Solving Productivity And Efficiency Issues with Rugged Android
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rugged android
With an increasing number of businesses adopting cloud-based applications, the suitability of commercial handhelds and tablets comes under question. Unfortunately, consumer devices have proven to be inadequate in many cases, resulting in lower productivity and efficiency. That's where rugged handhelds, the most robust devices on the market, come in. Built to endure extreme temperatures, dust, and water resistance, rugged phones are an excellent choice for businesses looking for a dependable solution.
Rugged Android handhelds, in particular, offer a powerful tool to enhance productivity and efficiency, particularly in challenging environments. These devices are MIL STD 810H certified, drop-tested, and feature Corning Gorilla Glass for drop protection. Furthermore, they come with unique features like wireless charging, large battery capacity, and rear cameras, making them the top choice for businesses looking for a rugged option.
In this article, we will explore the advantages of using a rugged Android device, how it can help tackle productivity and efficiency issues, and the best practices for integrating and managing them within your business.
What exactly does 'productive' mean? - How can rugged Android devices assist?
In today’s culture, “productivity” is a term frequently used to encourage people. Everyone is expected to maintain a high level of output, complete a significant amount of work, and produce as much as possible. As a result, companies put in considerable effort to ensure that their internal processes are as productive as they can be.
So what does it mean to be productive? According to Merriam-Webster, “productivity” comes from the root word “produce,” which means to generate something in large quantities.
Productivity refers to the rate at which this something is produced. It is the degree of success achieved through the development of the business, as well as the level of effort and performance provided by the employees working in the organisation.
Productivity is one of the most critical factors in determining whether or not an organisation is profitable. Many companies aim to increase their overall productivity while also enhancing it in all aspects of their operations.
Furthermore, due to the sharp increase in the inflation rate in the UK, it is now more crucial than ever for a business to operate at maximum productivity levels. If you want to learn more about the most effective ways to increase business efficiency despite inflation, you can read more about it on this topic.
What Kind of Influence Does Technology Have on Productivity?
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, technological advancement has become one of the essential requirements of modern society. People worldwide have been able to socialise, shop, and conduct business through online platforms. Due to the new restrictions, a considerable number of businesses have shifted their operations to digital platforms to function normally in the new context.
In 2022, it should come as no surprise that a company’s technology infrastructure is one of its most critical components. Owning technology alone is not enough to enhance productivity and efficiency. It is crucial to choose the appropriate technology to implement in order for your business to reap these benefits.
For example, a company needs to enable employees to exchange information as efficiently and quickly as possible. One way to achieve this is to ensure that staff members have access to the Internet of Things (IoT). The Internet of Things is the network of devices that can communicate with each other over the internet or other communication channels.
Information is incredibly valuable, and for a business to be more productive, employees must have rapid and straightforward access to the information they require. Despite the distance between individuals, it is essential for them to communicate effectively.
Having the right technology offers many advantages, one of which is the ability to provide better service to clients. Instant communication has become the norm in today’s global community due to the steady advancement of technology.
The ability to provide quick and high-quality customer service is one of the most effective ways to maintain customer loyalty. If your employees have access to the appropriate technologies, they won’t have to spend as much time searching for ways to meet a customer’s needs and preferences.
Understanding Business Productivity and Efficiency Issues
Productivity and efficiency problems can have a major impact on the operations and profitability of a business. For companies operating in extreme environments, such as construction sites, factories, and warehouses, using a rugged phone is crucial. However, even businesses operating in less challenging environments can benefit from using rugged handhelds, as these devices are durable and can help address common productivity and efficiency issues.
Device failure is a common problem faced by businesses. A survey conducted by SquareTrade found that 66% of handheld devices accidents occur within the first year of purchase, which can result in significant downtime and loss of productivity. However, using a rugged handheld can reduce the risk of device failure due to its robust design, including dust and water resistance, drop protection, and Corning Gorilla Glass for protection against scratches and cracks.
Battery life is another common issue that businesses face. A rugged phone with a large battery capacity, such as the best rugged handhelds, can help ensure that the device does not run out of power during the workday. Additionally, some rugged devices come equipped with wireless charging capabilities, making it easy to charge the device while on the go.
