Reasons Why Supply Chains Needs Rugged Devices
The exponential growth of E-commerce was expected during the lockdowns. From 2020 to 2021, businesses and consumers increasingly became “digital”. This change led to a growth of global trade from 14% to 17% just in 2020 alone, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. This growth in e-commerce also meant tremendous development in the supply chain industry. Today, we will share why supply chains need rugged devices and how they can help sustain the demanding market.
Why Rugged Devices Are Perfect For the Supply Chain
There are numerous ways rugged devices can benefit the supply chain industry. It helps for easier communications, security, and more. In addition, it helps in monitoring any situation in the areas like warehouses, retail stores, shipyards, delivery, the last mile, and more. Finally, rugged devices allow for management to instantly collect, feed, and access information and data within a mobile-integrated enterprise.
Supply Chains Needs Rugged Devices for Mobility
Most activities in the supply chain happen along the borders of the central network and get into warehouses, into shipyards, across roads, into stores and front doors. At any of these points, supply chain data must be continuously updated securely and accurately. Furthermore, they are also areas in the supply chain that can be challenging – so everything must be stored on point.
This means warehousing employees, fleet drivers, retail store clerks and more will need a reliable device that will allow them to enter critical data anytime and anywhere. These devices must be tough enough to work in any kind of environment and withstand demanding conditions. As a result, rugged devices are the perfect choice for the supply chain.
Unfortunately, despite the challenges faced by the supply chain, more than half of the companies operating in this industry are still using regular devices. In fact, in a recent survey of 185 purchasing managers in this industry, 55% says they need to provide employees with more suitable devices.
The same survey done by Peerless Research Group shares that two-thirds of the companies increased their investment in mobile devices. In addition, more and more companies are shifting away from regular commercial-grade devices and using rugged devices. Rugged devices may be more expensive up front, however, the lifespan of these devices and their significantly lower failure rates will allow companies to save more.
In another survey titled, “Improving Supply Chain Efficiencies,” some of the most common applications which mobile devices are used include the following
- 59% - Barcode scanning for inventory management and tracking
- 56% - Inventory tracking and management
- 39% - Restocking and put-away
- 56% - Picking, packing, and sorting
- 37% - Item, pallet, or container-level tagging and management
- 28% - Quality control
- 27% - Asset management
- 56% - Shipping and receiving
Supply Chains Needs Rugged Devices To Keep Workers Connected
Within the supply chain, an employee’s duties may vary. However, no matter what duties these workers are doing, they need devices that have the correct capabilities.
- Fast and Reliable 4G LTE connectivity
- Modern SIM Technology
- Reliable GPS and Wireless Capabilities
- Dependable connections in any type of environments
- Option to switch communication modes
- Multi-carrier modems
- Low Failure rates and high-performance standard
- A security feature that provides protection for connectivity, data, and the device
- Excellent tech support and warranty plans
Different Uses of Rugged Devices In the Supply Chain
Within the supply chain industry, workers constantly need to keep up with tasks and productivity. This is critical as the supply chain heavily depends on staff completing routine day to day tasks. Additionally, in a survey, rugged devices can be a crucial tool in ensuring the supply chain can carry out tasks such as:
- Asset management
- Barcode scanning for tracking and inventory management
- Container level tagging and management
- Inventory tracking and management
- Picking, sorting and packing
- Quality control inspection
- Restocking and waste management
- Shipping and receiving
Is your supply chain operations ready to achieve growth? Furthermore, do you have the right tools such as rugged devices to sustain this growth? Conker Rugged Devices are an excellent choice offering companies an option to choose between Android or Windows operating system.
Integrated Endpoint Management Systems in Rugged Devices
In modern-day operations how crucial it is for organisations to use Integrated Endpoint Management Systems in rugged devices? One of the most common questions when it comes to operations is what kind of devices to use. Most organisations now recognise the importance of having rugged devices at the heart of their business. Furthermore, with the COVID-19 pandemic, having an endpoint management system is also a crucial factor to consider.
In this article, we will take a closer look at why organisations can benefit when using these two powerful tools together.
Why Companies Need An Integrated Endpoint Management Systems in Rugged Devices
The Actual Cost of Using Consumer Devices for Operations
The COVID 19 pandemic and the great digital transformation resulted to brought several unique terms for companies around the world. For example, user endpoint management for information security. In the past, companies find UEM solutions expensive and unnecessary. Businesses have almost always relied on their firm’s firewall software all these times. However, as more firms worldwide have moved to work-from-home many have looked into reevaluating their data security. As a result, it was not surprising that the value of cybersecurity solutions has risen overnight.
Unfortunately, expensive cybersecurity solutions are not for every company. Some businesses that operate as an essential enterprise like fulfilment centres, construction, manufacturing is unable to adhere to Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies. Furthermore, using consumer devices makes it risker for workers who are in a demanding field. For example, dropping your iPhone in the water while you are in the field will deem it unusable.
Besides, planned obsolescence in these consumer devices, regular need for software updates, and batteries makes a regular consumer device an expensive investment.
The Right To Repair Movement
In 2020, the European Parliament has shared about fully supporting the “right to repair” movement. These new rules are made to improve buyer choice and trust in tech-related products. According to the EU Commission (EC), this move will help increase the durability and lifecycle of electronics and reduce the e-waste levels in the region.
The EC laid out several proposals in this regard including the right to repair for products like smartphones, PCs, and tablets. Some potential developments will also require these devices to be designed with energy efficiency, sustainability and recycling options in mind.
Consumer Devices Requires Constant Update
Companies that implement a BYOD operation also found themselves having problems with updates. Common consumer devices like those running in IOS and Android requires a constant update. This can become a major issue especially when data security may become unmanageable. New updates to an operating system might affect the speed at which a company’s UEM software is updated. Also, Android-using employees go easily outdated with an update while your iOS using staffs are fine.
Solutions - Rugged Devices
Thankfully, there is an easy solution to these issues – using devices and software that offer durability and security. Rugged mobile devices function even in the most demanding operations. These tools can seamlessly integrate UEM and MDM platforms. Additionally, unique programs are used to allow these devices to engage only when the network is secure.
Conker rugged devices are known for their performance and durability – but is also known to provide the best after-sales solutions for companies who need repair and maintenance. Also, it is a good choice for companies that need additional features like Push-To-Talk, barcode scanning, and more.
According to research by mobile makers Samsung, 90% of employees prefer using rugged devices and are hoping that their companies invest in these devices.
Improve Your Security Ecosystem
In 2017, Danish shipping giant A.P. Møller-Maersk experience huge losses due to a data breach. As a result, countless other companies implemented additional measures to prevent more malicious software attacks.
In 2020, as companies are now moving into a new work set-up, hackers are trying to find vulnerabilities in the supply chain and logistics industries. However, unlike the major attack 3 years prior, these hackers are now targeting small to mid-size operations mainly with ransomware. Integrated Endpoint Management Systems can help protect software against these cyber-attacks. A fully integrated UEM and MDM software will ensure that your data stays your own.