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Smart Field Service Mobility

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It’s not enough to achieve lower costs in field service, to be successful today you need to have a smart field service, connected team. Workers must be able to adjust in real-time to meet the changing wants and needs of customers. With so many variables to log, monitor, and control, keeping assets and resources productive and focused on satisfying customer needs is key. The most agile supplier will be the most successful.

Avalon has been helping companies become more agile with smart connectivity. Keeping field resources connected with real-time information to deliver superior customer service. You gain a competitive advantage while keeping productivity high. Avalon combines expert, industry experience with leading-edge mobile tools, superior data capture, and automation software so you keep operations nimble and effective:

  • Field Automation
  • Data Capture
  • Barcode Scanners
  • Mobile Computers & Tablets
  • Mobile Communication

Zebra gives your field operations better connectivity, more accurate up to date data, and more flexibility. They get access to technical specifications, inventory information, and direct customer communication on the go. Zebra helps you optimize operations and empower workers to deliver top customer service.  

Handheld Computers for Smart Field Service
Zebra TC51 Handheld Computer with Water on the Screen

TC51/TC56 Touch Computer Series

They may look like popular smartphones but they’re powerful handheld computers. Your team is always connected and up to date, ready for what the field throws at them. Your people can be faster, smarter, and satisfy more customers.

Mobile Printers
ZQ500 Mobile Printer Smart Field Services

Wireless mobile printers go where your field service forces go. Simplify transactions. Print receipts and invoices on the spot. Features a range of the latest connectivity options and robust functionality so you keep up with the most demanding situations.

Rugged Smartphones
TC25 handheld Computer for Smart Field Services

Zebra TC25

Rugged, reliable and powerful. Real-time data and voice, point and shoot capture of any electronic or printed barcode – rugged smartphones make your team smarter, faster and more agile. Personal devices can’t match the durability or functionality for a day in day out business use that rugged smartphones deliver.

Manage Customer Activity for Smart Field Service

Android Product line up for Manage Smart Field Services

Mobile workers can manage customer activity from anywhere, in real time: schedule, location, routing, work orders, invoicing, entry forms, online payment. Capture signatures, audio, and images. Your team gets all the functionality they need to provide great customer service. Fast.

  • Gain complete visibility into worker location and activities
  • Manage work orders in real-time
  • Instant alerts for schedule, route or delivery changes
  • Perform on-site transactions
  • Customers can check status or create new work orders on a branded portal
  • TRUSTe Privacy Certification Seal®

High-Efficiency Field Service Implementation for You

Avalon’s experience and expertise can help your field service team become more agile and more effective. We’ll analyze your business and data management needs and customize a solution that fits your company. Ask us how Avalon can help you get and keep your competitive advantage. 

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Enterprise Tablets – Best of Both Worlds

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As companies constantly search for technology to give them an edge, mobile computing has advanced throughout the organization, connecting workforce members with each other and with their precious data. Valued for their computing ability, connectivity, and portability, Enterprise Tablets are being adopted more and more by modern workforces. Easing this adoption: tablets enjoy a high level of acceptance and familiarity by workers – from field sales to warehouse workers, to office personnel.

There is a huge upside for operations if familiarity and acceptance can be leveraged into efficiency gains. But, until recently, the business has had to wrestle with a trade-off – Beauty or the Beast.

BEAUTY
Zebra Tablet Front Screen

Elegant, user-friendly, and accessible, consumer-grade devices that are a favorite among workers are natural to help drive productivity gains. But consumer-grade devices have a poor track record standing up to commercial/ industrial demands. Everything from drops to battery life issues, to extreme environments, erode the productivity gains.

BEAST
Zebra Tablet Falling to the Ground with no damage

On the other hand, armoring all that computing and communication capability in a rugged (and heavy) military-grade shell creates a cumbersome and fatiguing experience that throughout a standard workday is a liability to worker wellbeing and a drag on productivity.

BEST OF BOTH with Enterprise Tablets
Best of Both Enterprise Tablets

Happily, the new generation of rugged tablets gives businesses the best of both worlds. Bringing high-level computing, enterprise reliability, toughness, and security together in a lighter weight package that’s easy to use and less fatiguing. The new devices are at home in any environment – warehouse, manufacturing, field, and office.

