Tablet computers created a splash in the consumer technology market, displacing laptops for many users. Tablet growth slowed to a crawl a few years ago, but while consumer tablets are losing ground, rugged tablets have continued to expand their market share. In fact, according to VDC, the rugged tablet market is expected to expand from $589.7 million in 2016 to $623.6 million in 2020.
That growth is, in part, because rugged tablets have found a niche in industrial applications that need the convenience of a handheld device, but the larger screen and functionality of more expensive rugged laptops. In the warehouse and in field service applications, these rugged devices are installed on forklifts and inside service vehicles and can easily be carried to the point of activity where the large screen and user-friendly interface make data entry a snap.
5 Must-Have Rugged Tablet Features
Not all tablets are built alike, however. Here are five important features to look for when you’re purchasing new rugged tablets:
1. Built Tough: Look for a tablet that can withstand the rigors of a harsh warehouse or field service application environment. Tablets with an IP65 rating are safe from exposure to dust and liquids. The devices should also be able to withstand being dropped (even your most reliable employees will sometimes have slippery fingers). The Zebra ET50/55 family of tablets, for example, can survive a 3.28-ft. fall to concrete; an optional rugged frame extends that to a 5.9-ft. drop per the MIL-STD-810G specification. A truly durable tablet will have a rugged touchscreen display built from Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 (which includes Native Damage Resistance™).
2. Reliable Power: Those big, bright displays can be power hogs. You want to make sure that the tablet you buy has battery power that can last an entire shift. The tablet should include hot-swappable battery options for continuous charging, as well as durable charging cradles that can be used in a vehicle or at a workstation.
3. Barcode Imaging: The industrial rugged tablet you select should include high-quality barcode scanning capabilities, preferably via a scan engine that is designed to read codes under a variety of circumstances (damaged/dirty codes, poorly printed codes, curved surfaces, etc.). Zebra’s rugged tablets include a variety of peripheral barcode scanning options, including scan guns and the Zebra Bluetooth ring scanner.
4. Flexible Input/Output Options: One of the key advantages of a rugged tablet is that it acts as a true clipboard replacement when it comes to data entry – users can easily enter text, fill out forms, select drop-down menu items, etc., much more easily than they could on a smaller handheld device.Find a tablet that allows for multiple types of data input via stylus, touch, and keyboard (either onscreen or with an external keyboard at a docking station). Capacitive multi-touch touchscreens are a must for these mission-critical applications.
5. Ergonomics: Make sure your employees can comfortably use and carry the new tablets. With an ergonomic design and comfortable accessories, your workers will be more productive and efficient, and less prone to repetitive motion injuries.Operations cases can make it easier for employees to handle and use the tablet, while comfortable shoulder or cross-body straps can help keep their hands free when the tablet isn’t in use. A rotating handstrap like the one available with the Zebra ET50/55 can turn the tablet into a wearable device that allows users to free up one hand for other activities.Flexible and durable vehicle mount hardware is also necessary for devices that will be used on a forklift or in a vehicle. These mounts should provide both left- and right-side configurations, as well as connections for charging the tablets and a connection for an in-vehicle scanner.
Industrial rugged tablets can improve operations in the warehouse —and in the yard or out in the field —by providing expanded data collection options, a bigger display, and a comfortable, easy-to-use form factor. By keeping the features above in mind, your organization can invest in the right tablets for your enterprise application.
