The Utility of Rugged Computers: Answering Tough Questions about Mobility, Reliability and Durability
Published in: Utility Products
Date: 3/1/2006
By: Mike McMahon, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company
Mobile Computing: Everybodys doing it
Mobile technologies are gaining momentum in the utilities industry, and beyond, as a means to streamline operations, reduce human errors and improve service. According to a recent (October, 2005) report by industry analyst firm IDC, the mobile workforce will grow more than 30 percent to 850 million people by 2009. Because of this, demand for notebook computers has also significantly increased. The Consumer Electronics Association recently reported that notebook computers in the US currently account for almost 40 percent of all PC sales, with the potential of being more than half by 2007. In May 2005, notebook computers outsold desktops for the first time ever in a 30-day period.
The rise of wireless data networks, coupled with the evolution of software solutions, has made advances in field automation, project management and collaboration widely accessible to utility companies, large and small.
However, when computers are on the moveand in this industry, usually in less than ideal conditionsa level of risk is introduced. For end users, this often raises the question: is my PC tough enough to withstand life in the field? Many have learned the hard wayby deploying computers built for an office environmentthat not all notebooks are created equal.
Whether your organization is a veteran user of mobile devices, or is looking at automating processes for the first time, there are a number of important considerations to ensure that the devices you ultimately choose are up to the test.
Why rugged? Engineered for mobility and durability
The goal of any technology purchase should be to ensure that workers are given the right tools to help them be more efficient and effective in the field.
As a result, rugged notebook solutions have become more commonplace, offering robust features, including shock-mounted hard drives, magnesium alloy casing, long battery life and daylight-readable screens that provide extreme durability and productivity no matter what conditions workers face.
Manufacturers that design and make their own specialized rugged components often boast of longer product lifeand some vendors publish average product failure rates to assist in comparing products. Its also important to consider the quality and length of warranty programs and technical support when choosing a product manufacturer. Truly rugged products generally have the industrys most comprehensive support programs.
Integrated wireless is an increasingly important feature for a variety of mobile workers. Local Area Networks (LAN)also known as hot spots or WIFIare often available through access points across the United States. Wide Area Wireless (WAN), also known as cellular wireless, is like having a cell phone connection within your computer. This enhances a technicians ability to gain reliable access to data, wherever they may be.
Set High Standards
There are some standards to which you can hold vendors. Because rugged computing got its start in military applications, there are specific criteria manufacturers must meet in order to call their products rugged.
The MIL-SPEC or MIL-STD-810F standard was developed to certify that a device was durable enough to withstand a mission-critical military environment. There are a number of tests to determine whether units can withstand vibration, moisture, extremes in temperature, drops, shocks, dust any potential hazard a mobile notebook user might face. Ask manufacturers to share their testing procedures for achieving these certifications and compare all candidates.
Additionally, battery life and screen brightness are important. Ask vendors about their NIT (a measure of screen brightness) ratings for their screens and if they are daylight-readable. A standard notebook designed for indoor use is likely to have a display rated at about 300 NIT. Some rugged vendors have achieved benchmarks of up to 500 NITwidely considered bright enough to be viewed in sunlight, and continuously push the balance between screen brightness and longer battery life.
If in-vehicle use is important, identify an appropriate mounting system for vehicle integration so that workers have safe, easy access to information (see Mounting Concerns side bar).
Asking tough questions of your vendor will pay off
Its important that you push notebook vendors to be forthright about their testing procedures, warranty and support and, most importantly, the design and engineering philosophy behind their rugged products.
For example, do they add on features like harder cases or do they focus on the unit as an integrated device designed for more rigorous use? Do they pay attention to things like manufacturing flexible connectors, or frames designed to dissipate heat so that the need for cooling fans is eliminated (this is a significant issue since fans drain battery power, can suck dust and dirt into non-rugged units, are noisy and, generally, introduce a point of potential failure).
In addition, most rugged computer manufacturers take wireless technology seriously. They engineer systems to include integrated, or embedded, antennae to provide the maximum number of wireless options for users. They may also offer integrated Global Positioning Systems (GPS), proven to be an invaluable tool, especially in more remote locations.
By contrast, many non-rugged notebook manufacturers provide wireless access through PC cards. Because these antennae are add-ons, data speed and quality can be compromised. Additionally, non-integrated external devices introduce another potential point of failure.
Look at Your Total Cost of Ownership
Using computers to automate paper processes has been proven to make many utility companies more efficient. However, once companies become dependent on having computers in the field, the painand costof downtime becomes even more real.
If you anticipate that a computer will never leave the office, a fully rugged unit is probably overkill. However, if reliability is important to you, you should probably look at rugged vendors, if only because their products have been designed, from the ground up, to stand up to the risks inherent in mobility.
Because of the engineering requirements involved in manufacturing rugged computers, you should expect to pay more upfront for the promise of durability and reliability. Rugged computers may be more expensive to buy, but, ultimately, they can prove less expensive to own.
About the author:
Mike McMahon is Director, Workforce Automation, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, leading a team devoted to serving the needs of the utilities, energy, telecommunications and other industries that rely on field service technicians. For more than thirteen years Panasonic has expanded the boundaries of wireless technology through its broad portfolio of Toughbook products, ranging from fully rugged, industrial strength notebook computers and tablet PCs to thin and light semi-rugged notebooks. Mike can be reached at mike_mcmahon@us.panasonic.com. Also visit https://panasonic.com/toughbook