Finally, businesses operating in extreme environments must ensure that their devices can withstand harsh conditions. Rugged Android Devices, which are MIL STD 810H certified and drop tested, can help businesses ensure that their devices can withstand extreme temperatures and drops. Additionally, rear cameras can help businesses capture and record work progress, providing a way to document and track progress and avoid potential disputes.
By using a rugged device, businesses can avoid productivity and efficiency issues that could impact their operations and profitability. Rugged handhelds provide unique features and advantages that make them the best option for businesses looking to improve productivity and efficiency.
Productivity will increase if the right technology is utilised
Integrating new technology into an existing system can be met with resistance and challenges. However, using outdated procedures or technology can cause more issues than it solves. It’s essential for a company’s success to be able to adapt quickly to the changing preferences and requirements of its local population.
Outdated technology can cause numerous problems for businesses and their employees. Accessing data and information can be a time-consuming process. Employees may have to move from one place to another to locate or provide the right information. Moreover, using outdated systems can slow down processes and lead to frustration and stress, which can negatively impact productivity. Outdated technology is also vulnerable to hacking and data breaches, which can be dangerous if the information contained is confidential.
For businesses operating in demanding environments such as industrial and manufacturing sectors, finding the right technology can be a challenging task. Heat and moisture present consistent difficulties, while those in supply chain, logistics, and transportation industries value mobility greatly, but their devices are routinely subjected to drops, shocks, and vibrations.
Bring-Your-Own-Devices (BYOD) is the most popular choice for digital transformation, but it means dealing with the failure, repair, and maintenance of personal devices owned by employees. The frequency of these issues may discourage organisations from shifting to digital operations, resulting in a higher total cost of ownership (TCO) when using equipment readily available on the commercial market.
However, businesses can shift to digital with confidence by choosing the right technology. In fact, access to the necessary technology can increase both the quantity of output and the effectiveness of operations.
What Exactly does “Productive” Mean? - How Rugged Android Can Help
In today’s culture, one of the buzzwords used to motivate people is “productivity.” Everyone is expected to maintain a high level of output, complete a significant amount of work, and produce as much as they are capable of. As a result, companies invest considerable effort in ensuring that their internal processes are as productive as possible.
So what does productivity mean exactly? According to Merriam-Webster, the term “productivity” is derived from the root word “produce,” which means to create something in large quantities.
Productivity refers to the rate at which this something is produced. It is the measure of success resulting from the development of the business and the level of effort and performance provided by employees working in the organisation.
Productivity is one of the most critical factors in determining whether an organisation is profitable or not. Many companies aim to increase their overall productivity while simultaneously enhancing it in all aspects of their operations.
Moreover, due to the significant increase in the inflation rate in the UK, it is now more necessary than ever for a business to operate at the highest possible level of productivity.
An example of the right technology would be a device that is suitable for use in the workplace and easy to integrate into existing structures. It should boost productivity in some way, such as simplifying processes or making difficult tasks easier to perform. While many may believe that such a device must be extravagant, it does not have to be.
To choose the most appropriate device for your team, it is not necessary to buy the most expensive or popular handhelds or tablet currently available on the market. The best equipment for you is one that fits easily into your budget and does not require a significant upfront investment in maintenance and repair costs. It should also be durable enough to withstand demanding environments that the device may face for a significant period of time.
So, what type of device meets all these requirements? It is called a rugged device.
What Exactly are "Rugged Android Devices"?
The term “rugged” describes devices that are designed to operate normally and withstand harsh conditions that most consumer electronics cannot handle.
For instance, workers who are required to work in the field must be able to adapt to a variety of environments. These workers could be involved in the last-mile delivery or supply chain sector.
These workers may encounter various conditions, such as extreme heat, rain or snow, and vehicle vibrations. The devices that these workers need should be durable enough to handle these tough conditions and function well in each environment.
Furthermore, rugged devices come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and functions. They can be designed as portable electronics like mobile handhelds and tablets, or even wearable technology.
No matter the situation or environment, they are created to work smoothly to assist your team in the workplace. They are hassle-free and can endure weather and other challenging conditions.
