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Companies keen to deploy the Motion F5m tablet, who have been thwarted by lack of availability got some good news at last week's Service Management Expo - new owners Xplore Technologies announced that the tablet has begun shipping again.

Stocks dwindled rapidly when Motion Computing's screen supplier abruptly closed its factory in China at the end of last year. Production has now restarted with a new supplier and lead times are back to normal, Ian Davies, Country Manager, Northern Europe, told Field Service News.

The F5m specification includes an Intel i7 vPro processor and the option of ultra-fast 4G mobile broadband connectivity.

Last week's event was the first time service companies had the chance to take a look at the new combined range from following Xplore's acquisition of Motion Computing in April. Both companies are leading providers of Windows-based rugged tablets designed to enable mobile workers to securely capture and share critical data at the point-of-service, delivering real-time decision making capabilities necessary for improved productivity, operational efficiency, and faster / smarter service tablets.

"I'm pleased with how the integration is going," said Davies. "Xplore Technologies can now offer a wider line-up of tablets addressing a broader range of customer needs."

Look out for Field Service News' review of the F5m next week.

 

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Xplore Technologies Corp a manufacturer of award-winning rugged tablet PCs, announced in the last few days that it has agreed to acquire substantially all of the assets of Motion Computing, Inc. and its subsidiaries Motion, another Austin, TX-based leader in the rugged tablet space, which is currently the second largest provider worldwide of rugged tablet PCs, according to VDC.

“The acquisition of Motion is consistent with our goal to establish the best and broadest line of rugged tablets for the enterprise market,” said Philip Sassower, chairman and CEO of Xplore.

“Motion represents a unique opportunity for Xplore to acquire an Austin-based company with deep industry domain expertise and that possesses products and channels complementary to our own. Together we will address a broader range of customer needs and provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for rugged tablets.”

“Nearly fifty percent of Motion revenue comes from outside the United States,” said Mark Holleran, president and COO of Xplore. “Leveraging the mature distribution channels that Motion has developed over the last 10 years, Xplore will significantly expand its international reach.

We are particularly excited to include in our offering Motion’s R12, which was recently named by PC Magazine as Editor’s Choice for Rugged Windows Tablet PC.  Its 12.5” LCD form factor has been very successful in law enforcement and manufacturing markets and is just one example of the expanding market in which Xplore will now participate.”

[quote float="left"]We are particularly excited to include in our offering Motion’s R12, which was recently named by PC Magazine as Editor’s Choice for Rugged Windows Tablet PC.

“Motion is excited about what this combination brings to its customers and business partners,” said Peter Poulin, CEO of Motion.  “The capital backing of Xplore supports a robust product pipeline and customer service capabilities that are critical to enterprises with whom Motion has had long standing relationships.”

 

“Xplore has a proven track record in focusing its resources to generate sustainable growth,” said Mike Rapisand, CFO of Xplore. “After a successful recapitalization and offering in 2012, we invested cash to significantly expand our addressable market, revenue and EBITDA.

Our executive management team has over 200 years’ combined experience in managing companies like Xplore and Motion, and we are confident that the two businesses will be successfully integrated to deliver growth and value to all of our stakeholders.”

The transaction will be effected through an asset purchase and sale agreement by and among Xplore, Motion and Square 1 Bank.  Xplore will acquire Motion for approximately $9 million, plus the assumption of approximately $7 million in net liabilities.

The closing of the transaction is expected to occur on or about April 17, 2015 and is subject to numerous conditions, including the receipt of financing and third party approvals and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.  Xplore intends to consummate the transaction using proceeds from a new $15 million credit facility with Square 1 Bank and to support integration and growth of the two businesses with its cash on hand.

In its most recent fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, Motion’s unaudited revenue was approximately $83 million, its unaudited gross margin percentage was approximately 25% and its unaudited net loss was approximately $7 million. Xplore intends to file a current report on Form 8-K on or about June 30,

2015 that will include Motion financial statements, as well as historical pro forma financial information for the combined businesses.

 

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New updated range of rugged tablets  makes working in the field, at the warehouse or with the patient easier, faster and more accurate than ever claim Motion Computing...

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.

“With this launch, Motion continues to fulfill the mission we set forth 12 years ago,” said Peter Poulin, vice president, marketing at Motion.

“To provide the mobile workforce tools to complete their work easier, faster and more accurately.   As we strive to deliver innovative technology, we never lose sight of our customers – the mobile workers.  Their needs remain at the forefront of all our offerings.”

Motion’s new software, SNAPWORKS by Motion is an intuitive, touch-based camera application that provides mobile workers an easy way to capture, annotate and share images. The new EasyConnect RFID Long Range Reader transforms Motion Rugged Tablets into long range UHF RFID tag readers for obtaining and processing critical asset data from a distance - ideal for an oil rig, rail transportation or warehouse environment.   And, the just released Multi-Bay Battery Charger accessory charges up to 5 batteries at the same time.  The charger is ideal for multi-user work group that facilitates a team-based, pooled work environment.

In addition to the software, RFID reader and charger, Motion has released the latest generations of the F5 and C5-series Rugged Tablets.  The Motion F5te and C5te offer uncompromising levels of power, security and manageability with integrated field tools that improve documentation and collaboration.  Running Microsoft Windows, the tablets are designed to optimize the performance of mobile workers across industries like utility, insurance, public safety, retail and healthcare. The convenience of touch navigation, accuracy of pen input, durability of Corning Gorilla Glass and visibility of View Anywhere Display Durability provide functionality without the extra weight and price associated with traditional fully-rugged devices.  Motion offers convenient options for enhanced mobility including tailored docking, mounting and charging solutions.  Powerful Intel Core™ i3 or i5 & i7 vPro™ options with Intel Hyper-Threading technology provide higher performance.  New features include 10-point touch panel with Windows 8 Pro support, SNAPWORKS by Motion,  Multi-Bay Battery Charger and EasyConnect RFID Reader.

*The UHF RFID Reader will be available late Q4 2013.