‘Conflicting priorities’ is a term commonly heard and used by those that make up the workforce. Our roles seem busier and more complex than ever, with conflicting priorities being one of the reasons. Workers who are out in the field have the added stress of keeping connected in remote locations, and possibly even harsh environments. Today’s superior rugged technology means it’s possible for workers everywhere to keep on top of their workload and stay connected.
#1 Transferring & Accessing Data
There's nothing more frustrating than being away from head office and not having access to the same information out in the field. With rugged devices, workers can now login and find the information at their fingertips, when they want.
Field workers can use rugged devices to input data which can be accessed by head office staff in real time. There’s no delay waiting for field staff to return to their computer at head office or even the site office to upload or transfer data. Rugged technology has vastly improved over the years, to a point where transfer speeds and higher bandwidth has removed frustrating wait times between office workers and site employees during data transfer and communications. Workers can complete data transfers in seconds and get on with the next task without waiting for other devices to catch up.
#2 Ability to Run Software
The aforementioned developments and improvements in rugged technology over the years have helped rugged devices become just as powerful as the computer on your desk, rather than a poor substitute. Whether you’re using a rugged smartphone, tablet or laptop, they all have the power to run software programs you need to do your job. With detachable keyboards for tablets and full size displays on laptops, you can have the convenience of working from anywhere in the world doing the same productive work as if you were sitting in the office. There’s no waiting to get back to the office to input data or send an email.
#3 Connectivity
You might be working in the most remote of locations, but today’s rugged technology allows you to connect to the rest of the world. Having no internet access is the biggest productivity killer of all time, so having a device that is 5G-compatible, has 4G LTE, and is equipped with Bluetooth and an integrated GPS means you’ll have no trouble getting online. The wireless options available include Wi-Fi, WLAN, WWAN cellular networks.
#4 Communication Between Colleagues
A lack of communication between colleagues can not only be a major time waster within any given organisation, but it can cause breakdowns in productivity and efficiency. Using any rugged device to log in to the internal chat program or forward emails to colleagues from the field means there’s no costly breakdown in communication or frustrating delays.
Access to Messaging Apps
Instant messaging has become such an essential part of internal communications that employees need access to the app, no matter where they are. Today’s feature-rich instant messaging apps are able to do much more than just message. Voice and video capabilities, collaboration tools and strong security has improved productivity and teamwork for workers in the same building or across multiple time zones.
#5 Delegate Tasks
There are times when you can’t do it all. Being able to stay connected wherever you are means you can use your rugged device to pass on jobs to colleagues and get back to clients without any delay. If you need to provide more information about a job, use your device to take a high quality photo, do a video call or scan a barcode.
#6 One Device for Multiple Shifts
Even when your shift is over, you can pass a rugged device on to the next worker. Consumer devices aren’t designed for such heavy use, it’s expected they will be shut down after eight hours of use and powered up the following day.
Rugged devices have a much longer battery life capacity - up to 20 hours of constant use - and with hot swappable battery technology, there’s also the peace of mind knowing you don’t need to shut down the device while you change batteries. Rugged devices are designed to keep going shift after shift.
#7 Superior Screen Technology
The screens on rugged devices allow for use in any weather conditions. Workers don’t need to find refuge in the car or cup their hand to read the screen on a bright sunny day. Rugged devices have displays that are up to 1,000 nits so they can be used comfortably in the glaring mid-day sun.
If it’s rain that’s more of a problem, there’s no need to worry about making a dash for cover. Rugged devices can cope with rain and spills, so there’s no excuse not to work through a rain shower.
#8 Rugged Through and Through
Rugged devices are built to military standards, so they can cope with rough treatment and brutal surroundings without missing a beat. Most workers need a device that can withstand drops, vibrations, extreme temperatures, dust, liquids and, in some workplaces, potentially explosive atmospheres.
We rely on our devices so much that using a consumer device with its high risk of damage makes no sense. Having to replace or repair a device means losing at least one or more work days, plus the inconvenience of not being able to contact colleagues and clients. If you’re in a remote location, the lost productivity cost is much higher because of the distance the new or repaired device needs to travel.
Warranty Support
In the unlikely event that your rugged device is damaged, Roaming Technologies is your single point of contact for any repairs and replacements. Our extended warranty support comes at no extra charge for the lifetime of the device. We’re committed to getting your device fixed and back to you in perfect working order within days, not weeks, so you can get back to your productive best.
With the impressive durability of rugged technology, some brands are offering long warranties. Getac’s 3 Year Bumper-to-Bumper warranty is popular because organisations know they have a hassle-free guarantee that includes accidental damage. Spending more up-front on a rugged device often saves on enterprise IT costs in the long-run.
#9 All the Accessories
Just because you’re out in the field rather than the comfort of an office, doesn’t mean your device should be a burden. Many field workers need to keep their device with them for their 12-hour shift. If you’re in and out of the vehicle, walking long distances or using the device for long periods, you need one that’s comfortable to carry and use.
Manufacturers of rugged devices have spent time working on the ergonomics of devices with the right shape for the hand, a convenient size and weight. The accessories you can buy for a rugged device means you have plenty of options in how you carry it around with shoulder straps, hand straps, and hard case handles.
Vehicle mounts and car charging means your device is kept secure, safe and easy to read when you’re on the road. Multi docks are available for organisations that have multiple devices that need charging overnight in the one location.
One Device with Multiple Uses
For those workers who want the convenience of a tablet when they’re out in the field, but a laptop when they’re at the desk, there’s the option of a detachable keyboard which offers the flexibility of using a tablet or laptop when needed. A 2-in-1 device is the ultimate in productive work.
Need Help Choosing A Rugged Device?
There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to rugged technology. If you’re not sure whether you need a rugged smartphone, tablet or laptop or you can’t choose which brand, give us a call on 1300 131 933 or contact us online so we can help narrow and find the right solution for you.