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New R11L offers a compact, feature-rich option at an affordable price for workers in retail, hospitality, warehousing, logistics and field service.

Durabook, the global rugged mobile solutions brand owned by Twinhead International Corporation, have announced the European launch of its high performance, lightweight 11.6 inch touchscreen tablet. The new R11L is built to boost productivity and efficiency for workers in retail, logistics and hospitality, as well as for applications like workforce management, asset/inventory management, mobile POS, line-busting, in-aisle assistance, and table service. The R11L expands Durabook’s rugged tablet range and offers an enterprise-class option for workers that require seamless data-capture and high flexibility.

 

“Demand has never been stronger for our 11-inch fully rugged tablets, as more and more customers are demanding thin, light devices that offer quality, durability and top performance, all at an unmatched price in the current market,” said Twinhead CEO Fred Kao. “Our current range of rugged tablets is already benefiting hundreds of users across a wide range of industries and work environments, and we're confident the R11L will deliver agility, efficiency and responsiveness that businesses demand today.”  

 

The R11L is slim and lightweight (1.2kg), making it highly portable. It has up to 16 hours of battery life, includes Windows® 10 Pro, a high-performance, energy-smart Intel® Pentium processor and Intel® HD 610 Graphics, for fast and efficient use of applications and visuals on the move and around the clock. Reliable connectivity and high-speed data transmission are delivered via Intel® Dual Band Wireless and Bluetooth® V5.0. The device’s DynaVue® sunlight readable LCD screen has a 10-point capacitive multi-touch panel, which can be used with a glove, stylus, or finger, even if the screen is wet, optimising the device’s usability regardless of work conditions. With an IP65 rating and MIL-STD-810G certification for 4’ drop, shock, vibration, rain, dust, sand, humidity, high/low temperature, and more; plus ANSI 12.12.01 C1D2 certification, the R11L can be used in almost any operating environment and deliver reliable performance.

 

Durabook offers opportunities for customisation and the R11L has many expansion options available; including optional RFID reader, smartcard, barcode and magnetic stripe readers for seamless data-capture as well as a rear camera. 

 

As with all Durabook mobile computing devices, the R11L comes with a standard three year warranty and local repair facilities. 

 

Durabook rugged tablet range includes the R11, ideal for the complex computing and graphics needs of workers in oil and gas, and field service; and the ultra-rugged U11I, which meets the needs of workers in the most extreme environments, such as military and public safety. 

In the latest Field Service Podcast, Tilak Kasturi discusses the importance of a proof of concept in AI and machine learning enterprise.

 

Tilak Kasturi is the CEO and Founder of Predii, an AI software company whose platform enables predictive repair and maintenance for complex equipment.

We got Tilak on to the Field Service Podcast to discuss the origins of Predii, the importance of proof of concept and how his time in radiation oncology big-data is shaping his current project.

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. 

 

 

 

 

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In a world of increasingly tough consumer devices it is easy to think that rugged tech could be surpassed by their less expensive consumer cousins – but short term savings do not always translate into long term value. Field Service News’ Editor Mark Glover finds out more... 

In the vast field service spectrum stacked full of diverse vertical industries, rugged hardware is a constant support holding up the many sectors with tough rubber membranes and indestructible screens. Within service, large and small field service firms all use hardware that is rugged, durable and able to withstand the wind and the rain and the drops and the knocks.

If we were to define what field service is – and it has many definitions – then we could agree that it is something that does not (necessarily) take place in a nice, warm and safe office where smooth I-pads and sleek smartphones flourish. Let’s also reflect on the impact field service has.

I don’t think it’s too controversial to say that business relies on quality service. It keeps processes flowing and simply put that keeps revenue  flowing in too. Today, delivering efficient field service is paramount and it’s an efficiency driven and empowered by technology – tough and robust technology.

In a servitization era, where the asset is no longer top dog, business models are created round long-term client-centred contracts attached to an evolving product. An effective service offering creates the framework for that product. Key here are the tools that enable engineers to carry out their work, tools that won’t let them down. Enter then, rugged devices: smartphones, tablets and laptops. Robust, tough and sturdy hardware that empowers an employee. But in the sea of rugged options that exists, how do we pick the right device for our needs and ultimately establish it’s fit-for purpose?