Benefits Of Rugged Android
There are several benefits to using rugged Android devices to improve productivity. One of the most significant benefits is their durability and resistance to damage, making them ideal for use in tough environments. Rugged handhelds are designed to withstand drops, extreme temperatures, dust, and water resistance, which reduces the risk of device failure and costly downtime.
Additionally, rugged devices have a longer lifespan than commercial smartphones, making them a more cost-effective option for businesses in the long run. They are highly customizable and compatible with various software and applications, making them versatile and adaptable to meet different business needs. The ease of use of rugged handhelds can also help increase productivity as employees can quickly and easily navigate the device’s features and functions.
Moreover, some rugged devices come equipped with unique features that further improve productivity. For instance, some devices come with large battery capacities, providing long-lasting power throughout the workday. Others have rear cameras that can capture high-quality images and videos for documentation and tracking purposes.
Using rugged devices can significantly improve productivity and efficiency in the workplace. The durability and resistance to damage, longer lifespan and reduced total cost of ownership, customizability and compatibility with various software and applications, and ease of use and increased productivity all make rugged handhelds the best option for businesses looking to enhance their operations.
Conker Rugged Devices
Conker is a well-known provider of rugged devices that are designed to meet the needs of businesses operating in tough environments. The company offers a range of rugged devices, including the Conker SX50 and the Conker NS82, which are both designed to withstand the rigours of daily use in challenging environments.
The Conker SX50 is a rugged Android phone that is water and dust resistant. It comes with a 5-inch screen, which is large enough to display important information and small enough to carry around easily. The phone is built to be extremely durable, with a design that can withstand drops, shocks, and other hazards that are common in challenging work environments.
The Conker NS82 is a rugged tablet that is also designed to withstand the rigours of daily use in tough environments. It comes with an 8-inch screen, which is ideal for tasks that require a larger display. The tablet is water and dust resistant, and it is built to withstand drops and shocks, making it a highly durable option for businesses that need reliable devices for their workforce.
One of the key advantages of Conker’s rugged devices is their versatility. They can be used across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, transportation, construction, and more. These devices are highly customisable and can be adapted to meet the specific needs of different businesses.
Another significant advantage of Conker’s rugged devices is their long lifespan. These devices are built to last, which means that businesses can enjoy a lower total cost of ownership over time. The longer lifespan also means that businesses can avoid costly downtime associated with device failure, which can have a significant impact on productivity.
Overall, Conker’s rugged devices are an excellent choice for businesses that operate in challenging environments. They provide a durable, reliable, and versatile option that can improve productivity and efficiency in the workplace.
Contact us to find out about our range of rugged devices to help your businesses find the perfect solution to meet your specific needs.
The Best UK Rugged Android Smartphones 2021
The Best UK Rugged Android Smartphones 2021 as many industries are now recognizing the array of benefits when using them. Almost every industry can benefit when using rugged smartphones. Today, rugged devices have come a long way from being just a sturdy tools for businesses. In fact, it has become one of the most in-demand tools for any type of operation. Moreover, Android is considered the top operating system in the world. As a result, rugged Android devices are an incredibly powerful tool when paired with the right software for any kind of operation.
In a published report by research leader Bullitt Group, 34% of consumers in Western Europe experience damage in their consumer phones. Furthermore, in the Intelligent Information Management Benchmark Report 2019, survey statistics shared that at least 60% of employees use personal devices to share and access company information. Unfortunately, these consumer devices can easily cause multiple problems for a company.
Is BYOD safe?
The rising need to constantly be connected has given rise to one of the most popular policies in any industry – BYOD. Bring Your Own Devices are said to improve employee productivity and employee morale. However, there are also dangerous risks with this practice such as data breach, information theft, malware infiltration and more. To reduce this problem, many companies have issued their own mobile devices that workers can use. To improve usability and connection, Android devices have become a popular choice.
Rugged Android Smartphones 2021
The ideal UK rugged android smartphone 2021 should withstand drops from any angle, impacts, or bumps. Furthermore, it should be sturdy enough to maintain its functionality even when constantly exposed to these common workplace hazards. These unique rugged features mean your device continues to work and downtime is effectively reduced. As a result, there is a continuous delivery of products and services.
