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What To Consider
jLAN Mobile works on most Windows Mobile devices. When choosing a mobile device for mobile sales applications Think about how your mobile sales representatives work every day. What are the needs for your organization?
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| Contents
Click on any of the following topics to learn more. |
| Mobile Device Considerations |
| Converged Device |
A converged device combines both voice and data capabilities on the same device. Today business demands that mobile workers have voice, data and messaging all on a single device. |
| Connectivity |
The connectivity requirement will depend on how often you need to connect to the back office and how much data is being transferred.
WWAN - Wireless Wide Area Network
For frequent or “always on” connectivity requirements consider a device that has built in WWAN capabilities. WWAN or Wireless Wide Area Network is a device that can connect to the wireless commercial internet services provided by the commercial carriers. (i.e ATT, Sprint, Verizon etc…). There are various types and costs for WWAN service. Additionally the reliability and throughput of the connection will vary greatly depending on the geographical area.
More Info>
WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network
If an “always on” connection is not required then consider a device with WLAN capabilities. WLAN, or Wireless Local Area Network, will allow the mobile device to connect to the local wireless network at the office or hot spot locations such as restaurants, airports etc.
More Info>
BlueTooth
Blue Tooth connections are primarily used for short distance connections to other devices. Some common uses of Blue Tooth include connection to printers or connections to a laptop.
More Info>
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| Barcode Scanning |
Integrated Bar Code Scanners
Devices with integrated bar code scanners are optimal for frequent high demand scanning. The benefits of an integrated bar code scanner include easier configuration and better power management of the devices battery. Additionally, an integrated bar code scanner is one less device to lose.
Attached bar Code Scanners
For less demanding scanning requirements there are various high quality bar code scanners that connect to the PDA via the device’s SDIO slot, CF Slot or via Blue Tooth.
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| Keypads |
An often overlooked but very important aspect to choosing the correct PDA for the job is to consider what type of keyboard best fits your requirements.
QWERTY Keyboard
Full Qwerty Keypads are best for applications that require text input and information edits. For example if your mobile workforce is constantly taking customer notes, order notes or editing information a Qwerty keypad is the best option.
Numeric Keyboard
For order entry intensive application that do no require many text edits a numeric keypad is the best option. Numeric keypads allow mobile worker to efficiently change quantity data as soon as items are added to an order.
Soft keyboard
Sometimes referred to as an “On Screen” Keyboard. Used on devices without hard keyboards.
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| Environmental Conditions |
Do you work in extreme environments including, extremely humid, cold, hot or dry environments. Certain devices are optimized to perform in these extreme environmental conditions. Check the devices IP Rating which is expressed as a two-digit number (Example: IP- 66). The first number designates protection from solids, while the second number designates protection from liquids. The first number can range from 0= No Protection to 6 =the highest level of protection. The second number can range from 0 to 8. |
| Rugged vs Non-Rugged |
Rugged Devices vs Non Rugged Devices and Total Cost Of Ownership
TCO, or Total Cost of Ownership is not about cutting cost. It is about finding the best computing value for your specific need. While a low-cost mobile computer may appear to be the best purchase, lack of integrated features and frequent downtime can quickly eliminate the price advantage, and cost you many more dollars in lost opportunity.
Ruggedized devices have the advantage because they are designed for specific mobile enterprise tasks, with important communications and peripheral support built in. In contrast general-purpose PDAs are designed
for mass-market appeal for use in the comfort of office settings. When deciding on the right PDA considers both the direct expenses and the in-direct expenses. Examples of direct expenses for acquisition and deployment
include:
- Hardware and accessories – mobile computers, docks, scanners, radio cards, expansion sleeves, power supplies, protective cases, extra batteries, etc.
- Software – connectivity to host applications, middleware, security/VPN, vertical application, back-up/recovery tools, device management, etc.
- Services – integration, project management, device logistics management, training, help desk support, etc.
- Operations – airtime fees, technical support time, help desk, consumables (paper, batteries),etc.
- Maintenance – software and hardware maintenance, hardware service and repair, extended warranties, spares, spares logistics, software modifications and testing
Examples of indirect expenses include:
- Downtime – includes training time plus the time end users spend to backup, restore, synchronize and service their devices. Device failures result in troubleshooting time, re-entering lost data, and lost work due to non-working devices.
- IT support – help desk, troubleshooting, spares management and logistics, new application testing, device management.
Enterprises that use low-cost non-rugged mobile computers pay a high price in repairs, increased support needs and
lost productivity. These costs can quickly exceed any purchase price savings within just two years. Over the life of the system, down time typically costs enterprises that use non-rugged computers approximately four to five times more than the purchase price of the devices.
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