Zebra’s Mobility DNA Is Evident in the New Generation TC52

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Mobility is a common term that is thrown about these days. From business to pleasure, we’re all looking for the technology that delivers the functions we want with the reliable connections we’ve come to expect. On the industrial side, Zebra is known for its suite of mobility functions and tools for industrial-grade computing. And Zebra’s Mobility DNA is evident in the new generation TC52 touch computer. We took a close look at the TC52, and Avalon Integration wants to share with you the advances available to you in enterprise mobile computing.

 

From the front of the store to the most remote locations in a warehouse or on the road, there are no questions that an enterprise mobile computer out-performs a consumer device. The ruggedness, security, data capture, connectivity, device and app management, and other functions are purpose-built for this more demanding workspace. Then, you have the choice of which industrial mobile computer fits your needs. The Zebra TC52 touch mobile computer gives you everything you need for computing on the go, and it’s supported by what Zebra calls its “Mobility DNA” enterprise-class apps.

Zebra’s Mobility DNA Enterprise-Class Apps

TC52 Apps for Zebra's Mobility DNA

Start with the WorryFree WiFi, which seeks out and optimizes the strongest signal available. Your workers don’t have to worry about falling off the network. They can work uninterrupted, at least from a connectivity perspective. WorryFree WiFi is a free tool that comes with the TC52, and it also provides outstanding voice quality and network diagnostics.

The PowerPrecision Console is another free solution included in Zebra’s Mobility DNA suite. Use one central dashboard to monitor the status of the battery power of your connected devices. Check the battery status to proactively manage the power of the devices and prevent downtime from devices with dead batteries.

LifeGuard was developed to stay on top of updates. This program—free with the Zebra OneCare Support contract—shows you all apps that need to be updated, and which devices are impacted. Then, LifeGuard enables remote updates of all your network devices.

Zebra’s Mobility DNA Is Built into the TC52

TC52 Built Mobility DNA

Mobility, by its very nature, keeps moving. If you’ve experienced the OS Migration challenge, you know that operating systems aren’t exempt from significant changes. The TC52 runs on Zebra’s fortified Android, with guaranteed support for the next two versions of Android, up to ten years!

The TC52 is lightweight and looks like a smartphone, but it’s built to handle the tough stuff and keep working. The advances that increase productivity make this rugged handheld computer worth a closer look. Contact us at Avalon Integration to get a demo and explore Mobility DNA for yourself. When you make your choice to deploy the TC52, Avalon Integration will fully configure each device so it’s ready to run right out of the box!

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Zebra TC52: A New Class in Enterprise-Class Touch Computing

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The Zebra TC51 mobile computer proved valuable to many of Avalon Integration’s customers—in manufacturing, warehouses, distribution centers, and for field mobility. Looking every bit like a smartphone, the TC51 provided far more ruggedness and computing power than anything in its class. Then, Zebra upped the game and launched the TC52 which delivers a whole new gold standard in enterprise-touch computing.

Our curious techs recently took a close look at Zebra’s next-gen mobile computer to see what more it can offer. Here’s what we found.

Android is a Smart OS Choice for the Zebra TC52

Zebra TC52 Scanning Medical Barcode Basket

Let’s face it. A majority of your workers are familiar with Android. They use it on their personal technology. So, why not take advantage of this common platform and streamline the training required for enterprise use? With Android poised to gain market share—the result of both its own advances and the demise of Microsoft Windows Mobile for business use—this platform will give you ease of use, quick user adoption, a large developer community, and the higher level of security you need to protect your data.

Zebra pre-installs Mobility Extensions (Mx) on its handheld computers. This fortified Android integrates government-grade, AES-256 data encryption.

The View Is Great

Zebra TC52 Working in Warehouse by a utilities worker looking for a part

The TC52 features a 5-inch display, plenty of room for viewing apps, even the graphics-intensive ones. The screen is designed to give you maximum readability, even when you’re working outside on a sunny day.

The dual-mode capacitive touchscreen lets you input data using a stylus or your finger, including one that is gloved. The fingerprint-resistant, anti-smudge coating prevents all the annoying marks that build up there.

Zebra also integrated six programmable soft keys. Program them to allow one-touch access to the most frequently used apps and features.