Modern, rugged tablets check a lot of boxes for the enterprise. They offer the computing power of laptops, communications and data capture, rugged versatility, military-level resistance to shock, and other hazards like dust or moisture – all while going anywhere workers go.

They can be mounted on forklifts, trucks, cars, or taken in hand. They’re accurate up close and at long range, in varied and variable light conditions.

Workers can instantly decode scanned data or retrieve information from a centralized database, a desktop or other source. Anyone, anywhere, can obtain real-time information, any time, to keep things going and make well-informed decisions. Business realizes improved communication and streamlined operations.

What to Consider When Evaluating Enterprise Tablets

  • Ruggedness
  • Product reliability, maximum uptime
  • User acceptance,
  • Communications capabilities,
  • Systems compatibility with ERP, WMS, SCM
  • Scanning functionality accuracy
  • Available features
  • TCO

Easy to Use Enterprise-Class Features
Zebra ET50/ ET55 tablet computers
ET50 Enterprise Tablet Scanning Products

Zebra offers a flexible business tablet that can be customized for just about any job and any environment — from retail associates and warehouse workers inside the four walls to salespeople, delivery drivers and service technicians out in the field. The Zebra ET50/ ET55 tablet computers deliver the best of both worlds — consumer ease of use for workers teamed with all the enterprise-class features and options business needs: durability, constant battery power, choice of Android™ or Windows®, rugged durability and two display sizes. Advanced data capture boasts two integrated cameras, barcode scanning, and video calls optionally advanced scan engines and innovative Bluetooth scanners for comfortable intensive barcode capture and three methods of data entry that work even if the screen is wet – with or without a glove.

A Truly Enterprise-Ready Tablet
Zebra ET1
Zebra ER1 Enterprise Tablet Scanning Green Products

The new class of tablet from Zebra that’s ready for business inside the four walls and out in the field. Zebra ET1 features the consumer-style design that workers find easy to use, combined with enterprise durability. It’s built to take drops, spills, cold winter temps, and extreme heat. The enhanced Android operating system delivers enterprise-class security, flexibility, and manageability over wireless LAN and wireless WAN networks.

Talk to us, Avalon Integration, about how to empower your mobile workforce with today’s modern Enterprise Tablets to get big gains in productivity and customer service.

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Empower Your Mobile Workforce to Do More and Be More

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Get More Production and Empower Your Workforce

In today’s mobile world it’s more important than ever to track, manage, and get the most from your workforce resources. Avalon Integration offers the most complete mobile productivity solution on the market. MobiWork® is a suite of field service solutions built from the ground up to be a comprehensive and seamless resource to empower any business with employees in the field.

Any Field Service Operation

  • Field Service
  • Field Sales
  • Field Marketing
  • Logistics
  • And Many Others

MobiWork® leverages advanced native applications on smartphones, tablets, or rugged devices and pairs well with enterprise-grade hardware from leading technology makers like Zebra. It increases productivity, improves information exchange, and builds customer satisfaction. Reflecting best business practices MobiWork® is cost-effective, highly customizable, easily integrated with existing software, and deploys in minutes.

Unlike traditional mobile workforce management software, MobiWork® is not limited to simply tracking vehicles. It empowers and unifies both mobile and office-based workforces as well as customers with a powerful, fully integrated smartphone and SaaS/cloud-based solution.

MobiWork® offers a suite of field service solutions that features GPS tracking, inventory management, billing and invoicing, work order management, electronic forms, scheduling and dispatch, contact management, and more. It offers cloud-based deployment options and native mobile compatibility with Android devices.

MobiWork®  can be used by companies of any size, in any vertical, and can be used by one user or thousands – managing global operations in multiple countries around the globe on multiple smartphones and tablets, with multiple carriers, in multiple languages and integrated with existing CRM/ ERP.

Manage Productivity to New Heights
Being your Productivity to New Heights

Dramatically increase productivity, reduce costs, and provide real-time information exchange and visibility into every aspect of your business. Capture users’ locations when they log in with a smartphone, tablet, or rugged device. Track individual users, gather and analyze data related to GPS tracking, optimize movement, create timesheets.

Manage Customer Activity

Manage Customer Activity in any environment

Manage Customer Activity in any environment

 

Mobile workers can manage customer activity from anywhere, in real time: schedule, location, routing, work orders, invoicing, entry forms, online payment. Capture signatures, audio, and images.