The Best UK Rugged Android Smartphones 2021:
- Conker ST60 – The Best Rugged Smartphone in the Market
- Cat S61
- Ulefone Armor 9
- Blackview BV9900 Pro
- Ulefone Armor 10
- Ulefone Armor 7
- Unihertz Atom XL
- Doogee S95 Pro
- Blackview BV9500 Pro
- Doogee S90
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Conker ST60 – Top Performing 6″ UK Rugged Android Smartphone
The Best UK Rugged Android Smartphones 2021 Available in the Market
OS: Android 10 | Screen size: 6.1" display | Resolution: 720 x 1520 | CPU: Mediatek MT6762D Octa-Core | RAM: 4GB RAM | Storage: 128GB Storage (Expandable up to 128GB) | Battery: 4100 mAH | Rear camera: 13MP Sony IMX 214 AF | Front camera: 5MP Samsung 5E2 Mega FF
Buy it here: weareconker.com
The Conker ST60 is a flagship product that first hit the rugged scene in 2021. Thanks to its dependable features and affordable price, it is our first choice when it comes to rugged Android devices. This smartphone not only boasts a rugged and durable exterior but also offers a highly reliable OS performance. Conker ST60 enjoys an IP68 rating – expect it to be waterproof up to 3 meters, dustproof, as well as, sand and dirt resistant.
ST60 comes with a bright 6.1-inch display with a waterdrop notch for the front camera and an 18:9 narrow bezel. This means even when used outdoors your team members will not have a hard time seeing the screen. Conker ST60 also comes with a dedicated button for its PPT or Push-to-Talk function. This feature allows workers to seamlessly communicate with other smartphone users just like a two-way radio. British rugged smartphone leader Tablet Technology ensured that this device is made to support businesses.
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Cat S61 rugged Android smartphone 2021
Impressive Features in a Durable Smartphone
OS: Android 8.0 (Oreo) | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels | Screen size: 5.2-inch | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB | Battery: 4500mAh | Rear camera: 16MP | Front camera: 8MP | CPU: Snapdragon 630
For some time, Cat S61 was the top choice for rugged smartphones in the industry. After all, CAT is known to build some of the most robust construction vehicles on the globe. However, since it is getting dated compared to the newer models in the market, it is not as recommended as before. CAT S61 comes with a powerful IP69 rating making it one of the sturdiest rugged devices in the market even in 2021.
Furthermore, it also comes with unique features including an indoor air quality sensor, thermal camera, laser-assisted distance measurement tool, robust polycarbonate, and rubber exterior. Unfortunately, there is some work that can be done with its software as it has a sluggish OS compared to the newer models today.
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Ulefone Armor 9
Built for Explorers
OS: Android 10 | CPU: Helio P90 | Screen size: 5.84-inch | RAM: 8GB| Resolution: 2280 x 1080 pixels | Storage: 128GB | Battery: 4,380mAh | Rear camera: 48MP + 16MP + 2MP | Front camera: 16MP
The Ulefone Armor 9 features a powerful FLIR camera and an endoscope. As a result, your workers will enjoy extreme versatility when it comes to specific tasks. Another remarkable feature is its big battery so workers can rely on its operation for longer hours and more tasks.
As for its design, FLIR adopted the well-loved design of Armor 9. That means you can expect a good combination of TPU and polycarbonate plastic to metal with glass. FLIR enjoys an IP68 rating so expect it to work even when the environment demands more.
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Blackview BV9900 Pro rugged Android smartphone
Made to Perform
OS: Android 10 | Screen size: 5.84-inch | RAM: 8GB | CPU: Helio P90 | Resolution: 2280 x 1080 pixels |Storage: 128GB| Battery: 4,380mAh | Rear camera: 48MP + 16MP + 2MP | Front camera: 16MP
Blackview is considered one of the leaders when it comes to creating excellent rugged devices. The Blackview BV9900 Pro has been one of the crowd favorites in 2020. Featuring its main feature, the FLIR infrared camera sensor, this rugged Android smartphone was well received because of its low-price tag.
Compared to other rugged devices, this smartphone feels compact and solid. Furthermore, it is also smaller and weighs less. Having a FLIR thermal imaging camera, workers will love its excellent capabilities. This phone also comes with a MediaTek Helio G90 chipset and 8GB RAM which can easily take multiple tasks without any issues.
