ARCHIVE FOR THE ‘hardware’ CATEGORY

In this exclusive interview with Motion Computing's UK Supremo Ian Davies about his time in the industry, the changes he has seen and what he thinks the future holds for mobile computing...

FSN: What was the first piece of technology that made a huge impression on you? 

ID: Probably the first piece of technology, aside from the ubiquitous mobile phone or laptop that made an impression on me, was a touch screen device made by one of my previous employers that combined the Palm Pilot with a barcode scanner, essentially the pre-cursor to the rugged PDA that we know today.  I used to have it synchronised with my email, diary and address book on my PC, but as part of my job as a pre-sales consultant I could run Field Service or Retail supply chain ‘Apps’, although I guess they weren’t known as ‘Apps’ in those days.  My wife-to-be and I were in the wedding list service department of a well-known department store. 

I’ll never forget the contrasting looks I got from my wife and the sales assistant as we were handed such a device and I was asked if I knew how to work it.  At which point, with a cheesy grin I got my device out of my pocket.  Mine happened to be ‘marketing’ issue version that was made from clear plastic rather than the industrial grey, so it looked a bit flash too.  My fiancé was sighing in despair at my geekyness and the sales assistant was astonished that I knew how to use it, let alone owned one!

FSN: Do you think that the consumerisation of mobile devices has led to a major shift in the design of field service hardware?

ID: Undoubtedly there is far greater awareness of options such as tablets due to the consumer units now available - especially in businesses where there was a reliance on handhelds or laptops in the field.  Likewise, from a design perspective there is an increased demand for usability and the goal is to deliver a consumer grade experience whilst out in the field - a serious point given the potential increase in productivity.

FSN: What are your thoughts on the BYOD trend in field service organisations – do you see this as a major threat to your business.?

ID: BYOD in field service will likely hit a serious issue - consumer devices are simply not able to take the knocks that happen every day out in the field.  This then causes lost productivity, employee dissatisfaction and of course, presents the IT department with a host of OS’s to support.  Field service is one of the key industries where it will make far more sense to issue standardized pieces of equipment with training on how they should be handled to maximise the ROI.

FSN: What is the most exciting/unusual application of ruggedised devices you have seen?

ID: In terms of demands on us as a supplier of the actual tablets, the use of tablets for field based drug testing by Cambridge Cognition sticks out.  Likewise the use of the tablets for live audio mixing at concerts or remote controlling drone aircraft for surveys are all far removed from the usual applications associated with ruggedised devices.

FSN: With the rise in computational power of tablet devices do you think we are seeing the final days of the laptop?

ID: Though the increases in computing power do play a role, I think the greater factor that is leading to drops in laptop sales is far more simple - tablets are easier to use and a lot more intuitive.  They correspond much more to the mobile phones that we all own and as such people are very in tune with how to work a tablet - even down to the software available for them.  We are definitely seeing a swing away from rugged laptops towards rugged tablets for field service applications.

FSN: What is the biggest trend in devices that you are seeing come to the market currently?

ID: Right now the top demands are usually around usability features - improvements in input, display and battery life are all helping the multi-use capability for organisations and users.  Rugged Tablet PCs combine the performance of a laptop with the mobility of a rugged PDA – reducing the number of devices a user needs to carry and the IT Department’s number of devices and operating systems they need to support.  Aside from this, the regular demands are actually about enhancing the workflow by mobilizing the software and apps as opposed to just the hardware.

FSN: What do you think the next big technological advancement in mobile computing will be?

ID: That is the exciting thing about technology!  It is constantly evolving, the next great thing always around the corner.  Trends we’ve seen include more intuitive, more intelligent interacting with the mobile device such as voice and touch input.  There is obviously a great deal of competition for improvements to operating systems and another area we are seeing big developments in is around increased security of data. 

The idea of technology is to simplify lives/work, not make them more complex so contactless technologies such as RFID, NFC and Zigbee are becoming more main stream as ways of collecting and interacting with data.  There are a lot of concurrent changes happening right now and any one of these could yield substantial opportunities. However I think the dominant force right now is customer feedback into mobile apps and the emergence of professional, enterprise mobility.

FSN: You also offer a range of in vehicle solutions… driver safety is a major concern for the field service industry currently, do you think dashboard mounted devices can potentially distract a driver and cause accidents? 