To keep this productivity power tool in action, Zebra incorporates a PowerPrecision+ high-capacity battery. Get 14 hours from one charge, and the warm swap innovation allows you to change the battery without powering down the device.

Image and Data Capture Are Superior

Zebra TC52 showcasing its improved data capture in a hardware store

For enterprise use, the power to take photos and videos, scan barcodes, and do video calls is important. Zebra gets that. The TC52 has two cameras. The 5-megapixel front-facing camera enables video calling. The 13-megapixel rear camera provides high-resolution images, great for documenting proof-of-condition and viewing schematics to improve efficiency.

Whether you’re scanning 1D, 2D, or Digimarc barcodes or grabbing signatures or text, the integrated PRZM Intelligent Imaging feature allows for faster data capture. The TC52’s omnidirectional scanning means the user doesn’t need to precisely line up the device with the barcode, which accelerates the process. And the scanner easily reads barcodes that are scratched, damaged, poorly printed, and on an electronic screen, a real boost for your mobile workforce productivity.

The TC52 is Built to last

Zebra TC52 Working in Grocery Store

Zebra’s hardware is known for its ruggedness, and the TC52 is a perfect example. The unibody design presents bodyguard-level protection. IP65 and IP67 sealing keep dust, dirt, and other unwanted particles from getting to the inner workings of the mobile computer.

The touchscreen and imager window uses Corning Gorilla Glass, coated with water droplet rejection. This feature gives outstanding protection against scratching, cracking, and shattering. All of these rugged design enhancements contribute to a device that can handle drops on concrete, tumbles inside a service vehicle, exposure to water, snow, and rain, and the dusty conditions of a demanding workspace.

There’s a lot more to love about the Zebra TC52. In our next article, we’ll look at the Mobility DNA that elevates the value of this rugged industrial computer and expedites the ROI.

Click here to experience the TC52 handheld computer or contact Avalon Integration to schedule a demo. You really need to see it to appreciate its impact on your workflow.

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Provider, Problem-Solver, or Technology Partner? How Do You Choose a Technology Company?

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If you ever wonder how much value something has to your life, consider what happens when you lose it. The power goes out and suddenly you can’t get your Internet connection, use the microwave, television, or—oh no!—charge up your electronics. What do you do when you can’t find your phone? Stop everything! So, with the importance of all the gadgets, gizmos, and connections that keep your business running, how do you choose a technology partner company? Is it a provider, problem-solver, or partner? Avalon Integration has some suggestions. You have a lot of choices for a technology provider, so before you jump onto one—because it’s familiar or has great prices—stop and think about the role that this company is going to play.

The Provider

A Technology Partner providing help with various resources to clients

We hear this term used a lot, and there’s value to having a solid provider. This company is readily available to get you the products you need. They have a wide range of items to choose from and can fill your order promptly and accurately.

The Provider offers quick turnaround, maybe same-day shipping. That’s definitely valuable for those emergencies when you’re faced with downtime. The clock keeps ticking until you have the devices, supplies, or get things up and running.

This role also requires someone with in-depth product knowledge. You should be able to rely on them to find the specific thing you need, even if you don’t quite know it yourself. You can describe the features and functions you’re looking for, and the Provider’s knowledge of their inventory will quickly match you to the right selection.

Before choosing a Provider, learn the products they carry and the level of partnerships they maintain with the manufacturers because these connections impact the products you can access and the programs that your Provider can offer. Also, find out about policies for delivery, returns, special orders, and warranties.

The Problem-Solver

A Problem Solver helping a client with code

When you’re faced with a challenge and don’t have a palatable answer, you rely on a Problem-solver. Like a SWAT team, this company is called in to assess the issue and efficiently deliver a solution. You need a company that responds quickly and has the technical support in place to deal with your situation, both on-site and remotely.

A problem can be as simple as identifying why certain barcode labels aren’t printing correctly to deploying RFID to improve asset tracking or upgrading a network for better connections in a dynamic environment, like a warehouse, plant, or distribution center.

The Problem-solver is well-schooled in technology and agile enough to respond quickly when you call for help. A reliable Problem-solver has a diverse network of reliable resources to call on, like a well-stocked toolkit.

When choosing a Problem-solver, you need to know about that network. What can this company provide you to support the services you need? Learn how quickly you can expect a response and guarantees for the work provided.

