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With Android on the center stage, are Windows Tablets worth the investment?

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The great Android Migration has consumed modernization strategies for the past years ever since Microsoft announced discontinued support for Windows CE-based mobile devices. Those seeking to protect data can no longer rely on Windows Mobile for their handheld devices. However, while Android is dominating the mobility frontier, Windows OS has yet to become completely obsolete. In spite of Android’s seamless adaptability, Microsoft still possesses enterprise familiarity as it continues to power a vast majority of rugged laptops and tablets. Apart from small-scale handheld devices such as mobile computers and enterprise smartphones, Windows 10 OS can still be beneficial since it enables…

  • Seamless connectivity to peripheral devices – Because most enterprise devices have been accustomed to running on Windows’ OS, peripheral hardware such as ring scanners, mobile printers, and headsets from varying manufacturers can quickly connect to your Windows device without extensive lag times.
  • Open ecosystem for non-traditional software – As the oldest supporting operating system in enterprise, Windows has built a long history of accommodating software updates and applications previously designed for desktops onto laptop interfaces. This allows field workers to quickly navigate through data while on the road without having to readapt to a new interface, lowering training times and simplifying workflows.
  • Enterprise-ready security on the field – Unlike Windows CE, tablets running on Windows 10 can still count on recurring enterprise security and support from Microsoft. This means teams can rely on seamless ease-of-use along with reliable data security for sensitive transactions and financial information.

What to look for in your Windows Tablet

As with previous enterprise hardware recommendation, selecting a Windows tablet requires businesses to note the following characteristics:

  • Portability and ergonomics since devices will most likely be used by your most on-the-move workers.
  • Flexible connectivity options to accommodate field teams working far beyond standard cellular coverage.
  • Glove friendly touchscreen usage that safeguards usability in colder and outdoor environments.
  • Streamlined functionalities such as automated data capture and data sharing within a protected platform.
  • Simplistic device management to guarantee maximum uptime even when devices are far from IT support teams.

See how Zebra’s L10 Rugged Tablet goes beyond these standards while leveraging the adaptability of Windows 10. When it comes to effective modernization, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all system. That’s why we continue to recommend businesses to carefully plan modernization strategies with a specialized team to best target unique optimization opportunities. In doing so, companies can expect to create a scalable modernization strategy that embraces change while leveraging familiarity for seamless integration.

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DD8701_Avalon-Blog 9 Image (6_1)

7 Benefits Automation Continues to Bring to the Modern Warehouse

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Zebra’s latest Warehouse Vision Study illustrated a very clear picture: Automation has become the center focus of the modern supply chain. Over three quarters of warehouses across the globe have committed to embracing automation by enhancing the workforce with intelligent modernized technologies like rugged tablets and mobile computers. As newer technologies are released and redefine supply chain efficiency, new benefits and features are introduced to fast-paced operations. However, despite product variety, it is still crucial to expect the following benefits from your modernization solution:

  1. Enterprise-ready durability – Whether in the plummeting temperatures of a cold storage unit or the heat of an outside distribution yard, enterprise devices must be designed to retain high-performance functionality despite external conditions. Newer technologies do this by integrating greater IP ratings, condensation-resistant screens, greater drop specs above 5ft., and even disinfectant-ready casing to withstand constant antibacterial wipe downs.
  2. Future-proof operating systems – Without proper security patches and updates, Microsoft’s outdated operating systems can slow down operations while excluding important applications from your enterprise devices. On the other hand, systems such as Android for Enterprise protect uptime with automatic silent updates. Zebra’s Fortified Android goes a step farther by extending update lifecycles up to 10 years.
  3. Simplistic ease of use – Although new devices are capable of doing more than their legacy versions, they should still retain user-friendliness in order to facilitate onboarding and deployment with minimal downtime.
  4. Quick adaptability to change – Whether it be increased labor turnover rates or sudden product demand, adaptable technologies and software can accommodate change through maximized ease of use and/or open app ecosystem. This minimizes disruptions within workflows, protecting productivity rates.
  5. Trustworthy security parameters – For obvious reasons, cybersecurity has become a vital necessity within the Digital Age. Once again, Zebra’s fortified Android exemplifies aggressive data security with recurring security patches, government-grade encryption, and tiered authorization levels for a variety of mobile devices.
  6. Dependable connectivity – When changes occur, the whole supply chain may be affected, which is why sustainable connectivity is key to keeping all departments updated in real-time.
  7. Increased visibility – Lastly, modernized technology should be committed to optimizing operational visibility in order to prevent surprise downtime, bottlenecks, and extraneous costs. For example, mobile computers contribute to enhanced visibility by eliminating manual data entry from receiving and loading docks, boosting inventory accuracy for minimal out-of-stocks.

Come Take the Closer Look

As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon will take the next few weeks to dive into the expanding benefits Zebra’s latest technologies bring to the modern warehouse in addition to the ones highlighted above. From new printing standards to a whole new tablet interface, discover a new level of modernized efficiency when you contact our modernization experts today to learn more.

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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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