Rugged Devices and Mobility Role in Logistics Operations Solutions
Go Rugged, Stay Connected,Rugged devices and mobilityWith customers expecting faster delivery times and high-quality products at the best possible prices, companies are pushing harder to implement "anytime, anywhere" supply chains that rely heavily on connected, mobile devices to run smoothly and efficiently. In return, shippers are gaining better visibility and the ability to monitor performance in real-time to make key decisions on the fly. Whether it's rolled out in the warehouse, in the yard, or acrossIf you'd like to receive new articles, solutions briefs, whitepapers and more—just let us know. E-commerce and the subsequent omni-channel fulfillmentFor example, Cavanaugh recently worked with a firm that was using consumer-grade handhelds for proof of delivery activities. The company was purchasing $40 rugged cases to protect those devices, but when it upgraded to new devices, it learned that case provider didn't make a case for its new equipment. "They had to rework an entire project around a $40 case,"Cavanaugh explains. "Had they gone with rugged in the first place, they wouldn't have had that issue.",In comparing consumer-grade devices versus rugged options, Cavanaugh says security updates can create major headaches for companies using the former. Companies like Apple and Samsung, for example, put their phones into the hands of millions of customers and, as such, push out frequent updates. "Shippers want control over those updates," says Cavanaugh, "but in most cases, they're forced to accept the device updates, so it's largely out of the shippers' control. The options are to accept updates when they come or block them and potentially be unsecure. This is causing headaches for IT Security and has also caused some firms to re-think consumer grade.",A must-have within the four walls of the warehouse, cellular connectivity provides everything from real-time visibility to more efficient operations to improved productivity. The same rules apply outside of the four walls of the warehouse, where a secure Wi-Fi infrastructure that passes PCI compliance has become a critical link in the digital supply chain. Making that happen isn't always easy, particularly when companies attempt to expand Wi-Fi out into the yard without paying close attention to security and other technical concerns. "This is where the value of cellular comes in, and ensures that companies don't have to stay within their own four walls—or even within their own environments—or worry about segmenting their networks from other corporate traffic," says Cavanaugh. "With Verizon, we can give drivers a rugged device to use out in the middle of nowhere on our cellular network, and they can communicate and collaborate as if they were sitting in the office without the need to build out their own wireless infrastructure.",Facilitating that communication and collaboration is a rugged device that can withstand the rigors of the logistics environment, where sunlight-readable displays, good shock absorbency, and long lifespans are all key requirements. With electronic log books now mandated, for example, drivers need reliable devices and connectivity as they make their way across North American highways and byways. Dedicated to providing real-time visibility into the mobile work environment, InSight Mobile Data develops innovative, flexible fleet management, asset tracking, and mobility solutions that provide real-time visibility into the mobile work environment. One of InSight's solutions is ELD Safety and Compliance, a solution that provides a variety of apps, reports, and software tools that help fleets to comply with federal regulations for electronic logging. To develop that solution, InSight needed an in-vehicle tablet on which to load applications. It initially used consumer-grade devices housed in commercial grade cases, and cobbled together a power and docking solution for the device. However, it soon became clear that the end product was too expensive and too difficult to deploy and manage because there were too many vendors involved in supplying the different pieces of the package. This made it difficult for InSight to sell, and even more difficult for the customer to buy, as the customers then had to deal with multiple vendors to service the product. For example, it was tested for extreme temperatures, a useful,—Sean Cavanaugh, Client Partner, Connected Solutions, for Verizon Wireless,Since implementing its rugged solution, InSight has streamlined On a mission to get products where they need to be quickly,,Offering a ruggedized form factor that can withstand the JACS Solutions is a leader in providing customized and,Choose your country to view contact details. Existing customers, to your business account or . If you are already a Verizon customer, we have several options to help you get the support you need. We use technologies to collect and share information about your use of our site. By continuing, you agree to the use of these capabilities for a better experience and other purposes. Learn more in our .
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