ID: This is actually solved pretty quickly and easily - screen blanking technology exists to ensure that a driver cannot be distracted by a docked unit while the vehicle is moving.  Likewise the technology is clever enough that should the same mounted device be needed to be operated by a front passenger and is swung away from the driver, full access to the device can be obtained maximising ‘appropriate’ productivity whilst mobile.  These are critical concerns as safety will always trump productivity.  At present we are seeing a lot of innovation in this area coming from the Field Service and EMS sectors specifically and we have learnt a great deal so far.

FSN: You personally have been involved in this industry for about a decade – what is the biggest difference between when you started in the industry and today?

ID: When I first started, enterprise customers would gladly spend several thousands of pounds per device for then, leading edge technology capable of and designed to do single and often simple, but important tasks.  Adoption by users though was challenging.  Limited computer skills amongst users meant the technology was reluctantly used in many cases, and required significant investment in training as part of the overall project. 

Today devices can do so many things and have so many technologies built in to them that you might think there would be greater reluctance to overcome, but probably the biggest difference now compared to 10 years ago is the rapid adoption of the technology by the users. Personal IT knowledge honed from using technology at home or in their smartphone on a daily basis not only helps them embrace the technology changes their employers are adopting but they are continually pushing their employers to adopt new technologies to improve efficiencies and productivity like never before.

FSN: You have worked with a number of leading hardware providers to the field service industries, including Motorala, Intermec, Honeywell. What was it that drew you to Motion Computing and what sets them apart from their competitors?

ID: Traditionally, the technology I had been involved with prior to joining Motion was very application specific.  With the adoption of Tablet technology in the consumer space and the desire for organisations to do more with a mobile device, the opportunity in this ‘new’ wave of point of activity computing was a huge attraction for me.  I say ‘new’, but for nearly 13 years Motion has been leading the development in computing for users who were standing or walking, so I was confident they had something good going on!  The piece that really made sense to me though was the range of peripherals that Motion brings to the table to specifically suit the Enterprise Field user’s workflow. 

To use one of my colleague’s phrases, “it’s not all about the tablet”, and that is where Motion excels.  From a hardware perspective, charging, mounting, carrying and storing mobile devices is key to user adoption, and corporate responsibility for the vehicle based mobile user is an ever increasing requirement that Motion has really stepped up to.  Providing complete hardware solutions that truly offer point of activity computing sets Motion apart.

The Getac Z710 Android 4.1 rugged tablet has been officially certified by AirWatch – a global leader and innovator in mobile security and the largest Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) provider – for compatibility with its Mobile Device Management (MDM) software.

The assessment of Getac’s Z710 fully rugged tablet completed by AirWatch's quality assurance department included ensuring the device was able to fully handle asset tracking, commands, profile configuration, application management, Secure Content Locker™, AirWatch Browser and push services. The accreditation confirms that Getac’s tablet solution can be managed successfully by a systems administrator using the AirWatch platform.

Peter Molyneux, President at Getac UK, welcomed the announcement saying “The rugged construction of the Z710 Android tablet makes it an ideal choice for businesses needing field-based computing power in critical working environments, allowing them to push out updates, change settings and manage security without having to recall units. The new AirWatch accreditation means that our customers can be reassured that the Z710 can be managed remotely using one of the world’s leading industry standard platforms.”

Mr Molyneux added “The AirWatch platform features industry-leading MDM and application management, and gives businesses the confidence to use Android mobile devices in the field knowing they will continue to perform, and be secure.”

Ian Evans, AirWatch Managing Director for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region commented further saying: “The accreditation of Getac’s rugged tablet means businesses operating in demanding environments now have access to an industry-leading EMM solution that will optimise functionality while reducing costs and minimising downtime.  We are confident this new partnership with leading rugged computing manufacturer Getac will enhance our joint solutions offering to field users across the UK and Europe.”

Juniper Systems has announced the availability of its new  Archer 2 rugged handheld. With radical improvements over the first generation Archer, the Archer 2 promises better overall performance with an astonishingly bright display, an extra-long battery life, enhanced GPS capabilities, and rugged IP68 construction.

The latest generation rugged handheld incorporates several new technological advancements. Sporting a custom 4.3 inch Illumiview high-visibility display, the Archer 2’s screen brightness has been well received by reviewers. Its battery features a unique technology inspired by the technology used in hybrid car batteries to prevent excessive battery drainage in low temperatures. Referred to as Overtime Technology, this super battery will last up to 20 hours on one charge.

