Selecting the Right Devices
As you could imagine, one size does not fit all when it comes to selecting the appropriate devices to implement as part of your Field Service Mobilization solution. There are literally hundreds of choices to assist with field mobility all with specific characteristics relevant to specific environments, functionality required and price range. It is also highly probable that you may need to offer a variety of devices based on individual preference, location or job responsibility. The best way to select which devices are best for your Field Service Mobilization solution is to understand the basic breakdown in categories. These categories are:
Mobile devices – According to http://www.wikipedia.com/ a mobile device (also known as
cell phone device, handheld device, handheld computer, "Palmtop" or simply handheld) is a pocket-sized computing device, typically having a display screen with touch input or a miniature keyboard. In the case of the personal digital assistant (PDA) the input and output are combined into a touch-screen interface. Smartphones and PDAs are popular amongst those who require the assistance and convenience of a conventional computer, in environments where carrying one would not be practical. Enterprise digital assistants can further extend the available functionality for the business user by offering integrated data capture devices like Bar Code, RFID and Smart Card readers. Items to consider when choosing one for your Field Service Mobilization solution include: data plan costs, geographic coverage, screen size and read-ability, input functionality requirements (i.e. keyboard, scanner, signature capture) and environment-specific usability.
As you could imagine, one size does not fit all when it comes to selecting the appropriate devices to implement as part of your Field Service Mobilization solution. There are literally hundreds of choices to assist with field mobility all with specific characteristics relevant to specific environments, functionality required and price range. It is also highly probable that you may need to offer a variety of devices based on individual preference, location or job responsibility. The best way to select which devices are best for your Field Service Mobilization solution is to understand the basic breakdown in categories. These categories are:
Mobile devices – According to http://www.wikipedia.com/ a mobile device (also known as
cell phone device, handheld device, handheld computer, "Palmtop" or simply handheld) is a pocket-sized computing device, typically having a display screen with touch input or a miniature keyboard. In the case of the personal digital assistant (PDA) the input and output are combined into a touch-screen interface. Smartphones and PDAs are popular amongst those who require the assistance and convenience of a conventional computer, in environments where carrying one would not be practical. Enterprise digital assistants can further extend the available functionality for the business user by offering integrated data capture devices like Bar Code, RFID and Smart Card readers. Items to consider when choosing one for your Field Service Mobilization solution include: data plan costs, geographic coverage, screen size and read-ability, input functionality requirements (i.e. keyboard, scanner, signature capture) and environment-specific usability. Vehicle mounted devices – Typically an all in one rugged panel PC design which integrates a sunlight readable touch screen LCD panel and a computer into a single enclosure. These rugged tablet
PCs operate much like a regular home or office PC, except it is specially designed to work in vehicular or industrial environments. Items to consider when choosing one for your Field Service Mobilization solution include: vehicle requirements, ruggedness, geographic coverage, screen size and read-ability, input functionality requirements (i.e. keyboard, scanner, signature capture) and environment-specific usability.Tablets and laptops – By now everyone knows what a laptop is, does and the relative merits of
specific models. A tablet is similar in size and functionality but has the added functionality of a stylus to more closely mimic manual paper and pencil functions.Items to consider when choosing one for your Field Service Mobilization solution include: Ruggedness, configuration and peripheral support, screen size and read-ability, input functionality requirements (i.e. keyboard, scanner, signature capture) and environment-specific usability.GPS devices – In order to keep track of your fleet 24 hours per day, seven days a week a GPS device will be required. These
devices use cell phone-like technology to communicate with a server and a preconfigured timely basis for specific data points such as location (latitude and longitude), speed, vehicle status (speeding, idling, parked, etc). Some devices can even go so far as to report on all engine functions and even impact some of those functions based on server commands. Typically these devices are mounted to ensure proper vehicle tracking, but portable devices are also available. Items to consider when choosing one for your Field Service Mobilization solution include: vehicle requirements, ruggedness, geographic coverage, data plan requirements, frequency and type of information reported.
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