The Partner

Technology Partner talking to clients in a meeting

A true Partner fulfills the roles of Provider and Problem-solver and more. While those are reactive sources, a Partner is proactive. Your technology partnership is built on trust in the company’s ability to understand your business as an individual, getting to know the processes and the people. The Partner invests in gaining this knowledge in order to offer suggestions, prevent problems, and guide you to achieve goals. A Partner opens your eyes to opportunities that you might not otherwise see.

For example, a Partner would have advised you of the importance of OS Migration and presented a strategy before you had to ask.

A Partner would visit your facility to explore how things are running, talk to the workers to gauge their productivity, and then give you suggestions for improvements that would deliver a rapid return on investment.

Take Your Pick for the Right Technology Partner!

At Avalon Integration, we focus on building lasting partnerships. We might start because you need a provider to get your products or services. But we hope you’ll soon discover that we are much more. Our team of experienced pros is committed to the company vision of proactively supporting our clients. We ask questions to make sure your technology is serving you to the best ability. We try to look ahead so that we can circumvent a problem before it escalates.

With Avalon Integration as your technology partner, you don’t have to ask if your devices come fully configured or with the latest version of the OS. You don’t need to wonder whether or not we can handle your wireless network growth or process challenges. That’s what we do. Pick up the phone and you’ll talk to a person—your partner.

We’re here for the long haul, an extension of your project team. Let’s get started now and talk about the partner that provides what you need, solves your problems, and proactively supports your goals.

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Turn the Table on Tablets: Zebra XSLATE R12 Performs to a Higher Standard

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When tablets first emerged less than a decade ago, they were a consumer device, not quite ready for business use. It didn’t take too long though before being your own device (BYOD) expanded from smartphones to tablets. While good enough for general use in a workplace, moving into more challenging environments proved the consumer-grade tablet just couldn’t cut it. Well, we can now turn the table on tablets because the Zebra XSLATE R12 performs to a higher standard that is critical for enterprise use.

Zebra acquired the XSLATE R12 when it acquired its creator, Xplore, in 2018. The adoption also included the diverse L10 Series of rugged tablets: the XPAD L10, XSLATE L10, and XBOOK L10. Avalon Integration has put all of them to the test, and now we can share our findings on the XSLATE R12.

A Gutsy Choice

Zebra XSLATE R12 - Gutsy Choice

The XSLATE R12 is purpose-built to work harder than any tablet. Its chameleon-like design lets you convert from a conventional tablet to a notebook, with a magnetically-attached companion keyboard for those times when you want to type in your data. Or use a stylus or tap the screen, if that’s your preferred style.

The 12.5-inch display provides ample real estate for a good view of your screen, and the View Anywhere display is easy to view, well, anywhere—courtesy of the anti-reflective and anti-smudge glass and 1000-nit brightness. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides a tough surface that’s far more resistant to cracks and breakage than those delicate consumer tablets have. It’s all packaged with a magnesium-allow internal frame, rubberized enclosure, and IP54 sealing. Drop this super-tablet on a hard surface from 4 feet, bump it around in a service vehicle, and even spill water on the device. That’s not going to stop it. Yes, we tried.

So, we know the XSLATE R12 is rugged, but are there brains with this brawn?

Zebra XSLATE R12 is built for emergency services

Absolutely.

This Zebra rugged tablet is driven by a seventh-generation Intel Core processor, so your mobile workforce isn’t sitting around waiting for downloads. The integrated SSD provides an extra layer of security that’s critical when device-sharing is happening. Just remove the drive and pass along the R12 to the next user. The fingerprint reader increases the device’s security even more.

Who Needs a Tablet This Tough?

Zebra XSLATE R12 is the tough tablet for any environment

The XSLATE R12 goes from office to vehicle to fieldwork. One device with unlimited possibilities. We tested the tablet in a service van, using the mobile dock, and it was simple to snap in and then remove. It was also easy to enter information in the vehicle with a finger or stylus. The screen was easy to view, even at that late point in the day when the sun beats brightly through the windshield.

We hooked up a barcode scanner and high-frequency RFID reader by adding the SlateMate module. The scanner was easy to use and didn’t add bulk or interfere with the compact profile of the device.

