How to Overcome Federal IT Labor Challenges with Rugged Mobile Devices
Like most industries today, the federal government is seeking new ways to streamline processes, deliver superior services, and advance infrastructure for the digital age. However, there are several labor-related challenges to overcome — particularly for the IT workforce.
First, there is an ongoing talent shortage across industries, increasing competition between the government and private and public corporations for the best tech talent in areas like IT and artificial intelligence (AI). Second, federal workers may require a specific clearance depending on the agency they work for and the information they have access to, so the government can’t supplement this tech talent gap with short-term hires or external support services. Finally, federal IT teams need to equip workers with technology that protects important data and offentimes classified information and works in extreme environments. This requires significant time and resources to identify, deploy, and maintain for each agency and individual worker.
The latest rugged mobile devices can help federal agencies overcome these IT labor challenges with durability, modularity, and power.
Durable devices can handle all types of work — at the desk and beyond
Federal employees often work in highly variable and challenging settings. One day, a worker for the Environmental Protection Agency might be reviewing reports at their desk, and the next, they might be out at a chemical spill collecting data to create a cleanup plan. A consumer-grade laptop may work for in-office tasks, but it will be difficult to use while wearing protective gear in the rain or blazing sun. Consumer laptops are prone to damage in these conditions, which means downtime and increased workloads for IT teams.
Rugged mobile devices, like Panasonic Connect’s TOUGHBOOK line of laptops and tablets, can withstand drops and extreme environmental conditions like wind, rain, and intense heat and cold. The devices also function while workers wear gloves and can adjust to bright or dark conditions seamlessly. The latest devices can automatically adjust screen brightness when working in direct sunlight, and users can customize backlit keyboards for the best visibility during night missions. The durability of rugged devices can reduce the amount of time IT teams spend on maintaining and fixing devices. Workers also benefit from reduced downtime and less time spent waiting for repairs or replacement devices.
Customize devices to the unique needs of each agency and employee
Federal employees may need different mobile device features depending on the job at hand. For example, a Border Patrol Agent with the Department of Homeland Security might need a barcode reader to scan IDs at a checkpoint, and a security specialist with the same agency might need a DVD player to review surveillance footage.
Instead of deploying two devices with both capabilities, IT teams can choose rugged mobile devices with modular expansion areas (xPAKs) to customize each deployment based on the individual worker’s need. Modularity ensures that each device has the specific tools each employee needs to work as securely and efficiently as possible.
In addition to reducing costs and improving the overall return on investment, modularity is beneficial to IT teams. Because devices can be kept in the field longer, with updates made as necessary to meet emerging worker requirements, IT workers can spend less time provisioning all-new devices.
Empower employees with devices that work as long as they do
The federal workday goes well beyond nine to five, Monday through Friday. Many federal employees work long days and nights in the field — such as military personnel who go on multi-day missions or NASA engineers working around the clock to prepare for a coming launch — with limited time and ability to recharge their devices.
Panasonic Connect’s TOUGHBOOK devices offer hot-swappable batteries so workers can easily swap in a fully charged battery to fulfill their mission and avoid downtime. The latest TOUGHBOOK 40 Mk2 has 20% more battery life than previous versions and an optional second battery for 24 hours of total battery life. With a battery monitoring system embedded in the motherboard, the device can self-regulate power to reduce heat and ensure the batteries run as efficiently as possible.
Hot-swappable batteries and sophisticated monitoring systems reduce IT spending by allowing workers to use the devices longer — closer to five to seven years instead of the typical three years with consumer devices. They also give workers peace of mind that the device will function at its full potential throughout a shift. By minimizing hardware maintenance and spending, IT teams can invest in their talent and explore other emerging technologies, software, and services that could be useful.
Equip today’s workforce and prepare for the technology of the future
Choosing rugged mobile devices benefits IT teams and federal workers alike. The devices’ durability means IT staff can set up one device for desk and fieldwork, and workers can perform tasks in extreme conditions with minimal downtime. Rugged mobile devices also offer modularity to adapt devices based on agency and role, improving the technology’s return on investment and ensuring every federal employee has the tools they need to get their unique job done. With long-lasting power, rugged mobile devices help IT teams minimize spending on additional batteries and replacement devices and ensure workers have mobile solutions that work as long as they do.
For federal agencies looking to mitigate ongoing IT labor challenges, learn more about how the TOUGHBOOK line of devices can fit your agency’s needs here.
