ARCHIVE FOR THE ‘hardware’ CATEGORY

Visitors at this year’s Commercial Vehicle which was held last week were able to get a first glimpse at TomTom Telematics’ new ruggedised seven-inch driver terminal, the latest edition to the WEBFLEET fleet management platform.

Businesses will be able to host bespoke applications on the terminal to help van and truck drivers capture more information in the field, such as digital signature capture for proof of delivery, vehicle checks and barcode scanning, all on one device.

This latest development extends the WEBFLEET platform, which now has 3 API’s - in the office, in the field and on the driver terminal. With this new API, the extended integration capabilities of WEBFLEET (known as .connect) allow business to streamline their end-to-end processes, where field staff and vehicles become an integrated part of the overall operations. With the wide set of applications already developed by its partners, WEBFLEET sets the standard for developers to seamlessly connect vehicles and mobile workers with the back office*.

The new driver terminal, PRO 8275, combines the earlier announced TomTom Bridge with WEBFLEET and the .connect API capabilities. The device will be on display.

The driver terminal will add flexibility and value to an already strong solution for transport operators. Visitors can see the terminal along with existing applications such as truck navigation, tachograph management, predefined route and itinerary order creation, along with extensive hardware and software integration possibilities in the office and around the vehicle.

TomTom Telematics will also be demonstrating the end to end capability of their WEBFLEET solution at this years Service Management Expo in London's Excel in June 17th, 18th and 19th where they are hosting the Field Service Demo Zone as well as participating in the Field Service Solutions Theatre which is hosted by Field Service News. 

 

 

 

Following on from the launch of a 7inch Android tablet last year, Getac have now launched a fully rugged 8 inch tablet that runs Windows 8.1. Field Service News spoke exclusively with Peter Molyneux about the new launch and Getac’s approach to creating the new device. 

“Up until now Windows fully rugged tablets have been larger in size 10 inches plus” comments Peter Molyneux, President of Getac UK.

However, his company have just set a new precedent with the launch of their new tablet. The Getac T800 is slim, lightweight and a nicely compact 8.1 inches, making it small enough to fit into a pocket.  However, it is also fully ruggedized to military standards meeting both MIL-STD 810G and IP65 standards.

With tablet devices now very much in the mainstream thanks in large to the rise in popularity of firstly Apple’s iPad and then more recently a raft of Android based devices from numerous manufacturers, the consumerisation of technology is now a major factor for the field service industry. This is not lost on Getac.

“There is a strong influence to our design on the consumerisation of the markets…” says Molyneux “…the demand from the market is that they want a tablet computer that has really got the performance and interface they have gotten used to in the consumer market place.” He adds.

In fact the speed at which we as consumers have embraced tablet computing is often forgotten, so quickly have tablets become a staple part of life. Similarly the speed at which devices are developed can also seem breathtakingly fast.

“If you start from the beginning and move to mass production taking a rugged tablet to market will take about 15 to 18 months – you can do it faster, but that is a sensible timeframe” Molyneux states.

Keeping pace with the latest technology trends

Of course, such rapid development of technology does mean that yesterday’s cutting edge is looking outdated today. Something that Molyneux and his colleagues at Getac fully understand.

“We could put our V100 magnesium alloy tablet on the table and the customers would say that’s old tech, the perception is ‘we want something new’”

In fact the switch away from magnesium alloy to a plastic compound is one of the big factors in the T800’s more consumeresque feel. This in itself presents a challenge to manufacturers of rugged devices.

“When we brought our new products to market we had to change the material, magnesium alloy is very good for thermal management and is a very rugged material but we have had to change to a plastic compound. This means all the manufacturing processes have to change, the machines have to change, the tooling is different etc” Molyneux explains

Getac's competitive advantage

However, this is in fact where Getac have a particular advantage over their competitors.

“We are very fortunate as a company that within the Getac Corporation we have companies that specialise in designing and manufacturing enclosures of all material types, magnesium alloys, plastics etc. So because we have companies within our group that are experts in each field, we are able to design and bring the latest technologies and trends to our computer design” he continues.