The new device is the first Juniper Systems handheld to feature a capacitive touchscreen for improved response. The Archer 2 also includes a glove-friendly numeric keypad for rapid data entry, a feature which many Juniper Systems customers highly value. Like other Juniper Systems rugged handhelds, the Archer 2 is built to very strict standards at its ISO 9001:2008-certified facility, having been tested to MIL-STD-810G and given a top IP68 rating for dust and water.

“We have been looking forward to the release of the Archer 2 for some time,” said Rob Campbell, CEO at Juniper Systems. “We have taken special care in addressing the needs of customers in the design of the Archer 2. It is a product of utmost quality, and the excellent reviews we have received on our Archer 2 beta units have made us very optimistic that the Archer 2 is going to meet our customers’ needs exceptionally well.”

Archer 2: Video Overview

Coastway is the largest chartered land surveying and geospatial engineering company in Ireland. Headquartered in Naas, Ireland with overseas offices in London and Poland, Coastway specialises in capturing, processing and managing geospatial data.

Terrestrially based technologies make the land surveying of quarries and similar large, external facilities time-intensive.  As this time passes there is the risk of the survey becoming inaccurate as the land changes and the quarry alters or further equipment is added.

This necessitates the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to enable quicker, more comprehensive topographical surveys.  UAVs also enable safer working practices and typically have less impact on the environment.

To ensure an accurate survey, control of the UAV is paramount.  A tablet PC is the natural choice.  However, using the tablet specified by the UAV manufacturers, Coastway soon hit a series of challenges: a short battery life, lack of ruggedisation, excessive weight and limited functionality interrupted work flow.   As a result, Coastway turned to rugged tablet specialist Camtech to specify and implement a better solution.

Darrell Newman, Technical Services Manager, Camtech explains: “The typical work flow for the Coastway team would be to use a tablet in the office to conduct pre-flight checks, then file a flight plan.  The device would then need to remain on standby as the team travels to the site, in order to enable any revisions to the scope of the task or the flight plans.

“The survey team will usually handle around three jobs per day, with around four flights per job of approximately 20 minutes per flight.  This profile of activity and the environment in which the teams operate made battery life, portability and ruggedisation critical concerns.  As a result we specified the Motion CL910 with additional peripherals to enhance the weather proofing.”

The CL910 enables the team to have a full working day with up to seven hours of battery life.  At 1.9kg the CL910 is portable and in the field, the 10.1” screen delivers bright visibility and the ruggedisation of Corning® Gorilla® Glass.  The display supports both "Touch" and "Pen" input, enabling fine control of the UAV drone.  When the survey is complete, the integrated Wi-Fi enables quick transmission of the data.  Specific job data and individual flight footage are kept separate by backing up flight footage to the SD card in the internal bay.

Motion CL910 Tablet Overview:

In the first of this two-part series, learn how the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) deployed the Intermec CN50 and Intermec CK71 rugged mobile computers with the help of Scan Read Technologies to boost data capture capabilities at high stakes tournaments. As a result, they expect an excess of $3 million in savings by 2016.

In the second of this two-part series, the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) discusses their volunteer program, data capture using the Intermec CN50 and CK71, the services of Scan Read Technologies, and what it takes to pull off PGA events.

Motion Computing contact information: 

Key contact: Ian Davies, Country Manager
Phone: +44 (0) 1306 640 285
Email: idavies@motioncomputing.com
Web: www.motioncomputing.co.uk

 

Motion Computing Products: 

• Ruggedised tablet PCs
• Dashboard mounts
• Charging docks, cases and carry straps
• Peripherals for data entry including RFID scanner, magnetic stripe readers and barcode readers
• Keyboards, pens and data input devices
• Portable wireless Networks
• Professional services including installation and management software

 

About Motion Computing: 

Motion Computing empowers businesses worldwide with technology solutions designed to optimise the performance of mobile workers.  Building on a foundation of award-winning technical expertise and decades of industry experience, the Motion Computing team makes it their business to understand your business.  Through industry-leading rugged tablet PCs, tailored accessories and services – Motion Computing delivers mobile technology solutions customised to business workflows.

