How to Take Advantage of Rugged Computers & Tablets in Your Warehouse

By: Jane Marsh, Contributor

Rugged tablets and computers are protected from damage caused by drops, battering and environmental conditions by tough casing. © elen31 – stock.adobe.com

Rugged tablets and computers have numerous valuable advantages for warehouses. Unlike conventional consumer electronics, these devices are built for unpredictable, accident-prone environments. What are the benefits of rugged tablets, phones and computers, and how can warehouse pros use them on the job?

Benefits of Rugged Tablets and Computers

Warehouse professionals can use technology on the job in many ways, but durability can be a prohibitive concern. Tablets and computers typically cost hundreds of dollars, maybe even thousands. Carrying one around in a busy environment can be very risky.

Why go to the effort of investing in rugged tablets and computers instead of conventional devices? Some warehouse professionals may wonder if high-durability tablets and computers are worth the extra cost and time. After all, plenty of cases are available for standard phones and tablets.

However, studies show many people underestimate the likelihood of breaking their devices. An estimated 87 million Americans accidentally damage their smartphones each year[1]. Most consumer tech is not built to hold up in risk-prone environments like a warehouse.

Structural Durability

Rugged tablets and computers resolve this problem. These devices are designed to withstand drops and battering without breaking. They frequently have grippy casing and built-in carrying handles, as well. This makes it less likely that someone will accidentally drop the device or lose their grip.

Resistance to shocks and drops can prevent rugged devices from suffering damage during everyday workplace activities. This saves money that might have been spent on repairs. Even if a rugged device initially costs more than a typical consumer product, it will pay off in money saved over its lifetime.

Quality of Life Features

Rugged devices also come with design features that can be highly convenient in a warehouse environment. For example, they often have larger, higher-capacity batteries than most consumer electronics. While this makes the device heavier, it also eliminates the need to charge throughout the day. Warehouse pros can use their rugged tablet or computer all day without charging them.

Similarly, most rugged tablets and computers have waterproof and dustproof ratings[2], such as 10 ATM water resistance. Water and dust can cause serious problems for tech, even in small amounts. Dust that accumulates in a device’s charging port can reduce charging speed and reliability. This is a big issue in warehouses, which can have high amounts of particulate matter drifting around.

Rugged tablets and computers are built to stand up to humid, dusty environments. Warehouse pros don’t have to worry if something accidentally spills on their device or if they drop it into a particularly dusty corner.

Safe for Automated Environments

Warehouses are becoming increasingly automated today. Robotic equipment can significantly improve efficiency and productivity but also increase the risk of damage to handheld devices.

A robot likely won’t know to stop if a warehouse employee drops their phone when it rolls by. This is especially true for large machines, such as robotic lift trucks transporting pallets and heavy loads from shelving to staging areas. The device would most likely not survive if a robot of this size accidentally ran over a conventional tablet or phone.

Rugged tablets and computers are much safer in automated environments. Their casing protects them much better against drops, pressure, vibration and other environmental hazards. A rugged tablet is much more likely to survive an accident than a typical consumer device.

Warehouse Applications for Rugged Tech

Considering the benefits of rugged tablets and computers, what can warehouse professionals use them for? Today’s warehouses have various applications for tablets, computers and smartphones.

For example, rugged tablets are great for interfacing with next-gen inventory management technologies, such as QR codes or RFID tags. RFID is beginning to replace conventional barcodes, allowing for remote asset tracking[3] around warehouses. Rugged tablets and smartphones can act as communication devices for employees as well as RFID scanners.

Warehouse managers can also mount rugged tablets and computers in forklifts and other vehicles. The tablet can display telematics data, performance monitoring, warehouse maps or footage from a rearview camera.

Rugged handheld devices are also the perfect companion for new employees. They go far beyond the capabilities of a traditional barcode scanner. New hires can use their rugged tablet to reference training guides, view facility maps, message managers or mentors and access key task-related information.

Rugged Devices: Made for Warehouses

A typical warehouse is a risky environment for consumer electronics, but rugged tablets, phones and computers are up to the task. These devices can improve communication, efficiency, productivity, safety and employee confidence. Their boosted durability lets them easily handle accidents, making them ideal for these facilities.WMHS

Jane Marsh covers topics in green technology and manufacturing. She also works as the Editor-in-Chief of environment.co, which takes complex climate science and green technology topics and breaks them down in a way the everyday person can understand and feel empowered to make better choices for themselves and the planet.

[1] https://tinyurl.com/5n78m94n

[2] https://tinyurl.com/2s4axndj

[3] https://tinyurl.com/mr385enp