Frequently Asked Questions
10 Things to Consider When Investing in Mobile and Wireless Computing
 1. Know what to expect from a vendor.
First, look for a manufacturer committed to understanding an application before talking hardware. All too often, end users become enamored with the hardware and lose sight of how it fits into the real-world application. Then, select a vendor willing to spend time with the mobile employees. Understanding how they work and the features important to them will help them select the hardware that will improve efficiencies. Next, beware of vendors that focus only on price. Factors such as durability, training and support, battery life, customer service after the sale, and implementation costs are just a few important issues that lead to a very high – or low – total cost of ownership. Finally, the right partnerships can make all the difference. A manufacturer who works with industry leaders, such as Motorola, in mobile software and networking hardware will ensure the best solution for an application.
2. Know your options.
While lasers are adequate for reading basic linear bar codes and can serve niche long distance applications, the technology itself has reached its functional boundaries. Imaging technology, on the other hand, takes advantage of a digital camera to deliver the next generation of data collection capabilities. Imaged-based mobile computers:
- Read every type of linear and 2D bar code
- Capture digital images for proof of delivery or package condition
- Capture digital signatures
- Read codes at every angle to make data capture easy on your operators
- Have solid-state construction with no internal moving parts, which reduces downtime
The power, flexibility and versatility of imaging will give workforces a sophisticated productivity tool that can deliver real-time inventory updates, delivery confirmation, and many other time and money-saving benefits.
3. Ensure your system is flexible-don’t get pigeonholed.
Quite simply, open architecture gives customers a level of flexibility that a proprietary system can’t offer. With open architecture, mobile computers can freely communicate with most enterprise systems. In addition, a product that embraces industry-standard development tools such as Microsoft® Visual Studio.NET and Sun® Java™ allows for even greater programming flexibility. The mobile computer should also have the ability to interface with Cisco® infrastructures that will greatly extend current hardware investments.
4. Understand device management options.
Handling the IT requirements of computers in a building is one thing – dealing with hundreds or even thousands of mobile computers deployed into the field represents an entirely different challenge. A recent VDC (Venture Development Corporation) report focused on analyzing the TCO of industrial mobile computers within supply chain market verticals revealed that the average annual operational expense due to “operator downtime” and the resulting “IT support to resolve downtime” is $710 per device! These costs occur due to labor intensive activities such as:
- Application update/reload
- Device reconfiguration/reset
- Data loss/data re-entry
- Operator instruction
- Problem diagnosis & fix
- Telephone/help desk support
Compounded over a typical lifespan of five years, these operational costs can run as high as $3,550 per deployed device. Barcoding is dedicated to meeting their business and financial objectives, and is prepared to discuss device management solutions that could drive significant cost savings and efficiency back to the business.
5. Know which mobile devices are right for your work environment.
Since mobile computers are often destined for rough handling and rugged environments, it only makes sense to look for a product that’s built specifically to work under those conditions. One of the first mistakes to avoid in deploying a mobile solution is settling for a PDA or cellular phone when a true industrial grade device is required for the application. The opposite is also true; you don’t want to purchase a rugged device if you’re working in an office setting.
Features of a true industrial-grade device will include:
- Industrial-grade touch panel and magnesium alloy housing
- Solid-state construction throughout, with no mechanical interfaces
- Image engines instead of fragile laser engines for data collection
Combine all of these attributes in one solution, and you have a mobile computer that will greatly reduce downtime and ensure maximum productivity.
6. Understand the ease of interfacing.
Obviously, no one wants to invest in a wireless system that cannot communicate with data bases, mainframes, and other computers. The mobile computer manufacturer and integration partners they select must be willing to work with them to ensure compatibility with everything from terminal emulation to Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b). This is where the standards-based architecture and open operating systems will prove beneficial.
7. Make sure a vendor is telling you about Data Security.
Whatever type of technology a customer goes with, they should never have to compromise efficiency and productivity for the sake of security. An open architecture solution uses the latest security standards while providing the flexibility to integrate new industry standards as they are developed. With that in mind, the mobile computer manufacturer and its alliance partners, such as Cisco, should be at the forefront in establishing the next generation of security standards, including LEAP technology and the development of IEEE 802.11.
8. Know the importance of battery life.
Although battery technology has come a long way in the past few years, it is the mobile terminal’s efficient use of that power that dictates battery longevity. Today, the large majority of mobile devices offer only four to six hours of use, adding inefficiencies and cost to a business while frustrating the mobile employees. When evaluating the real cost of a device and the solution that will best meet a customer’s needs, look for a mobile terminal that offers full work shift battery life. Mobile computers featuring Shift–Plus battery performance deliver up to 12 hours of use for uninterrupted work flow and improved customer service.
9. Set parameters for your ROI.
With the added benefits of real-time data, a more efficient work force and enhanced value for customers, a mobile system could pay for itself within a year. When they factor in the residual benefits that often accompany increased workforce and customer satisfaction, a mobile solution makes good financial sense.
10. Set expectations for sales support and service.
Being abandoned by a vendor after the sale can have a crippling effect on an operation. Increased productivity, customer satisfaction, employee morale, and profit
margins all hinge on thorough, helpful after-sale support. That’s why it’s critical to ensure a mobile computer supplier, integrators, and partners are all proven players with an excellent customer service track record and a vested interest in your company’s success.
For more information contact Jon Stroz at 410.385.8532 ext 121.
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