Critical Business Information for the Entire Team to Empower

  • Gain complete visibility into worker location and activities  
  • Manage work orders in real-time
  • Instant alerts for schedule, route or delivery changes
  • Perform on-site transactions
  • Customers can check status or create new work orders on a branded portal
  • TRUSTe Privacy Certification Seal®

MobiWork® Key Benefits
Avalon Integration and MobiWork Logos

Grow your Business
MobiWork - Grow Your Business Icon

Dramatically increase productivity, reduce costs, and provide real-time information exchange and visibility into every aspect of your business.

Empower Your Team
MobiWork - Empower Your Team Icon

Simplify the day-to-day life of every member of your organization allowing them to perform at their best anywhere, anytime, on any device creating greater customer service while enhancing your bottom line.

Built for You
MobiWork - Built For Your Business Icon

Easily configure to fit your unique business, no matter how specific your requirement and industry.

Key Features

Rich feature set – Everything you need for the day-to-day operations of your team.
Empower Your Warehouse with a Rich Feature Set

Built-in frameworks – Easily configure (no coding required) your data, workflows, and analytics to fit your business.
Built In Frameworks for any Warehouse Setup

Connect to existing software – MobiWork® integrates with your existing software to provide an end-to-end solution that is truly built for the field and for smartphones.
Empower Existing Software within your Warehouse

Talk to us, Avalon Integration, about how to empower your mobile workforce with MobiWork® to get big gains in productivity and customer service.

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Budgeting for OS migration from Windows

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We’ve been discussing enterprise operating systems, as the deadlines approach for Microsoft ending support for Windows Embedded Handheld and Windows CE. The great OS Migration started when Microsoft made the announcement in 2016 that it would no longer provide security updates for their operating systems by 2020. Businesses that have been relying on Microsoft’s OSs for their rugged handheld devices have had to choose between staying with an unsupported operating system, rewriting their apps to fit another version of Windows, or choosing to move to another OS. While there’s naturally a lot of discussion about which choice is best, let’s talk about budgeting for OS migration from Windows.

How will the change in your operating system impact your investment in devices, both legacy, and upgrades?

Start by Assessing Your Legacy Devices for OS Migration

Take Stock of your Legacy Devices including the TC8000 and the MC3300

Are they a few years old (or older)? If so, you’re ready for an upgrade. The evolution of the rugged mobile technology in recent years has delivered a wealth of benefits that command your attention. The productivity factor has escalated. Your workforce can be more efficient with their time, which contributes to a rapid return on investment in your new technology. The Zebra TC8000 all-touch mobile computer, for example, has been proven to boost productivity by 14%. That’s the equivalent of adding one hour per worker per shift. The factor that bonuses across your workforce to determine how this investment in new technology benefits your business. The Zebra MC3300 mobile computer offers the flexibility of four different form factors so you can customize it your ergonomic needs—which enhances productivity as well. This mobile computer also features the combination of three scan engines, three keypads, and three tiers of functionality, so it fits the way you need to use the device, not the other way around.

Create an Inventory of Your Current Use Cases for OS Migration

Take Stock of Your Current use case

Identify how you use the devices as well as the desired results. For example, for barcode scanning, do you require an extended reach? Are you scanning in cold storage where the workers wear gloves and the barcodes could be covered with frost? Do you do a high volume of scanning with a mobile computer or is it purely a secondary feature? You might likely discover that a “one-size-fits-all” approach for rugged mobile devices doesn’t fit your needs. Today’s more advanced technology presents a broad array of purpose-built devices that are drilled down to specific tasks and functions.

Prioritize Your Needs for Functions and Features Investment for OS Migration

Prioritize Your Needs for the OS Migration from Windows

Prioritize your needs so that you understand the functions and features that require investment. Be sure to forecast anticipated uses so that you can future-proof your investment. This will help you focus on the hardware that will best achieve your goals. You can use these guidelines to avoid purchasing less or more than you need. These steps will help you profile your hardware needs. You might have some legacy devices that are still highly functional in your work environment. If they run on an unsupported version of Windows, are you comfortable with the lack of security updates?

Establish a Timeline

Establish a timeline for your Migration that's best for your Warehouse

The OS migration will occur over a period of time. You’re not going to pull the plug one day and be up and running the next. You need a strategy to deploy the new operating system and integrate the new devices. Avalon Integration can help here. We specialize in enterprise systems integration and we’re experienced in the challenges of OS migration. We’ll apply our expertise to develop a strategy with you, acquire the hardware, and implement the transition in an efficient, effective process. Talk to us about making the move to an operating system and enterprise computing hardware that will support your business in the long run and deliver greater results.