Purposely built for vertical markets including field service, healthcare, utilities, construction, retail, public safety and first responders - Motion’s suite of mobile technology solutions improves worker productivity, data accuracy and security, while enabling real-time decision making at the point-of-service.  Customers report lower operational expenses, increased efficiency and enhanced customer service. Motion Computing makes its solutions available through a global network of value added resellers and distributors.

 

Motion Computing Latest video: 

 

 

Motion Computing News and Features: 

Interview: Motion's Ian Davies on the future of mobile computing…

In this exclusive interview with Motion Computing’s UK Supremo Ian Davies about his time in the industry, the changes he has seen and what he thinks the future holds for mobile computing. Find out what technology has had the biggest impact on Ian, his thoughts on the current trends for technology in field service and what he thinks the future holds for the industry. Read the full interview here 

 

Rugged tablets captures lost revenue and speeds up response times

 Motion Computing, recently announced that JF Tire Service, is saving money and improving customer satisfaction with a mobile work order processing solution from Motion and KMP Designs. Motion’s F5t Rugged Tablets run KMP Designs Work Order Automation Software to centralise scheduling and dispatching, reduce documentation and tracking time for field technicians, and speed invoicing. Read more here

 

On the move and on the front line - mobile workforce technology in utilities

Against a pan-European backdrop of regulatory change, increased consumer awareness of price and choice and concerns over energy security, the utility sector is facing many challenges and opportunities over the next decade.  Motion Computing’s Ian Davies discusses how mobile workforce technology is key to overcoming the challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities. Read more here

 

Motion Computing expands mobile technology platform

Motion Computing, a leading global provider of rugged tablets and mobile technology built for business, recently  announced the expansion of its mobile technology platform.  Motion launched new image sharing & documentation software, an asset and inventory management UHF RFID reader*, workflow-enabling accessories and the latest generation of Motion F5 and C5-series Rugged Tablets. Read more here

 

 Damages must be paid for: Why it pays to opt for ruggedised tablets

Motion Computing’s Ian Davies looks at the true value of rugged computing and why going for the cheaper option is a false economy… Every IT director and line of business manager looking at a tablet PC deployment will face the question “why invest in a ruggedised solution..." Click here to read more

 

Are these the final days of rugged laptops?

In the first part of the this two part series we explore why tablets are becoming the mobile computing option of choice as sales of rugged laptops decline in the consumer markets and if this trend is mirrored in field service industries as well… Click here to read more

 

Are these the final days of rugged laptops? (Part Two)

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. Click here to read more

 

Motion Computing reveal Camtech Systems as first UK platinum partner

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. Click here to read more

 

Motion Launch "in-vehicle computing" with driver safety in mind

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. Click here to read more

 

 Go mobile the right way to fully realise the power of GIS

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… Click here to read more

 

Motion Computing Resources:

Case Study: Cambridge Cognition delivers neuropsychology testing in the field

As a CamTech customer since 2004, Cambridge Cognition turned to the systems integrator to specify a new solution based on the more stable capacitive touch screen technology.  Based on this requirement, as well as the form factor of the legacy hardware platform and the Windows basis of the Cambridge Cognition software, CamTech specified the Motion J-series. Click to read more

 

Case Study: Coastway deploys the Motion CL910 Rugged Tablet PC for Aerial Surveys

Coastway is the largest chartered land surveying and geospatial engineering company in Ireland. Coastway specialises in capturing, processing and managing geospatial data. Terrestrially based technologies make the land surveying of quarries and similar large, external facilities time-intensive. Read how Motion Computing tablets improved their workflow dramatically. Read more here

 

Case study: Lettings agency see productivity soar with mobile solution

Tucker Gardner Residential Limited (Tucker Gardner) has a portfolio of services spanning residential sales, lettings, land development, planning consultation and mortgages, Tucker Gardner employs over 85 people and has specialist offices in Cambridge, Great Shelford, Histon and Ely. Read why they turned to Motion Computing tablets here

 

Case study: Utilities company save over 7,000 pieces of paper a year with tablet PC's

This is the incredible statistic that US water utilities organisation Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 25(FBCM25) announced after they eliminated a paper-based workflow and moved to work with Motion Computing’s  J3500 Tablet PCs. Read more here

 

Case Study: Adlib Audio and the Motion J3500 Tablet PC

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 , Glastonbury, V-Festival and many more. Click here to find out how they put Motion Computing's rugged tablets at the heart of what they do...