Mobile Computer Options
DeliveryPoD is available for Android Smartphones and Mobile Computers. There is also a version for Microsoft Windows PC’s / Laptops and iOS devices as well.
We have re-seller agreements with the Premium Brands of industrial mobile computers, so if you want to purchase hardware from the same company as the software, you can (you can also source your own).
In the past all Logistics Companies went for rugged mobile computers, however over the last 5 years we have seen some going for non-rugged units – preferring the low cost of purchase, whilst others going for a “durable” unit that sits between the traditional rugged units and non-rugged devices. However most large organisations have stuck with fully rugged units.
Android has been a huge enabler in terms of allowing software vendors and end users a wide range of options. It is available on the majority of non-rugged units, but is equally taking over the world on Rugged Devices as well.
Key Factors
The choice of mobile computer is going to depend upon:
- What level of ruggedness you want?
Obviously non-rugged units are more likely to break in the field, which means repair bills and what can the driver do if he or she is mid way through a round?
We offer both fully rugged (1.8 meter drop test), Durable (limited 1.2 meter drop test) and support non-rugged devices. - Do you want a built in Barcode Reader?
Our software allows the camera in a Smartphone to read barcodes. However if we had to scan a few hundred barcodes a day in low light and bright light, we would choose a unit with a dedicated barcode scanner built in.It is just quicker and easier and when there is a lot of scanning, it makes sense.
Zebra TC26 and TC21 are low cost Durable Units suitable for most types of Tracking Applications.
These are the best selling units that we offer by far. The combination of built in Barcode Reader, Durable Construction, Long Battery Life and very Low Cost is hard to beat.
Reading Barcodes quickly and easily is a key aspect in most Tracking Applications.
We can use a Standard Smartphone’s camera to read barcodes and this is very effective. Ultimately if scanning lots of barcodes a day is a key thing for you, a dedicated inbuilt barcode reader will save a lot of time and money.
The Motorola G Series is a typical Smartphone that can be purchased for Circa £150.
Barcodes scan fine using the inbuilt camera. However if you scan hundreds of barcodes every day, a device with a dedicated barcode reader is the best option.
If your staff regularly drop devices, sooner or later a Non Rugged device will break.
The Rugged / Non Rugged Debate
Since we make almost all our profit from software, we don’t really mind what hardware is used, so we adopt a very simple “tell it as we see it” approach.
At first it seems so simple, “I can but 6 of those for the price of 1 rugged unit”.
But then you start doing some calculations – how often will I drop it, how many drops before I break a unit, what is the average repair cost…
If you drop it once per month and it breaks once in 3 drops, that is 4 failures per year, 20 repairs in a 5 year period at say £200 per go. Now it starts looking very expensive.
What happens if a driver gets a fault half way around the collection or delivery van? Will you be able to use pen and paper? Will the driver need to get a new device? What is the cost of delivering late…
More Detailed Considerations
Some forget to consider other factors, that may or may not be crucial to you:
- Vehicle Cradles
- Does it meet safety standards?
- Can it be swapped from vehicle to vehicle?
- What is the cost?
- Removable Battery – Can the battery be removed and a charged battery be inserted easily for a quick shift change?
- Battery Life – how long can it go for in reality, without a charge?
- Size and Ergonomics – how does it feel / behave in the hand?
- Does the Barcode Scanner work well in all light conditions?