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Legacy Operating Systems From Honeywell

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Customers currently running applications that require a legacy Microsoft operating system (Windows CE 6 or Windows Mobile/ Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5) will soon face the end of support for their platform. Mainstream support, which includes regular updates, has ended for both legacy systems. Microsoft extended support (security fixes) will end for Windows CE 6 in early 2018 and for Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 in early 2020. After those dates, vendors will be unable to provide patches should a vulnerability or error be found in Microsoft code. For this and other reasons, many customers have begun planning a transition to new applications running under a modern operating system.

As the end of support dates for legacy operating systems approach, customers need to make decisions and plans to move forward, as application development can require considerable time and effort. One way to provide more time to make decisions is to select a hardware offering that can support multiple operating systems. The Honeywell CN75 and CK75 Series mobile computers, along with the Honeywell CN51 mobile computer, offer a choice of Windows Embedded Handheld or Android. In addition, customers purchasing Windows Embedded Handheld can convert their devices to Android at a future date. This allows existing legacy applications to continue running until the organization is ready to move to Android, at which time a simple field-based software conversion is performed. Only a small investment in software is required; no changes are required to the hardware.

Android’s large market presence supports a broad variety of OEMs and hardware form factors, making it more likely that a device is available to meet the customer’s use case and cost requirements, including devices that offer integrated physical keypads.

Talk to us today to learn more!

 

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OS Migration: The Logistics of Making the Transition

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In the last post, we talked about the security issues of converting to Android from Windows Embedded Handheld and Windows CE. With Microsoft no longer offering support for these mobile operating systems, businesses are facing a difficult decision. Where to go with their enterprise OS and the logistics of making the transition.

With this shift, you’re faced with several options:

  1. Continue with Windows, without security updates.
  2. Rewrite your apps to fit another version of Windows.
  3. Move to a different operating system, like Android or iOS.

MX Logistics for the Android Family

At Avalon Integration, we looked at these choices. The first leaves you wide open to security breaches, so let’s not even consider it. The second is doable if you’re a loyal Microsoft user. However, Microsoft has already proven that it’s not committed to the enterprise user. Perhaps now is the right time to transfer your loyalty.

Zebra and Android Mobile Computer Family

Rather than commit resources to rewrite apps, allocate them to managing the transition to a strong operating system that is designed to work at this heightened level? Yes, Apple has a closed platform that is renowned for tight security, but it also has a limited developer community.

Transition to Android with 78% Mobile Devices Currently in Use

Android Mobile Devices Currently Used

Android, on the other hand, is already running on 78% of the mobile devices currently in use (compared to 15% with iOS). Among the rugged device users, 54% of newly introduced devices come installed with Android. This OS has a robust developer ecosystem, giving you a broader choice of apps and development opportunities. With Zebra’s Mobility Extensions (Mx), Android is now an enterprise-class operating system. Mx Security strengthens the security with government-grade AES-256 data encryption and a host of other security features not available on consumer-grade Android. More importantly, as you approach the end of life for your current Windows OS, you need to look at the ease of transitioning to a different operating system. How complicated is it? Will you need additional IT staff hours? What do you do with your legacy devices?

Transition to Android for the Most Developer Resources

Android Most Developer Resources Working on a Zebra Tablet

First of all, Android has the most extensive app and developer resources out there. App developers are plentiful, and Avalon Integration specializes in systems integration, so we can guide you through this step.

Android Transition Made Simple

Android OS Made Simple

Zebra’s Mx also incorporates device and app management tools that simplify the deployment. Mx MDM works with your current mobile device management system to deliver the compatibility that eases the transition. Mx MDM makes it easy to remotely stage, update, troubleshoot, lock, wipe, and monitor the Android-based Zebra devices in your network. These services are always running in the background of the devices, so your IT team stays connected with the activity.

Mx Mam Gives You Full Control

Android OS Gives You Full Control

Mx MAM enables silent install, remotely, from your central console. You don’t need to disrupt workflow. In the long-term, Mx MAM provides lockdown features that allow you to develop a list of authorized apps that can be downloaded and run on your devices. You can exclude personal apps and avoid malware—which are even bigger disruptions to the workflow!

