Make Your Mobile Computers Future Proof
It is a very common thing for companies to invest in rugged mobile computers and retire them soon after, not because of any physical damage, but because their processors, software and data capturing abilities are rendered obsolete or incapable, piling up the companies' expenses. With decreasing longevity of a product, the ROI automatically goes down, bringing down with it the ultimate cost of ownership.
To rectify this, several future proof mobile devices have been invented which would lead to the devices that will maximize their lifecycle and translate into big savings. While sturdy, rugged items generally last longer in physical terms. Employing cutting edge technologies is vital for every business as well.
Operating Systems and Software
Microsoft operating systems are most commonly used in devices, though what is really important is the capability of the device to perform additional functions. The fact that warehouses are usually characterized by homemade applications designed with specific consideration to their older legacy mobile computers, to avoid rewriting applications during replacement of devices, makes it all the more important. Choosing devices that allow for terminal emulation (TE) would help companies to make a smooth transition from old to new applications. When a company invests in a TE application, it should do a thorough research on the function key abilities, for example, whether the computer features specific hard' function keys, shifted keys or characterized by soft keys accompanied by a touch screen monitor.
Scanning Capability
With advancements and modifications in the varied barcode symbols currently being used, barcode scanning abilities consequently change. This makes it vital to pay close attention to them while deciding on a particular mobile device. The user should pause and think whether his business would face the need of a 2D barcode reader (recommended) in future or would do with 1D or RFID ones.
Other factors that should be taken into consideration are:
Bluetooth
Wireless printing
Network compatibility
Voice/speech support
It might seem overly confusing to consider such a long list of factors before deciding on a suitable device; the good news is it is not compulsory for businesses to identify their exact future requirements in order to be able to invest in the right device at present. If the user manages to identify the features that would vouch for their mobile computers being future proof, they should be able to settle for the right mobile computer which would see the business through its maximum lifecycle.