How Rugged Tablets for Warehouses Are Replacing Legacy Technology

As businesses seek to adapt to customer expectations of faster service, many warehouse managers are looking at updating legacy warehouse mobile solutions to provide greater flexibility. With Windows CE no longer a viable option for many enterprises, Android has emerged as a top choice for an operating system compatible with the rugged environment. IDC expects that the market for Android-based rugged devices will grow at 23 percent annually over the next four years.

Focus on updating legacy warehouse solutions is increasing with the growing selection of Android-based devices, especially with warehouse work conditions requiring rugged tablets for warehouses that can withstand harsh environments. According to the report, the potential for device damage in warehouses is great, with nonrugged devices receiving a failure rate of 19.8 percent, compared to 3.8 for rugged devices. On average, the report says, workers experienced 30-40 minutes of downtime due to device failure.

At the same time, many warehouse professionals are motivated by lifecycle concerns, as legacy systems are nearing the end of their effective life. This creates an important opportunity to reconsider and re-evaluate options for updating legacy warehouse solutions.

Technology solutions provider Ivanti asked VDC Research to poll over 100 professionals who are responsible for choosing mobile solutions for use in warehouses and distribution centers. Approximately 34.8 percent noted that their present mobile solutions were nearing end of life. Many Windows CE or Windows Mobile devices “have already reached their end of meaningful life and are rapidly approaching their end of extended support,” the study affirms.

Defining Criteria for Updating Legacy Warehouse Solutions

As existing platforms reach their end of service life, warehouse professionals say they will be looking for replacements that deliver an enhanced user interface. Many existing warehouse mobile solutions are built around very basic text and a keyboard-centric design. Almost 25 percent of respondents say the next iteration will need to have a more modern, visual interface. Nearly 35 percent say they want the ability to customize the solution.

Security also ranks high as a consideration. Nearly half of respondents (49.1 percent) say security features are among their top considerations for warehouse mobile applications, while 55.1 percent say security will be a driving factor in the selection of an operating system.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active2 is a rugged Android tablet that meets the key criteria that warehouse professionals look for in a replacement device. Tested against the MIL-STD-810G standards for use in extreme conditions, the Tab Active2 is built to handle the harsh warehouse environment, including being dust and water-resistant and able to withstand vibrations, drops, heat and cold. The Samsung Knox platform provides defense-grade security, supported by 7 biometric authentication features and IT manageability tools. The Tab Active2 also comes with a water-resistant S Pen for writing and signature capture, durable POGO connectors and a long-lasting, replaceable battery.

Android vs. Legacy OS

Unlike in the past, when Windows was the primary operating system in the field, warehouse professionals today have multiple operating systems to consider as they ponder their options for upgrades. “Each platform choice offers distinct capabilities and end users will need to determine which offers the best option to support their requirements,” the authors of the Ivanti/VDC Research study note.

This requires a thorough re-evaluation. “For a user base that has been traditionally risk-averse … addressing this represents a critical decision for organizations focused on minimizing disruption,” notes the study.

In this context, researchers say that Android as a warehouse OS option is on the rise. “With the growing availability of Android-powered devices targeting warehouse applications — in particular, wearable solutions — Android adoption is in position to scale,” they write.

Equipping employees with rugged tablets for warehouses propels enterprises on the path to digital transformation. For end users, the shift to Android offers compatibility with newer, higher performing devices and provides a modern, intuitive user interface that enables employees to be more productive.

As warehousing operations overall moves forward on the mobile technology maturity curve, it’s critical to have a mobile services provider who can not only manage your daily mobile ecosystem, but help you implement transformative mobile technologies across the entire supply chain process. Ensure your business is on the cutting edge of warehousing technology by checking out Stratix’s full line of Warehouse Logistics solutions and Samsung mobile devices.

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