Zebra’s purpose-built rugged mobile devices come pre-installed with Mx. Avalon Integration is ready to help you move through the OS migration to arrive at a long-term solution. Talk to us to get started.

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How Honeywell Helps With A Commitment To Cybersecurity

Honeywell is strongly committed to cybersecurity. Our global businesses include aerospace and process solutions that demand a very high degree of security in all aspects of operations. A corporate-level cybersecurity task force sets and maintains security policies and standards, including test procedures used during product development that specifically identify software issues that could make systems more vulnerable to exploits. This approach eliminates potential vulnerabilities before products are even released.

Once an Android vulnerability is revealed and a corrective action posted by Google, Honeywell’s Android security experts implement the fix and deliver it to customers. Direct distribution of patches and updates enables Honeywell to reduce response time compared to OEMs who must go through secondary channels to deliver their updates. Security Manuals are published for all Honeywell products to guide customers in implementing best practices to secure their environment and devices. Guidance is provided in the configuration of device settings, network settings, and maintaining a secure IT environment. These preventative measures are intended to reduce the avenues through which threats can enter the customer environment.

Honeywell and Avalon Are Committed to Cybersecurity

Many enterprise customers will choose to restrict end-users further by “locking down” the device through the use of a Mobile Device Management (MDM) agent or an app such as Honeywell Enterprise Launcher. These tools control user access to system resources and can restrict the system to execute only designated apps. Removing the user’s ability to install or run unauthorized apps makes the system far less vulnerable to security exploits caused by user actions. Honeywell offers an Enterprise Toolkit API Library that enables customers to establish application whitelists or blacklists, control availability of a wide range of device features, and control which IP addresses are accessible through the firewall. Honeywell Launcher replaces the standard Android home screen with a kiosk experience that allows the user to see and execute only the apps needed to perform their job. Honeywell also offers an Enterprise Browser that enables web page rendering using standard Android controls but controls the sites that users are allowed to access. By limiting what the user can do with the device, IT support becomes easier and opportunities for the introduction of malware into the system are substantially reduced.

Another important aspect of security is maintaining an updated system. Researchers are constantly discovering and responsibly reporting vulnerabilities in the Android code base that could potentially be subject to malicious exploits. Google even offers a bounty program to encourage researchers to find and report potential issues. Google and chipset providers such as Qualcomm provide security patches to OEMs on a regular basis for incorporation into their software builds.

Honeywell updates their Android system images on a regular 60-day cadence, with patches for extremely critical exploits available within just a few days (as necessary). Patches are delivered as incremental updates to baseline images, minimizing the size of the update package for easier deployment across the customer’s network. Unlike consumer OEMs, Honeywell package is downloadable from a web portal to allow for customer acceptance testing prior to full-scale deployment. An email notification subscription is available so customers will be informed as soon as new updates are posted.

Contact us today to learn more!

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OS Migration: Android Conversion and the Security Debate

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Two years ago, users of Windows Embedded Handheld and Windows CE learned that Microsoft was going to pull the plug on these operating systems. No more security patches. No more updates. The end of life has already begun, with support for Windows Embedded CE 6.0 coming to a close on June 10, 2018. The remainder will fade into history over the next two years. The OS migration began as soon as the announcement was made. Those considering the options have looked at Android conversion. The security debate, however, concerned some potential users.

Android is an open-source platform, while the alternative, iOS, is closed. Skeptics worry about the security of Android. Encryption was an issue. It was slow, even on business-grade, high-end devices. Malware risk concerned decision-makers as well. The file-sharing left Android users open to phishing attacks and more.

Mobility throughout the workplace with Zebra Handheld Mobile Computers

These are valid points. But here’s another consideration: Of the 1.2 billion mobile devices currently in use, Android runs on 78% of them. Apple’s iOS runs on 15% of devices, with the minuscule 7% split primarily between BlackBerry and Microsoft. Android dominates here, but enterprise users have still been hesitant about its value as a business operating system. Clearly, Android is the dominant OS. If only these nagging issues could be resolved.