Yet it doesn’t matter how robust a device is, if its performance levels are not sufficient, then there is little point in having the device at all.  Again the mass consumerisation of technology leads to greater expectations, and again this is something Getac factor highly into their thinking when developing a new product.

Molyneux points to the fact that perhaps five years ago rugged technology was generally behind consumer in terms of processing power by a couple of years at least. However, today, lower powered processors (Molyneux cites Intel in particular) have meant that rugged tablets and netbooks have been able to move forward to equal most systems, whilst also allowing for more slimline designs for fully rugged devices such as the T800

Indeed such advances in chip-ware have allowed Getac to build rugged devices that operate at the very top of the technology scale. Align this to the fact that the company manufactures all components itself, from motherboard to chassis (a holistic approach which enables them to factor ruggedity at each stage of the design) and you have a company capable of producing something as sophisticated, sleek and durable as the T800.

In fact it is part of Getac’s ethos to constantly deliver their customers with devices that are cutting edge technology.

“We are staying very much with the latest tech.” Molyneux enthuses “For the longest life and the best performance.  We have the opportunity to take new technology to the customers and we are quite unique in what we do in that we offer the very latest spec without compromising on offering full military standard ruggedity”

If you want to know more about the Getac's latest fully rugged tablet you can read our overview of the device here 

Getac will also be appearing at this year’s Service Management Expo and will be giving a presentation in the Field Service Solutions Theatre at the event which is hosted by Field Service News.

To get your free of charge, three day pass to this years Service Management Expo held in Excel London, simply click this link and enter the promotion code 'Field Service News'

 

 

Global designer and manufacturer of rugged computing technology, Getac, is launching a new tablet designed specifically to boost productivity for mobile workers, the 8.1" Windows 8 Getac T800.

The thin and light Windows OS device has been designed based on demands from mobile workers from Utilities, Field Services and Public Safety sectors. Getac has responded to those demands by developing a device that offers all the power, performance and usability of a high-quality consumer device, without compromising on the tablet’s full ruggedisation.

With its 8.1" screen, the optimal screen size for Windows 8, a thickness of 24mm and weighing just 0.88kg, the innovative T800 is small enough to fit in a pocket or your hand, but still offers all the power and performance a remote worker needs.

Getac’s unique SnapBack expansion system allows users to add expansions to the T800 such as an extra battery, increasing the operation use to greater than 16 hours. An additional SnapBack expansion is a 2-in-1 RFID and Smart Card Reader. Mobile workers will also benefit from the fully rugged design which has MIL-STD 810G and IP65 ratings, meaning the device can handle shock, drops and vibration to military grades while also being sealed against dust and water.

The 8.1" screen is built with LumibondTM, Getac’s proprietary screen technology that offers excellent touch control and sunlight readability, without compromising battery performance.

Peter Molyneux, Getac UK President says: “The T800 gives the best performance of any fully rugged Windows 8 tablet in the market today. Our customers have given us tremendous feedback on the T800’s thin and light design, while offering high levels of integration and field performance. We always target to give our customers the latest in fully rugged computer technology with no compromise on performance, and again we feel confident we have achieved this in the T800.”

Powered by the latest quad-core Intel N3530 2.16 GHz processor, the T800 also provides unparalleled connectivity and can be configured with 4G LTE cellular data with an auto tunable 8-band antenna capable of quickly switching between bands. It also includes the latest 802.11ac WiFi for data transfer speeds up to 3 times faster than 802.11n products. The T800’s optional SiRFstarIV GPS offers double search capacity, faster location positioning and improved accuracy.

Key features:

• 16 GHz processor,
• Windows 7, Windows 8.1 OS
• Tablet size: 227 x 151 x 24mm; 8.1" screen
• Weight: 880g
• Multi-touch display
• 64 GB / 128 GB SSD
• SiRFstarIV™ GPS
• Fully Rugged
• MIL-STD 810G, IP65
• Ultrafast Wifi Connection: 802.11 ac
• Strong Connectivity
• in-house patented 3D antenna design
• SnapBack expandability: 2-in-1 Smart Card Reader & RFID, or second Battery
• Battery life: 8 hours / 16 hours with SnapBack Battery
• Tri RF pass-through (WWAN & WLAN & GPS)

Look out for our exclusive interview with Getac's Peter Molyneux discussing this exciting new launch and rugged technology as a whole coming very soon... 