The sector is blessed with a range of cloud-based software solutions. Job scheduling, customer details and equipment data can all be accessed on a tablet or phone, but can your chosen rugged handset handle these software requirements and other industry specific applications? Can the processor and memory cope with running several required applications at once? Ease of use is also another factor to take into consideration.

We might be used to the Android or IoS platform from our own personal devices - and the majority of devices sit these (albeit a few versions behind) on top of their own operating systems – but the technicalities will differ slightly in terms of field-service use and it’s important to feel settled in this slightly different platform. Furthermore, like any cloud-based software, FSM applications can also be vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data-breaches. Seeking out protection is advised, and don’t forget to consider battery life.

Service engineers can also go days without charging their device. Fortunately, many rugged devices – unlike consumer devices – have removable batteries so spares can be carried around ensuring power is always on-hand. Engineers are often exposed to the elements so devices need to work in all weathers and their extremes. Rain is a given in most countries and getting an intricate piece of technology wet can lead to malfunctions very quickly. However, an engineer wants to focus on the job in hand rather than being concerned with keeping an ipad dry. Conversely, screen glare can also be a frustrating issue for engineers working out in the sun. And what about dropping the device?

Let’s be honest, engineers carry out repairs and maintenance in the most uncomfortable, inhospitable and awkward of environments. It’s inevitable that a drop of the hardware will take place at some point. Thankfully rugged manufacturers are savvy to these demands. Screens now come with tough, water-proof protection, putting engineers’ mind at ease that their tablet won’t show terminal error codes as the heavens open or the sun beats down. Tough, rubber membranes offer protection from drops at height, with rugged manufacturers systematically testing products for drop robustness.

"Engineers are often exposed to the elements so devices need to work in all weathers and their extremes..."

Forgive this article’s trend for comparison and scene-setting but when mentioning rugged, then the word consumer usually follows and our personal relationship with consumer mobile devices has never been closer. The tech in our smart-phone that never leaves our side and keeps us connected with the world as we set out for the day. The personal tablet that resides on the living room sofa picked-up by the whole family to play games, look up recipes, or book a flight is now ubiquitous as the TV remote. Smart devices now play a pivotal role in our daily lives.

However, when it comes to investing in rugged devices, our requirements will differ from that when we visit high-street phone shops. Primarily, decisions are made with a business case in mind. Portable, strong, weather-proof and intuitive units are the key tangible factors worth considering but what about its ROI? Drilling down, it’s useful to compare the rugged and consumer markets.

Where the lines between the two were once obvious, both markets are now beginning to converge. A major differentiator has always been the aesthetics. The phone in your pocket and your home-tablet show off their sleek lined and curved edges, casting disparaging looks at rugged’s Frankenstein laptops and rubber encased tablets. However, products from Getac, Xplore and Panasonic are now producing tablets, laptops and phones that are more pleasing on the eye, furthermore consumer phones such as Samsung’s Note9 and the iPhoneX incorporate rugged IP65 specifications such as being dustproof and waterproof.

The lines become further blurred as rugged commonly integrates the Android framework as an operating platform. As consumers, we tend to refresh our handsets every 12 to 18 months. Rugged tech, however can last for 36. It’s a time frame (and a market) that consumer manufacturers such as Samsung and Apple keep looking over to, poised perhaps to make a move. Given the high-cost of rugged devices, there is the very real possibility that service companies will opt for service-adapted consumer devices.

While the argument for consumer over rugged in field service is becoming a very valid one, the latter has a distinct financial advantage when comparing the savings gained through Total Cost of Ownerships (TCO). TCO is an estimate of all the direct and indirect costs involved in acquiring and operating a product or system over its lifetime and it’s a formula that rugged manufacturers have often waved in front of their consumer counterparts.

Generally, a rugged unit will last longer than a consumer-based device and in-looping back to the opening thoughts of this article, any downtime in service is a huge cost, damaging firms reputationally and of course financially. At the moment, consumer software will always be more vulnerable to faults in its average twoyear life-cycle. Rugged tech will always last longer which is fundamental to a sector that relies heavily on reliability, which is why enterprise IT deliberately has slower product cycles.

Like all adoptions of new technology, choosing the right solution for your team’s requirements is paramount. Rugged solution providers should be able to understand what you need and why you need it, tailoring a product to suit. And here lies the key – your engineer, Empowering him or her to carry out their tasks to the best of their ability is vital. Come rain or indeed sunshine.