Extensions Zebra Mobile Handheld Computers

Then, Zebra stepped in. The manufacturer of some of the industry’s most rugged, user-friendly, and high-performance enterprise mobile computers recognized the need to overcome Android’s barriers to broader acceptance by business users across industries. Zebra developed Mobility Extensions (Mx), which resulted in what they call “fortified Android”. Mx has strengthened Android in a variety of ways:

  • Security
  • Mobile device management (MDM)
  • Mobile application management (MAM)
  • Data capture
  • Wireless connectivity

Government-Grade Encryption Maximizes Security

Mobility Extensions Government Grade Security

From the security standpoint, this fortified Android uses a government-grade, AES-256 encryption. Mx lets you select the data you want to encrypt—like sensitive data. The result is that encryption doesn’t slow down the device’s performance since it’s not encrypting every bit of information.

Transferrable Encryption Keys Ensures Security

Mobility Extensions Encryption for all Zebra Handheld Mobile Computers

Standard Android generates and secures the encryption keys on the device. But if you need to swap the device or give data to another user, the key doesn’t go along with the SD card. With Mx, the encryption keys are generated and stored in a centralized location. IT has control and can remotely provision another device with the encryption keys necessary to gain access.

Expanded Lockdown

Mobility Extensions Lockdown Security

Mx enables the lockdown of users from a device, an app, or even just a feature. You can limit users to one line-of-business application. When they turn it on, the device automatically launches and locks into that specific application from an enterprise home screen. You protect the network from unauthorized access while enhancing productivity by eliminating distractions. You can also lock down specific features and peripherals, like disabling the USB port so sensitive information can’t be downloaded to a thumb drive—or unauthorized apps can’t be uploaded in the same way.

Reliable Security Updates

Mobility Extensions - Reliable Security Updates

When Microsoft ended support for Windows CE/Embedded security patches, it effectively ended the enterprise use. Without ongoing patches to protect the network, you’re open to all sorts of breach risks. Zebra is staying on top of the security updates, with an internal team that monitors all reported Android security issues. DARN (Discover, Assessment, Remediation, Notification) alerts the Zebra Mx users whenever a patch is available. A link makes the upgrade instantly downloadable and IT can deploy it to all enterprise mobile devices with Mx’s MDM application.

MX comes pre-installed on all Zebra mobile devices. They’re ready to run right out of the box. Avalon Integration sees this fortified Android as a secure solution as you ponder OS migration. Stay tuned to learn more about the logistics challenges and solutions for the move to a different operating system.

Talk to us at Avalon Integration to get a better understanding of how you can get the most out of Mobility Extensions (Mx) today!

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Mobilizing the loading dock gains critical efficiency

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The loading dock is the gateway to your warehouse. Establishing a high level of operational efficiency here can reduce errors throughout the facility. Mobilizing the loading dock gains critical efficiency and accuracy that delivers strong ROI.learned”? Mobility is a must to expedite tasks like cross-docking without compromising accuracy. A trailer that’s sitting in a holding pattern is a waste of time and money. To get the right products on the right trailer in the right order, your workers need a real-time view of the activity. In this busy and demanding environment, rugged enterprise technology enables quick decision-making without interruptions like device or battery failure. Shipping and receiving also rely on moving inbound and outbound shipments with a steady flow through the loading dock. Bottlenecks create delays as well as downtime, cutting deeply into your operational efficiency.

Enterprise computing: Smart + Rugged
ET50 in Tough Environment Efficiency

An enterprise-class tablet delivers a high level of computing power with the durability you need to survive the tough environment of a loading dock and yard. The expanded real estate of a tablet enhances the visibility and ease for the user. An enterprise tablet, like the Zebra ET50, incorporates a higher level of data capture, longer battery life, and more robust connectivity, along with the processing power to drive complex applications.

The TC8000 all-touch mobile computer revolutionized enterprise computing when Zebra launched it last year. The lightweight design features a single-plane user interface that eliminates the tilt-and-verify action, which saves time and reduces wrist strain. This high-powered mobile computer comes pre-loaded with Mobility Extensions (Mx), an enterprise-class Android operating system, meaning it’s a significant upgrade for security, connectivity, data capture, and device management—ideal for business use.

The mobile workforce efficiency
VC80 3600 ZT600 QLN Efficiency

Material handling vehicles, like forklifts, should be equipped with an onboard mobile computer that has fast connectivity to keep up with the activity. The Zebra VC80 mounts can grab Internet connections quickly and has the processing power to deliver real-time updates—even in extreme temperatures. You can also add a heated keyboard if you need one.

