP/MSCHAPv2; EAP-TLS).

The XT100 also features Bluetooth 4.1 so can be paired with additional tools in the field including potentially Android Wear-based smartglasses, a keyboard for data input and of course Bluetooth headphones should the device be utilised for field service engineers receiving remote guidance.

Additionally, the device offers Qualcomm GPS which supports GLONASS so the device offers precise location tracking in the vast majority of locations across the globe, which can be invaluable to the field service organisation with regards to updating asset information as well as the adoption of geo-location functionalities within a field service technician’s workflow.

Ruggedity:

In terms of its ruggedity, the XT100 holds its head high with good rugged credentials albeit slightly less so than its sibling the XT2.

The XT100 is capable of withstanding multiple drops at 1.2m. The device also came with a clear hard plastic case to add additional protection from drops and knocks and survived our own drop testing with no issues.

The XT100’s IP rating is perhaps one area which is ever so slightly disappointing as having delivered the XT2 to an IP67 standard previously, Janam have opted to make the XT100 at the lower rating of IP65.

What this means, in reality, is the XT100 is impervious to dust ingress and largely resistant to water ingress although it is not fully submersible in water as an IP67 device would be. In reality, an IP65 rating should be sufficient for most field service environments although given the XT2’s more robust rating the difference should be noted and taken into account for those companies working in naturally wet environments such as perhaps certain waste management or water-based utilities sectors.

When it comes to operating temperature ranges the XT100 -20 to 60 degrees centigrade – which means that even in the most inhospitable environments the device should function effectively, and in terms of humidity it is non-condensing up to 95%. Finally, the capacitive touchscreen boasts toughened Corning Gorilla Glass 3 to further add to the devices robust credentials.

Battery Life:

In terms of battery life, the XT100 comes with a 3000mAh 3.8v rechargeable Li-ion battery.

After an 8 hour day of reasonable to heavy usage the battery was at 14% so the device should be capable of seeing out most field service engineers working days, especially if the device is placed in an in-vehicle charging cradle in between jobs. However, for those engineers who are required to spend long days in one location, a four-slot battery charger is an optional accessory.

Conclusion:

As with the XT2, the XT100 is, first of all, a fantastic looking device that feels great in hand and is sure to feel instantly familiar for end users.

The fact that it is so lightweight, easily one of the lightest (if not the lightest) rugged devices we’ve reviewed and comfortable in hand means it could easily pass for a consumer device at first glance and the fact that it runs on Android 6 is going to make that familiarity all the more prevalent, which as we’ve discussed above is an important factor in terms of user adoption and potentially a path to quicker return on investment.

For most tasks that a field service engineer would be likely to use on the device, the XT100 should have more than enough power under the hood to be up to the task.Whilst the XT100 doesn’t have quite the same protection against water ingress as the XT2 it should certainly be a rugged and robust enough device for most field service environments, with the possible exception of those engineers who will be working in potentially wet situations where the likelihood is that the device could be dropped and submersed into water.

In terms of processing power, the device is at a reasonable mid-range and performed well within our own tests, responding quickly with multiple apps open and offering strong connectivity to both Wi-Fi and 4G signals.

Whilst it is not at the very highest range of computational power within its category if your engineers are required to use an intensive CPU hungry app then one might question whether such a small form factor would be correct for your engineers anyway. However, for most tasks that a field service engineer would be likely to use on the device, the XT100 should have more than enough power under the hood to be up to the task.

As with other Janam products the XT100 is clearly designed with the end users workflow in mind and the rapid performance and ease of access of both the NFC/RFID readers and the barcode scanner make this a great option for those engineers who are moving a lot of parts stock in and out of the van each day.

By introducing the XT100, Janam have taken the blueprint of excellence that they have established with the XT range as a whole and created one of the smallest rugged devices suited for field service to date.

The XT100 is an excellent addition to the range and certainly worthy of consideration for any field service organisation looking to update the mobile computing options with a sleek, lightweight yet robust device – this holds especially true for organisations that are currently running an older Android solution as the transition should be fairly seamless.

As we’ve alluded to across the article the similarities with the XT2 are as one might expect wide-ranging and the XT2’s slightly better-rugged credentials might still make it the pick for those organisations hose engineers are working in the most testing of environments, but what Janam have done with the introduction of the XT100 is deliver a device of similar standard to the impressive XT2 with an even lighter footprint giving field service companies another excellent additional option to choose from.

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