In the latest Field Service Podcast, Mike Pullon discusses if rugged devices will ever be replaced by their consumer cousins.

 

With the boundaries of consumer and rugged becoming more blurred, we spoke to Mike Pullon, CEO and Founder of Varlink - an outfit that distributes specialist rugged devices - if high-street phones and tablets will ever replace their rugged counterparts.

Conker, a British producer of business rugged tablet, touch screen and mobile devices has announced that it can now offer organisations greater control, management and security of their fleet of mobile devices through a new partnership with 42Gears.


Conker has agreed to the partnership to enable 42Gears to support the management of fleets of Conker devices for UK enterprises, and to refer and resell 42Gears’ unified endpoint management (UEM) software. A key driving force behind the development of this partnership is Conker’s customer base, as it discovered that they not only seek business rugged, fit-for-purpose devices, but that they also require an even greater degree of control, management and security across their devices. 
 
James Summers, CEO and founder, Conker, says, “As a fast-growth British technology business, we’re constantly evaluating ways in which we can deliver even greater levels of business value to the market, coupled with the best possible fit-for-purpose mobile devices.  This partnership with 42Gears is an important milestone in realising this goal.”  
 
He continued, “After discussions with 42Gears, it became clear that it shared the same vision and ethos as Conker about enterprise mobility. We’re pleased to agree to this partnership, as it means that our business rugged devices are not only fit-for-purpose and adaptable to different business scenarios, but that organisations can be assured that they have total control and security of their devices.”
 
Kaushik Sindhu, Associate Vice President, 42Gears says, “Business-owned devices in the field are insecure and prone to misuse. Also, managing large fleets of devices have been challenging for IT admins. This partnership will serve to address these issues through easy device management, and with enterprises gaining a greater degree of control over their devices. It’s a mutually-beneficial association and we’re glad to have become a part of the Conker partner ecosystem now.”
 
Conker plans to expand its channel partnerships during 2019, as it seeks to further enhance its enterprise mobility offering for UK and global organisations. This complements Conker’s drive to provide its range of Android and Windows-based business rugged tablet, touch screen and mobile devices, along with its consultancy and support services. 
                                                                                                                        
After evaluating several providers, Conker concluded that 42Gears offered the most compelling best-of-breed technology, that enables the combination of its secure software with Conker’s secure hardware, to ensure even more productive business processes.

Captec, designer and manufacturer of specialist computing equipment, has launched a new fully rugged in-vehicle solution comprising a tablet and vehicle dock. 


The VT-681 rugged tablet and IVM-681 dock provide a complete IT platform that delivers mobile workforce automation in vehicle fleets with a mounted and dismounted use case.

Mobile workforce automation is a proven advantage that many fleets are now adopting to gain a competitive edge. As these use cases expand into a wider diversity of sectors, mobile phones are commonly used, but they are not sufficiently ruggedised for the operating environment and are also limited in display area. Whilst current offerings from market leaders are highly ruggedised beyond requirements, they are typically priced above the budgets of many fleets. Captec’s tablet and dock solution has been specifically developed to disrupt this market by supplying a suitably ruggedised platform at a cost-effective price.

 

The lightweight, 8-inch VT-681 provides fleets with an affordable Windows-based tablet. It has been ruggedised to achieve IP-67 protection and drop-tested to 1.2 metres, enabling it to withstand stress factors including rough treatment, shocks, and both dust and water ingress.

 

The integrated hand strap delivers maximum on-the-go comfort, while an active stylus pen increases functionality - even in wet conditions. With built-in GPS and an optional barcode scanner, the VT-681 supports mobile workforces across sectors such as construction, environmental services, utility fleets and emergency services.

 

Designed to safely and securely house the new Captec tablet, The IVM-681 vehicle dock is robust, compact and easy to use. With a lockable release for both mounted and dismounted applications, it features USB and power pass-through and offers hassle-free, one-handed docking.

 

To meet the critical safety requirements of in-vehicle applications, the dock has been tested for its ability to endure shock and vibration. This enables the VT-681 tablet to stay securely mounted, even in the event of a collision.

 

Gerard Marlow, Sales Director, Captec, said: “We are excited to introduce this new rugged solution into our range. Our aim is to provide mobile workforces with flexible, powerful and cost-effective mobile computing solutions that make jobs easier and provide peace of mind that they are equipped to withstand all the rigours associated with field work.”