A recent announcement from Motion Computing, one the leading providers of rugged technology solutions has revealed that Camtech Systems, a reseller and systems integrator have become the first company in the United Kingdom to be awarded Platinum partner status on the Motion Valued Partner (MBVP) scheme.

The recognition comes after working with Motion Computing since 2009 and cements a mutually beneficial relationship that will continue to see Camtech Systems identify and implement Motion Tablet PC solutions to organisations across differing sectors within the UK ranging from retail, to asset management, estate agency and even emergency services. The acknowledgement also comes in recognition of the outstanding service Camtech have provided to their own and the Motion customer base.

The MVP program is unique, authorised reseller programme designed to protect and enhance the return on investment made by Motion partners.  Structured into Silver, Gold and Platinum partners, the programme features an innovative online portal that delivers external and internal marketing tools and programs to improve partner visibility and drive sales opportunities. This includes presentations, case studies, new business material, corporate sales support, access to demonstration equipment and lead referral programmes to support sales teams and enhance customer acquisition.

Darrell Newman, Managing Director, Camtech Systems said: “Being awarded Platinum status by Motion is really important to us and we are proud of the recognition of our service levels.  Platinum status allows us to provide a more comprehensive service to all of our Motion clients, delivering total solutions as well as providing better volume deal pricing. We see the elevation in partner status as a clear indication of not only our long term business relationship with Motion, but the future opportunities we can build upon. The CL910, F5Te, C5Te and J-series are the preferred choice for the mobile professional and field service sectors and we are confident that we can continue to build a market-leading enterprise mobility offering around these rugged platforms.”

Ian Davies, country manager, Northern Europe, Motion Computing explained: “The Motion Valued Partner Programme reflects the value and importance Motion sees in partnering with dedicated, solution providers whose business goals align with ours.  For our channel partners delivering excellence, MVP offers a fantastic opportunity to build a successful business around the Motion portfolio and Camtech is a great example of this success.  As the currently exclusive Platinum partner in the UK, we are really pleased to recognise their achievements and we look forward to strengthening our relationship with Camtech further.”

If you are a reseller in the UK and would like to know more about this programme then please visit http://partners.motioncomputing.com/EnglishIntl

Ian Davies, UK Country Manager for Motion Computing looks at the importance of GIS to the utilities field and what we need to consider if we are going to get it right...

The utility worker today

Within the UK, approximately 473,000 people are employed in energy and utilities and approximately 30% of them are mobile workers.  This is hardly surprising given that there are over 13,000 energy and utility locations.  But what is less widely known is that these employees, both in the office and out in the field, deliver some of the greatest added value to the UK economy, often far in excess of other sectors.

Consequently geospatial and GIS data is indispensable to utilities.  From the back office the data provides essential views and information about the service territory on which critical value-added decisions are made. Leveraging that data out to the field provides even greater benefits like streamlined regulatory compliance, operations and maintenance.  There is no real argument on whether or not to empower utility field crews with GIS – the question is how to empower them.

Technology has a key role to play in answering this question within the UK.  The energy and utilities sector is very capital intensive industry and much future success depends on its ability to adapt to new requirements through the introduction of new technologies. This is creating demand for skills at the intermediate level in terms of operation and maintenance - those roles most typically found “out in the field”.

The right tools for the job

So from a technological perspective, the right hardware and software will make a big difference on getting the most of utility field crews.  In order to select the right hardware and software, businesses must start by taking a look at how the utility worker performs his work.

For hardware, this is critical.  Mobile workflows vary greatly - what environment is the worker primarily in?   How remote are employees?  Can they rely on “an always connected” application, or do you need “store and forward”?  Do they need a higher amount of power, specific carrying case or a vehicle mount?  Is a barcode scanner or camera needed?  What operating system is needed to run all the software systems? Can data entered more easily with a keyboard, a stylus or by touch? How sensitive is the work being performed and what level of security is needed?