For any and all verification tasks at the loading dock, you need barcode scanners that keep up with the steady movement of large containers. Workers also benefit from devices that handle long-range scanning in any weather conditions. Zebra’s 3600 Series Ultra-Rugged Scanners are designed specifically to handle this tough task. No other scanners can stand up to the snow, ice, water, dirt, dust, and heat like the aptly-named Ultra-Rugged devices. Scan up to 70,000 barcodes on a single charge. With the long-range option, capture barcodes up to 70 feet away.

You can also increase efficiency at the loading dock by generating barcode labels on demand. Track the shipments with more accuracy and add information as needed. Zebra’s rugged mobile printers, like the QLn series, are lightweight but deliver heavy-duty performance. For printing volume barcode labels and shipping labels at the loading dock, an industrial printer, like the ZT600 Series, is encased in metal and engineered to deliver 24/7 performance with ease. Add RFID capability to encode and print passive and active RFID tags that enable even greater efficiency, a distinct advantage for verifying and tracking large containers.

Avalon Integration focuses on meeting the technology needs of today’s warehouses and manufacturing facilities. Contact us to learn how you can gain efficiency and accuracy at your loading dock with customized solutions that handle your specific challenges.

 

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OS Migration: The Cost of Procrastinating

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Microsoft announced that, in 2020, it will discontinue support for Windows CE and Windows Mobile operating systems. Their decision would impact 15 million computers, about 90% of the enterprise computing market. If you’re using either of these operating systems, you have some important choices to make. With the heavy (and still growing) reliance on mobile devices in the workplace, the choice you make for the operating system will impact users, device choices, application accessibility, network security, and the IT time to handle it all. You have invested in legacy devices but remember that the best OS for a situation is important and Migration may be needed. Are you going to see the ROI or will it be written off to “lesson learned”?

What are your options for Migration?
OS Migration Options

You could sit still. Continue using Windows and move up to Windows 10. However, you’ll be running without the support of security patches next year, because Microsoft is also pulling that plugin 2019. It seems clear that Microsoft’s commitment to enterprise mobile computing is tenuous. Don’t commit to a company that isn’t committed to you.

Your next option is to choose a direction for the operating system that will replace Windows CE/Mobile and rewrite your applications to run on the OS of choice. Android and are good options. Google and Apple have proven themselves to be reliable and innovative. Between Android and iOS, they own 99% of the mobile device market share; however, Android dominates the space with 87% worldwide. Android’s open platform makes it more inviting for developers, which has caused concern over security.

In recent years, companies like Zebra have addressed the perceived weak spots in Android’s security. Zebra’s rugged mobile devices come pre-installed with Mobility Extensions (Mx), which elevates the operating system to an enterprise level for security, device management, data capture, and connectivity. Zebra’s rugged handhelds and enterprise tablets are ready to operate in an Android environment and perform at the high levels of reliability, security, and computing power you should expect from your technology.

Do you need to retire your legacy devices now and make the move to new technology?
Android Legacy Device Migration

At Avalon Integration we’ve been looking at the path for this OS migration. It’s not realistic for a company to buy all new devices, so we’re helping our customers to make a gradual transition. Decide on the operating system and look at those devices that are ready for upgrades. But while you’re trying to hold onto those legacy devices, consider that you might not be saving money. A rugged device’s life expectancy is three years, with an average failure rate of only 1% in the first year. By the fourth year, the rate escalates to 8%. That’s not a big number, so maybe you’re fine with the prospect of extending the life of your rugged devices.

What does 1% really mean for Migration?

OS Migration Android Phone

Every percentage point of device failure translates to a 5% increase in your total cost of ownership. By the fourth year, when your failure rate jumps 7%, you can expect a 35% rise in your TCO. Are you actually saving money by procrastinating or merely avoiding the inevitable business decision?

Those four-year-old legacy devices are also using old technology. The speed is slower, the connectivity is weaker, the resolution is probably less, and it may not have the features that today’s mobile devices offer. Every one of these downsides represents a negative impact on your productivity. You’re not maximizing the potential of your workforce. You’re probably also pushing the limits of your IT staff’s effectiveness.

Millions of enterprise users are faced with the OS migration decision. Avalon Integration can give you more insight, evaluate your current situation, and guide you to the strategic transition that will deliver the best results for your company. Talk to us to steer your migration along a smart route.

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