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Ulefone Armor 10 rugged smartphone
5G Features
OS: Android 10 | Resolution: 2400 x 1080 pixels | Screen size: 6.6-inch | Battery: 5,800mAh | CPU: Dimensity | 800RAM: 8GBStorage: 128GB | Rear camera: 64MP + 8MP + 5MP + 2MP | Front camera: 16MP
Probably the top reason why we recommend The Ulefone Armor 10 is due to its 5G capabilities. Even when this phone is not the most protected or rugged phone out in the market, its 5G features mean it can future proof your operations. The Armor 10 follows the design of previous Ulefone smartphones. It comes with reinforced rubber corners, a larger bezel, and a metal frame. Featuring a 6.7-inch display, it looks and feels more like a phablet than a usual phone.
Armor 10 is powered by a Mediatek Dimensity 800 processor. Other notable hardware features are Cortex A76 cores with four A55 ones and an Arm Mali-G57 GPU set. If your team is looking for a phone that has a reliable 5G this is a perfect choice. Sure it may be a little bigger than your regular rugged smartphone, but its notable features clearly cover this imperfection.
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Ulefone Armor 7
Competitive price tag
OS: Android 9.0 (Pie) | Screen size: 6.3-inch | CPU: Helio P90 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Rear camera: 48MP + 16MP + 8MP | Front camera: 16MP | Resolution: 2340 x 1080 pixels | Battery: 5500mAh
The Ulefone Armor 7 rugged smartphone features a rugged smartphone at a very affordable price. This is a flagship smartphone-based by Ulefone that is built on MediaTek's P90 chipset. Furthermore, it also comes with a 48-megapixel rear camera. This device is compliant with IP68/IP69K requirements. In addition, it has been MIL-STD-810G certified under laboratory conditions.
Although its features are impressive, some review-shared users have also encountered issues with the design. For example, the camera bump at the rear extends too far which may easily become damaged when dropped.
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Doogee S95 Pro rugged smartphone
Excellent UK Robust Android Smartphones 2021
OS: Android 9.0 (Pie) | Screen size: 6.3-inch | CPU: Helio P90 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Rear camera: 48MP + 8MP + 8MP | Front camera: 8MP | Battery: 5150mAh | Resolution: 2160 x 1080 pixels
The Doogee S95 Pro is a top of the range smartphone from rugged device manufacturer Doogee. This rugged smartphone weighs 284g without any accessories. However, with the additional battery pack, expect it to be at least 390g. This rugged smartphone is robustly built with a combination of materials like rubber and metal. The S95 Pro uses the ever-reliable Mediatek Helio P90 chipset
It also features three rear cameras and an SOS button for emergency cases.
With its massive battery of 5150 mAH, you can expect the Doogee S95 Pro rugged smartphone to last you a day while you're outdoors. Other notable features include NFC, a fingerprint sensor, a 5150mAh battery, 3 rear cameras, a 6.3-inch screen with a 2160 x 1080 pixel resolution, as well as, a Corning Gorilla Glass 5 overlay.
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Unihertz Atom XL rugged smartphone
Best Price to Performance Ratio
OS: Android 10 | Screen size: 4-inch | CPU: Helio P60 | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery: 4300mAh | Rear camera: 48MP | Front camera: 8MP | Resolution: 1136 x 640 pixels
Unihertz Atom XL is by far one of the best from this brand. This rugged smartphone manufacturer is known to build small compact phones. That makes the ATOM XL true to its name – it is “extra-large” compared to other versions of this brand. Nevertheless, the screen on this smartphone is actually tiny, coming at only 4 inches. Still, your team can expect long battery life with its massive 4300 mAH battery and outstanding 48MP rear camera.
While this rugged smartphone is highly reliable it also comes with some drawbacks. For example, it has an outdated CPU, the Mediatek Helio P90. That means it may not be as best performing as its competitors. It also does not come with a headphone jack and USB port cover which may make it more vulnerable to damage.