Among all these variables, there are some characteristics to a “typical” mobile workflow - the requirement of a mobile device that can be easily docked and undocked in a vehicle, easy to carry and use, but rugged enough for the field environment.     In addition, utility workers regularly use bar code scanners, RFID readers and magnetic stripe readers to complete their work.  Hardware will also need to include external battery chargers and wireless connectivity as well as run an operating system that supports the software.

That software also needs rigorous assessment.  It can have a huge impact on how the field worker actually works.  What features will truly enable field teams to get the most out of the GIS?  Is it intuitive, quick and simple to handle? Does it need large, frequent updates? Is it based on real world experience?  In addition to being easy to use on the front line, the application should provide automated data replication, have a seamless interface and deliver both high performance and configurability for the teams back at base.

Getting GIS right

Applied to GIS, this means better maintenance of assets that have a rapid and profound effect upon the bottom line of utility companies and can improve customer service quickly.  Utility assets are often very expensive and GIS can substantially increase the return on this investment.  As part of the business case to justify GIS - and secure these benefits - the right mobile tools are a powerful part of the optimal solution.

 Find out more about Motion Computing in the Field Service NEws Directory, Including product videos, news & features features.

 

In part one this two part feature we looked at the how tablets are coming to the fore as sales of rugged laptops decline in the consumer markets and whether this trend is mirrored in field service industries as well. In part two we explore the impact of the BYOD trend on companies purchasing rugged laptops, why tablets are perfect for ruggedistation and the solution for those field service technicians that require high data input levels.

 

Is BYOD a threat to rugged laptops?

A major factor to consider in the decline of rugged laptops is the BYOD trend that is becoming more common in industry.

Being led by the growth in high powerful, accessible mobile consumer devices, BYOD takes advantage of the power of personal devices such as smartphones and the way almost all applications are now delivered via the internet. The combination of improved processing power in smaller devices, web based systems and user familiarity have seen a huge amount of companies move towards using device agnostic applications that can be placed on field workers own devices.

This again has given yet another reason for companies with mobile workers to shy away from purchasing laptops for their field staff – why bother when the workers themselves are able to provide the hardware necessary to fulfil their duties themselves?

 

But there are some tough environments out there

But what about more extreme environments where fully rugged devices are required?

Well the fact that tablets (and indeed smart phones) are a single unit does make them that much more robust and of course this also lends them to ruggedisation more naturally also. Whether it is simply buying rugged protective cases for more standard devices such as the apple iPad or purpose built rugged tablets from makers such as Motion, Getac or Handheld, powerful, portable devices are available that are designed to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions.

Whilst most specialist manufactures do still produce both rugged laptops and rugged tablets there does seem to be a case for field service companies following the consumer trend.

Cawsey’s Handheld are one such manufacturer seeing the trend mirrored in their own sales.

“We are certainly seeing a move from keyboard based devices like traditional laptop form factors to non-keyboard/touchscreen input devices across the board, particularly in Field Service projects.”

Adding further insight Cawsey continued

“Data collected in the field, as opposed to the data sent to the field tech, is less therefore there is no need for a bulky data input intensive device and field service data can be added through photos, barcode or RFID scans along with data input via pull down menus”

However, there is still one area in which the laptop outshines both smartphones and tablets. That is when large amounts of data input is required. Reflecting on this Cawsey adds

“Bottom line is that if you have a data input hungry workflow or application then you can’t beat a keyboard for efficient mass input of data”

So whilst tablets may be becoming the optimal choice for many field service companies there are still going to be some companies who will need their field technicians to have the functionality of a laptop.

 

Making the conversion

In this instance the perfect solution is the hybrid/convertible device.

Such devices have a tablet top-half with a (sometimes detachable) keyboard bottom-half. Whilst heavier than standard tablets they have the major benefit of keyboard input.

