When thinking of deploying a mobile computing system, this is one of the first questions to be asked. However, when making the decision as to which mobile device should be deployed; a rugged industrial device or a cheaper commercial device, other factors need to be considered and not just the initial deployment costs.
It is important when, considering which type of device is to be used that the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is taken into account. Other factors include: durability in more harsh industrial environments, downtime / repairs, replacements functionally of device and peripherals durability.
When deciding which type of device, it is important to consider the environment it is going to be used. In a warehouse or truck delivery environment devices will need to withstand being in constant use and also survive being dropped onto concrete, subjected to vibrations or exposed to dust and rain. More commercial devices have not been designed to withstand continuous use in such harsh environments, whereas most industrial rugged devices have been tested to withstand numerous drops, shock, and dust and water resistance.
Typically most industrial mobile computers are rated IP64. Downtime / repairs when calculation the TCO of your chosen mobile device it is important to consider all costs, which are likely to be incurred, and this includes the cost to the business should devices not be working and the cost of repairs and replacements of damaged devices. An independent study by Venture Development Corp. (VDC) found over a 2-year period, that 35% of commercial devices had to be replaced compared to only 2% of industrial devices over the same period.
The VDC study also found the annual downtime and lost productivity of commercial mobile computers was almost twice of more rugged industrial mobile devices. Replacements In hostile harsh industrial environments it is important to note that no mobile device will survive the day to day abuses encountered for 10 years +. So when calculating the TCO it is important to factor in the frequency which replacement mobile computers will be needed.
The VDC found that that the replacement cycle for commercial mobile computers in a logistical environment was approximately 3 years as opposed to 5 years with industrial-grade mobile devices and an average 47% lower in annual costs.
Functionally of device and peripherals Iis also important to remember that often more commercial mobile computers do not offer the complete functionality required in an industrial environment. What commercial mobile computers often need are added plug-in peripherals, which can increase the cost and vulnerability to failure.
Total Cost of Ownership In conclusion, despite the initial low cost of commercial mobile devices the VDC study concluded that over a period of 5 years, companies that deployed industrial rugged mobile computers saved approximately 17% in Total Cost of Ownership than those who chose to deploy more commercial devices such as Blueberries.
So when evaluating which type of device you should deploy with your mobile computing system, it is important to consider the environment the system will be used and cost in all factors to establish which type of device will be cost effective long term. |