The Zebra XSLATE R12 rugged tablet presents a great solution for tough tasks in a variety of industries:

  • Law Enforcement and First Response: Ticketing and eCitations, evidence documentation, investigations, emergency response planning, dispatch.
  • Manufacturing and Warehousing: Inventory management, safety audits, compliance reporting, project management, asset monitoring and control, logistics, dispatch and routing, dock and yard management, quality assurance, incident reporting.
  • Field Service: Repair and service documentation, parts inventory control, field sales, payment processing, delivery confirmation, work orders, claims to process, estimating, invoicing, route reporting.
  • Healthcare: Electronic patient care reporting, remote patient monitoring, care team consultations, inventory management, help desk.

Avalon Integration and Zebra’s XSLATE R12 Is Here to Suit Your Every Need

Consumer tablets just aren’t designed to handle demanding conditions. The cost to repair, maintain, and replace them drives up the total cost of ownership. Choose a rugged tablet for a real return on investment. Avalon Integration is ready to show you the value of the Zebra XSLATE R12. Contact us to arrange a demo and learn more.

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Get tough with your tablet. Experience Zebra’s L10 Series’ choices.

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A tablet provides a great mobile tool. The larger screen allows for better visibility than a smartphone. When you’re using any mobile devices in a rough workspace—like a warehouse, plant, or in the field—drops, kicks, tumbles, dirt, dust, and even water inevitably attack your devices. But it’s ok to get tough with your tablet. Avalon Integration wants you to experience Zebra’s L10 Series choices in rugged tablets to see what you should expect from industrial-grade quality.

Zebras Rugged Tablet L10 Lineup

Last year, Zebra acquired a complete Rugged Tablet Library with a complete portfolio of purpose-built enterprise devices. The move represented a seamless fit, as Zebra Rugged Tablets has earned a reputation for intuitive, ultra-rugged devices that are engineered for unrelenting performance—which also describes the Zebra product line. As a long-standing Zebra Premier Partner, we were excited with the news that we now have even more solutions for our customers!

Let’s take a look at the L10 product platform, which offers a unique array of time-tested powerhouse tablets: the XPAD L10, XBOOK L10, and XSLATE L10.


Zebra XSLATE L10 hanging with Public Safety Fire Equipment

The XSLATE L10 is a lightweight tablet but incredibly tough. The 10-inch slate-style tablet is easy to take with you, from the front office to the warehouse, loading dock, and into the field.

Man Taking Inventory with a Zebra XPAD

The XPAD L10 has a built-in hard handle, an ergonomic enhancement that adds to the portability. Choose the optional barcode reader in the handle for another smart feature. Then, grab and go!

Zebra XBOOK L10 - Mounted Forklift

The XBOOK L10 2-in-1 transforms from tablet to laptop with a companion keyboard, ideal for the user who prefers the familiarity of entering data this way.

3 Choices: The Same Security, Safety, and Smarts

Zebra L10 Product Family including the XPAD, XSLATE and the XBOOK

Each tablet in the Zebra L10 Series meets the tough MIL-STD 810G and features IP65 sealing, which protects against dirt, dust, and moisture. All three models easily passed a 6-foot drop test. C1D2 certification, which allows a device to be used in potentially hazardous settings, is pending.

The XSLATE, XPAD, and XBOOK also share a critical security feature. The removable SSD allows each user to protect their data. The integrated fingerprint scanner and smart card/CAC reader options add another layer of protection that’s important for any mobile device.

The L10 Series is engineered with 8th generation Intel Core processors and 4G LTE to deliver rapid-fire performance—up to 600% faster download and 300% faster upload speeds than previous models. Also Coming soon the L10 has received 3rd party certification that it is C1D2.

The integrated View Anywhere display provides easy viewing in any condition—like bright sunlight. The View Anywhere display also has the option of adding auto-sensing glove/wet touch technology, and an active digitizer.

Avalon Integration and Zebra’s Rugged Tablets to Suit every need

Avalon Integration can custom configure any of the Zebra rugged tablets to suit your specific needs. Every member of the L10 product family uses the same accessories, so no matter which devices you use in your business, the accessories support all of them. From the extended life battery (24-hour charge) and charger to the industrial and vehicle docks, they are designed to fit every L10 form factor.

You don’t have to compromise comfort and convenience for computing power in a tablet. Talk to us at Avalon Integration about a demo of the Zebra L10 tablets.

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