Rugged Android Barcode Scanners Withstand the Rigors of the Modern Workplace
Built to withstand tough work environments and give employees the tools they need to be able to do their jobs productively and efficiently, rugged Android devices are more reliable and require fewer repairs than consumer-grade devices. Rugged Android barcode scanners have the advantage of running on an open platform that features higher CPU speeds, quick patches, frequent security updates, and millions of mobile apps to choose from.
Used in logistics, transportation, energy and utilities, military, government, retail, hospitality and education sectors, among others, Panasonic’s rugged Android barcode scanners are designed to resist moisture and dust; can endure extreme temperatures; and provide long-lasting battery life in even the toughest conditions.
Up to the Challenge
In today’s competitive business environment, companies need purpose-built technologies that help workers do their jobs better, safer, and more efficiently. Warehouse workers are using multiple devices to meet the needs of a brisk e-commerce selling environment; public safety workers need technology that helps them work from anywhere, and last-mile delivery personnel rely on their devices to help them manage the huge influx of orders being sent to customers’ homes.
Standard, consumer-grade handhelds, tablets, and laptops don’t cut it in these fast-paced, demanding environments, where extreme temperatures, water intrusion, dust, and other environmental conditions can render devices useless and impede employee productivity. The same rules apply in high-volume warehouses and distribution centers (DCs), where just one missed or incorrect shipment can lead to major customer service impacts. When a consumer-grade mobile device fails while a worker is processing hundreds of orders for same-day shipment, for example, the total cost of ownership (TCO) of that device escalates quickly as companies scramble to repair and/or replace the device in order to minimize downtime.
To avoid these challenges, companies are turning to rugged Android barcode scanners that incorporate an open-source operating system with components that can withstand the toughest work environments.
Answering the Call
Panasonic offers a full suite of rugged devices built on the Android operating system. The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK A3 is a rugged Android 10.1-inch tablet that features a powerful octa-core processor, 4G LTE support, FirstNet™ and an insertable stylus. Flexible enough to be used in any working conditions, the A3 comes with an optional integrated barcode reader and insertable smart card reader. It also features an outdoor-viewable display with rain and glove touch functionality, making this tablet the choice for outdoor workers.
Featuring a 5-foot drop rating and IP65 certification for dust and water resistance, the TOUGHBOOK A3 is purpose-built for a wide range of work environments. Enterprise-recommended, the A3 comes with dual user-replaceable, standard, or long-life batteries. A hot-swappable tablet, the A3 comes with an optional barcode scanner, smart card reader, or second USB.
Another option is our rugged Android 7-inch tablet, the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK S1 —also built with the octa-core processor and supports 4G LTE and FirstNet® connectivity. With optional extended-life battery that supports warm swap functionality, the tablet is flexible enough to be used in logistics, transportation, retail, and field service, among other settings. Equipped with an optional integrated barcode reader that supports landscape or portrait orientations, the S1 is built with an outdoor-viewable display with patented rain mode and glove touch functionality.
The Android Enterprise-approved TOUGHBOOK N1 handheld barcode scanner puts millions of enterprise-grade mobile applications at the user’s fingertips—from the Google Play store, our partners, independent software vendors (ISVs), and resellers/ integrators. With built-in multi-carrier 4G LTE, voice capabilities, and dual SIM cards, the TOUGHBOOK N1 is ready to go where work takes you.
Built on Panasonic’s Rapid Application Development platform, Panasonic’s Voice Picking Technology combines the TOUGHBOOK N1 rugged handheld computer, a Bluetooth headset, and a customizable software template to create a cost-effective voice-picking system that’s easy to use and integrate with corporate systems—helping your warehouse fulfill orders faster and with higher accuracy.
Panasonic’s TOUGHBOOK L1 and TOUGHBOOK T1 devices are similar in design, style and touchscreen operation to the consumer-grade Android devices that employees use in their personal lives. This means new hires can get up to speed more quickly and reduce training time. This also means that companies are at a lower risk of losing resources or wasting productivity during the transition from legacy devices. But their rugged durability allows for frontline worker use. So whether mounted in a vehicle or held by hand, the 7-inch -TOUGHBOOK L1 tablet and the 5-inch T1 handheld offer the flexibility and durability that employees need when capturing and accessing information on the go.
The Right Device for the Right Application
Whether you’re running a logistics operation, a retail store, or a manufacturing firm, there’s a rugged Android barcode scanner that meets your needs. Use this chart to select the best one for your application(s):
Simplify Your Android Rollout
Panasonic’s rugged Android tablets and handheld barcode scanners come with the Panasonic Rapid Configuration (PaRC) Utility to help with deployment. This tool enables easy setup and configuration of multiple settings profiles across Android-based devices via a central console. Users can generate a configuration file or QR code by this tool on a Windows PC to apply it to target Android devices. Up to 40 functions can be configured, including Wi-Fi settings, barcode reader setup, app installation, and application white/blacklist.
Panasonic’s deployment services experts ensure that devices arrive in the field quickly and ready to work. Choose from a range of services available to find the best fit for your team. Other deployment service features include asset tagging and management; disk image management; mobile device management (MDM) services; and Android firmware management.
Taking it a Step Further with Productivity+
To ensure we can serve as a true technology partner, we also offer Productivity+, a suite of Android support solutions that future-proof rugged mobile deployments for customers using and/or transitioning to the Android operating system. A multifaceted offering that features hardware, software, and professional services, Productivity+ includes an extensive support partner ecosystem to capitalize on the modernization and digitization of rugged mobile devices.
A 360-degree ecosystem for customer support, Productivity+ features software solutions for mobile device app development, deployment, and sustainment. For example, enterprise IT managers integrating Android into their mobile workforces’ devices, can use it to configure hundreds of device settings across deployments simultaneously. Also through our Productivity+ solution suite, we are engaging with solution providers to develop purpose-built software for specific industry verticals.
Giving Workers Reliable Tech Tools
In a world where every new order is another chance to enhance customer satisfaction, cement loyalty, and grow your business—and where workers need reliable technology that helps them do their jobs—integrating rugged Android barcode scanners into your technology stable is just smart business.