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Oukitel UK Rugged Android Phablet 2021
Your rugged Android Phablet
OS: Android 10 | Resolution: 1560 x 720 pixels | Screen size: 6.49-inch | Battery: 5,000mAh | CPU: Helio P22RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB | Rear camera: 16MP + 2MP + 2MP | Front camera: 8MP
Some may consider the Oukitel WP8 Pro a low-end rugged smartphone. But its excellent features and affordable price tag make it a great choice if you want to save on cost. This is a waterproof phablet designed for busy workers or even for outdoor adventures. This phone boasts of being a thin rugged phablet despite its large surface area. This means your workers can still use the phone one hand, but with some level of difficulty.
This phone also offers notable features including an eight-core Mediatek Helio P22 processor, 4GB of LPDDR4x memory, as well as, 64GB onboard storage. Unfortunately, it comes with only a micro USB port, which means slower charging compared to a standard USB-C.
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Doogee S90 rugged smartphone
Competitive Specifications
OS: Android 8.1 | Screen size: 6.18-inch | Resolution: 2246 x 1080 pixels | CPU: MT6771 (P60) 4*Cortex-A73 2.0GHz + 4*Cortex-A53 2.0Ghz | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery: 5050mAh | Rear camera: 16+8MP | Front camera: 8MP
The Doogee S90 easily ranks as one of the best rugged smartphones since it launched. Today, even with hundreds of other smartphones launched in the market, it continues to assert its dominance.
The Doogee S90 features a modular design. Out of the box, this phone is at 170 x 80 x 15mm, and weighing 302g. This is easily one of the more massive Android devices in the market but its reliable features make up for its size easily. This device comes with a Mediatek Helio P60 processor. In addition, it comes with four Cortex-A53 little cores and four Cortex-A73 cores. So your team can easily trust that this device will work even when doing tasks simultaneously.
For more top rugged android smartphones, read about it here.
Rugged Smart Devices Features For The Supply Chain
Rugged Smart Devices Features For The Supply Chain
The demands of using Rugged Smart Devices Features for the supply chain sector are unique. This industry has a range of operations that may put devices in extreme conditions. Rugged devices are a good choice because they can help streamline operations and improve service. These devices come with useful features that are indispensable in the supply chain industry.
Making Changes in the Supply Chain
Workers in the supply chain industry are typically under extreme and challenging environments. Here, regular smartphone devices would not survive, unlike their rugged devices counterparts.
Rugged smart devices are perfect for the supply chain industry. Since they are made to be used under extreme working conditions such as a sudden change in temperature, blizzards, sandstorms, and rain. It can also withstand vibrations from vehicles and machinery.
The supply chain operates in extreme environments so companies must use tough tools. Using regular commercial devices means your company will sooner or later see the damage. In contrast, rugged devices can completely change the way a supply chain operates. It is so reliable that it can reduce operational hiccups.
Mobility Is Crucial In Supply Chain Operation
Mobility is a crucial part of any supply chain operation. Activities surrounding supply chain operations require an instant collection of data and information. Additionally, data collection will happen anywhere and anytime.
Also, these connections must be done accurately and securely. As a consequence, employees in the supply chain must-have devices that support mobility. These devices should on point and must be tough enough to handle the wear and tear of the supply chain activity.
Despite the unique features that the supply chain needs, not every business uses them. A report in 2019 shares that more than 55% of companies in this sector use regular consumer-grade devices. As a result, these companies experience setbacks such as delays in delivery and inaccurate inventory.
Features that the Supply Chain Needs
According to a report by Peerless Research Group, most companies in the supply chain are hoping to increase their investment in rugged devices.
These companies prefer to purchase rugged devices that come with special features. Some of the most common features that are they are looking for are:
- Reliability
- Connectivity
- Durability
- Casings
- Screen display
- Uptime
- Screen display
- Product design
The same report has also cited that rugged smart devices with the following applications are also a necessity:
- Asset Management
- Container level management and tagging
- Quality control inspection
- Waste Management and Restocking
- Shipping and Receiving
- Inventory management and tacking
- Packing, sorting, and picking
- Barcode scanning for inventory and tracking management
Conker's rugged smart devices have integrated modern features that are essential for operations. Aside from the normal commercial-grade features, Conker has also included unique functionalities. For example, the battery life of Conker's devices is extensive, so it can keep performing after a long time.
When it comes to managing, monitoring, and securing your corporate data, choosing a reputable rugged device company to implement in your business is surely the best decision to make.