Choosing the Right Technology for Harsh Work Environments

Five factors to consider when buying rugged hardware.

When choosing rugged devices, it is important to consider the environmental conditions and workplace hazards the device may encounter during its lifespan. © Sergey Ryzhov – stock.adobe.com

By: Vicki McDonald Kastory

In our work-from-anywhere world, most of us count on hard working hardware. In fact, a recent Gartner¹ study revealed that today’s mobile workforce has higher expectations for hardware performance, and wants devices that are portable with long battery life, faster processing speeds and an immersive collaboration experience.

Many commercial products check most of these boxes. However, for optimal performance and a longer product lifespan, it’s also important to evaluate the environmental conditions and workplace hazards electronic devices are likely to encounter.

When exposed to extreme conditions, water or dust, electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, computers and laptops can deteriorate or malfunction. Semi-rugged devices can be the right fit for many scenarios, and typically feature exterior enhancements like drop protection, water resistance and high res anti-glare screens.

However, when electronic devices are routinely exposed to hazards and extreme conditions, certified rugged technology usually performs more reliably, and is built to last longer. Five important considerations when buying this build-to-suit technology are: durability and reliability, certifications and ratings, end point security, performance factors and technical support.

1.DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY

Ruggedized devices are designed, built, tested, certified and rated in conformance with rigorous military and industry standards established by:

• The U.S. Department of Defense “Test Method Standard for Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests” (MIL-STD 810)²
• The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Industrial Standards and Ingress Protection (IP) Rating System³
• The International Safe Transit Association (ISTA)

These military and industry standards establish an objective evaluation process to rate durability and reliability in literally hundreds of different scenarios. Some of the most relevant standards for rugged devices designed for business applications include:

2. CERTIFICATION & RATINGS

While manufacturers may claim products are ‘rugged,’ ruggedized technology is certified, and these certifications are usually inscribed on the device enclosure or casing. For example, a certified laptop should have an inscription engraved on the back side of the device listing a series of codes starting with the letters MIL-STD, IEC or ISTA.

• MIL-STD designates military-grade equipment that adheres to the most stringent testing criteria for structural integrity
• IEC indicates conformance with international standards for electrical safety, labeling, performance, test methods and other guidelines for electronics
• ISTA certification indicates packaging and enclosures meet international transit safety standards

IP ratings are also important to review when buying rugged electronics because they grade devices based on their resistance to foreign objects and water intrusion.

Source: International Electrotechnology Commission

3. END POINT SECURITY FEATURES

Remote work and field assignments expand IT network perimeters, making multiple layers of security imperative. In fact, cyber events are the top business risk in 2024, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer⁴ and a rising percentage of businesses have reported data breaches, attacks on critical IT infrastructure, ransomware and theft of physical assets.

The latest innovations in end point security help shield operating systems, simplify device configuration, automate security updates, and offer a new arsenal of integrated technology engineered to protect user identities, secure data and stop physical theft. For example, advances in computer vision, artificial intelligence and machine learning defend vulnerable endpoints and prevent unauthorized access to data:

• Processors built into the CPU provide chip-to-cloud protection for user identity, data and applications
• Input/Output (I/O) port access controls ensure the integrity of plugins/prevent malware
• Gaze detection blurs or locks the display screen, and can send privacy alerts if someone other than the designated user is detected near the device
• GPS tracking and memory encryption guard against asset loss and theft
• Biometrics and multi-factor authentication systems prevent unauthorized access to devices and data

4. PERFORMANCE FACTORS

Operating system compatibility, processing power, power management, battery life, the device size and weight, memory/storage capacity and screen resolution are all critical factors impacting productivity. And a recent study by Forrester⁵ revealed that most employees want to choose the hardware they use at work, and prefer to have a say and select the software and productivity tools and applications they need to work productively.

A whole new level of connectivity and data transfer capabilities are emerging, making it possible for ruggedized 5G smartphones, tablets and laptops to transmit more data, faster, from virtually anywhere. Advances in technology like 5G connectivity, near-field-communication (NFC), Edge computing, AI data transfer, and advancements in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology are changing the way people work, and facilitating more collaboration and problem solving between on-site operators with remote engineers and technicians.

5. TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Access to rugged mobile hardware is essential for frontline workers, and is becoming mission-critical in manufacturing, third party logistics, warehouses and distribution centers. Outages, damage and technical issues can impact the bottom line, and reliable customer service and support solutions are crucial.

Typically, rugged mobile devices are intended to be deployed beyond two-years, making remote fleet management imperative. When choosing devices, it is also important to select reputable suppliers and vendors with expertise in maintaining operating system (OS) security and stability, and to evaluate their reputation for technical support during device deployment, remote configuration and maintenance. WMHS

References:

1 Gartner, “Hybrid and Remote Workers Change How They Use IT Equipment,” July 13, 2021

2 https://bit.ly/3P4yZuJ 

3 https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings

4 https://bit.ly/433ChUP 

5 Forrester, “A Guide to Equipping the Next-gen Workforce,” February, 2021

Source: SYSTEL (https://bit.ly/430lhi4)