However, they do often have a common weakness. Typically, the base of a convertible attaches to the display at a single joint called a swivel hinge or rotating hinge. This common design element creates a physical point of weakness which is of course unacceptable in tougher field environments.

However, as with laptops and tablets there are specialist solutions available. The Panasonic Toughbook 19, for example, is advertised as a more durable convertible notebook. The HP EliteBook 2760p convertible notebook uses a reinforced hinge that protrudes slightly from the rear of the unit.

Whilst it is seemingly inevitable that smartphones and tablets will continue to become the primary sources of mobile computing in the field service industry it is these convertible devices that will ultimately see traditional laptops become a thing of the past.

 

 

Overview:

Established in 1984, Adlib Audio  is one of the most well-known and well respected names in the live performance industry.  Across rental and installation divisions, the portfolio of Adlib clients includes Radiohead , David Guetta, Skrillex , Toby Keith, Ellie Goulding, The Script, Glastonbury, V-Festival, Professor Green, Swedish House Mafia, Bring Me The Horizon, The Overtones , John Barrowman and The Specials.

Due to the stature of these events and touring artistes it is imperative that Adlib Audio capitalises on the latest technology to ensure reliability, quality of service and performance.

Challenge:

As acknowledged leaders in performance and production, Adlib Audio demands a comprehensive system to manage and control multi-million pound PA systems in a variety of conditions; indoors from an intimate stage to a complete theatre or large scale venue and outdoors, in all weathers from a beach in Ibiza, to a rain-soaked British festival.

To this end, Adlib Audio has designed a bespoke Windows 7 disk image which simplifies management of multiple computers and enables all machines to be easily upgraded to the same standard or reset to Adlib’s factory settings complete with the full suite of live software.

From a hardware perspective, this demands not only extensive ruggedisation but an ease of use and Windows integration in which Adlib Audio can have full confidence.  As a result, Adlib Audio turned to RUGGED MOBILE Systems who recommended the Motion Computing J3500 Tablet PC.  As the primary control interface for the system, the J3500 is now at the heart of many Adlib-produced performances.

Solution:

With such high demands on performance, Adlib Audio developed a very clear, specific protocol for the implementation of the technology.  Tim Robinson, IT Administrator, Adlib Audio explains: “When the tablets first arrived, we quarantined them all until one had been fully configured as a template machine and approved by all concerned.”

“This ‘image’ was then rolled out across the others so that they all matched perfectly. This whole process took about three days, but that included learning how to do it in the first place. By the time I did the sixth one, I had the time from unboxing to ready-to-use down to 14 minutes.”

Many features of the J3500 were attractive to Adlib Audio.  Tour Sound Specialist, Tony Szabo said: “For us, the tablet had to run Windows because our software depends on it.  We then looked at features such as the pen-based input for making fine adjustments; the option to defeat any finger-based input to avoid any accidental or malicious adjustment to the system; the 5GHz Wi-Fi to avoid interference with the majority of consumer devices and the RJ45 port in case Wi-Fi proves to be unreliable - in a live situation we prize reliability beyond all else.”

In addition the industry-leading ruggedisation and sealed design of the J3500, alongside the extra protection and portability afforded by the Motion Bump Case, means Adlib Audio can take the tablets out on the road, into the field or on the beach with full confidence that they will perform.

Results:

Compared to the older tablets and legacy hardware that began to suffer hardware failures and were no longer available, the J3500 has given Adlib a contemporary hardware platform that combines quality and reliability. Dave Kay, Technical Director, concludes:

“So far, the J3500 has not missed a beat.  Financially we make a saving by not having to repair them, but, in truth, the real ROI is within the operational realm.”

“When you have chart-topping acts on stage, relying on your people and a technology to perform in front of thousands, there is real value in the confidence that the J3500 delivers.”

“Looking forward, we are only barely scratching the surface of what the tablets can do. We expect within the next twelve months or so, for another of our larger systems to introduce a new processing and control system, at which time this too will be controlled from the Motion J3500.”

