subject: Increase Life-cycle of Your Mobile Computers [print this page] Often companies have to retire their rugged mobile computers too early, though the device is not damaged physically. This involves a significant expenditure and the total cost of ownership is affected adversely. However, there can be several ways through which we can increase the life cycle of our mobile computers and hence increase the ROI. By keeping an eye on the technological advancements in the fields of mobile computing, we can actually future proof our mobile devices.
Applications for mobile devices - OS & Software
When it comes to Operating System, the foremost option comes to mind is a Microsoft-based OS. But we do have options beyond Microsoft and there are operating systems with additional capabilities that the mobile devices can support. In most cases, the warehouses rely on the applications that have been suitable for their older models of mobile devices, and they show least interest when it comes to rewriting applications according to the new mobile device they are going to deploy. This makes it crucial to decide on the applications for a mobile device. Thus, the companies need to choose a mobile device that supports the features of terminal emulation (TE). TE makes a perfect balance between older and newer versions of an application.
So if you have decided to choose a device based on a TE application, you need to further look into its function key capabilities. You need to see, if the device has dedicated "hard" function keys, shifted keys, or there will be soft keys on a touch screen?
Decide on most suitable scanning capabilities
While choosing a mobile computer, its scanning capacities must be given due consideration. The upgradation in barcode symbologies changes the barcode scanning capabilities of a mobile device. You need to analyze your company's scanning needs, including need for capability to read 2D barcodes, which is often recommended. Or, you just need 1D barcodes reading, or imaging capabilities, or even RFID.
Beside these features, there are several factors that you need to consider in order to future proof your mobile device. Some of them are enumerated below:
Bluetooth features
Wireless printing capabilities
Networking competency
Voice & speech support features
While selecting a mobile device, the most important thing for companies is to analyze their needs and then see the features. This will help them select the most suitable mobile devices and will help them to determine on the features that they need to upgrade in future.