Ian Davies, UK country manager, Motion Computing adds:

“Behind the incredible performances of top artists is a small army of engineers and they demand the best kit that will not let them down despite challenging environments and dynamic requirements.  This requires an uncompromising attitude towards performance, reliability and usability and that is exactly what we seek to deliver with the J3500.”

 Find out more about Motion Computing, including videos, features and other case studies in the Field Service News directory here. 

 

When Juniper first rolled out their latest rugged handheld computer the Archer 2 it has gathered some sizeable attention and traction within the market place. One facet, which makes the device particularly stand out, is the exceptionally bright and clear illumiView display.

According to research undertaken by Juniper Systems themselves one of the most requested customer needs was a high quality display that was easily readable in direct sunlight.

To meet this need Juniper made some significant changes to their previous products starting with a global search to find the best display unit and manufacturer to meet their needs. However, a great display unit is only half of the battle, implementation is also paramount. A poor implementation of a fantastic display will still result in a poor final product, with a dim screen.

So in order to maximize the display’s potential Juniper actually made the other following changes to their previous display units in the Archer and other models,  in order to deliver a best-in-class product.

Firstly they made the switch from resistive to capacitive touchscreens. Now whilst they aren’t the first rugged manufacturer to make this change it is an important one as capacitive screens have fewer layers between them which results in less light refraction. Of course less light refraction means better luminosity and clarity, in fact capacitive screens are generally 20% brighter than resistive screens.

Secondly they introduced something called optical bonding to the manufacturing process of the unit. This is a special means of fusing the display with the touchscreen itself. So unlike most other rugged devices where there is a layer of air between the touchscreen and the display, in the Archer 2 this gap, which allows for light refraction (thedreby also reducing brightness and clarity) is removed.

“We are extremely pleased with how the new Archer 2’s IllumiView display has turned out; competitor products don’t even come close,” said Josh Egan, Product Manager at Juniper Systems. “We have put in a lot of extra effort and used additional resources to design the best display possible, and we feel that it has all paid off. Knowing that our customers will greatly benefit from this new display makes it all worth it.”

The Archer 2 is the lastest rugged handheld in Juniper Systems’ line-up. It can be used for a wide variety of data collection purposes including geomatics, natural resources, public works, agriculture, industrial, and military markets.

Looking for a hardware solution for your field service teams? Find videos, case studies and more in our Field Service Directory. Click here to go straight to the Hardware section. 

Driver safety has rightly become one of the key considerations for field service managers and fleet managers alike in recent years. It has also become a major inclusion in both software and hardware manufacturers list of product benefits and should be a one of the major boxes you want ticked when you are looking for a solution for your field service staff.

So it was little surprise that Motion Computing made the move to launch a comprehensive In-Vehicle solution as part of their range.  This includes a range of docks, mounts, integrated features and computing accessories designed to work with Motion’s own specialized Tablet PC’s with claims of delivering maximum safety, reliable connectivity and increased productivity for your field service team whilst they are on the road.

Motion’s vice president, marketing at Motion Peter Poulin commented on the alaunch of the range saying:

“Over the past 12 years, we’ve helped optimize the performance of mobile workers through purpose-built, rugged tablet PCs, tailored accessories and services”

“We developed our In-Vehicle Computing Solutions for the growing number of mobile workers who rely on tablets inside their vehicles.  As with all our solutions – the In-Vehicle Solution is designed to be flexible enough to enhance multiple workflows.  It is also durable enough to meet both the safety and quality standards demanded by fleet managers at water utilities and other field service organizations.”

Amongst the several safety enhancing features included are built-in sensors that limit the use of computer displays while the vehicle is moving and an administration tool that allows the fleet manager to configure what applications are accessible to the driver.

For those vehicles that have a driver-passenger set up there is an optional “swingaway” solution that provides full access to the computing device for the passenger even when the vehicle is moving.

The entire range of Motion’s In-Vehicle solutions is based around their patented “Tilt&Rotate” mount, which is specifically designed with economy of space in mind. The mount is able to accommodate Motion’s low profile F5t and CL910 Tablet PCs and provides a strong balance between flexibility and user comfort with a wide range of adjustment angles available.