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Efficient Mobile Computing

Seize the New Edge: Discover how Zebra redefined enterprise mobility with a new evolution of handheld computers

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Despite the high demand for fast order fulfillment, warehouses nationwide continue to grapple with the increasing labor shortage since pre-pandemic years. As the older workforce ages out, warehouses struggle to retain younger and experienced team members, with 51% of employers citing outdated technology as one of greatest hurdles in keeping operational success. While familiar to a selected few, legacy devices can ultimately lead to:

  • Higher adoption rates for new hires
  • Increased likelihood of user errors
  • Longer processing times
  • Breakdowns in communication
  • Frustrated and/or disengaged employees

To prevent these issues and meet customer demands, Zebra’s latest mobile computers bring a new level of familiarity and ease of use to the supply chain, empowering workers to accomplish more in less time.

Meet a New Level of Efficiency

Built on a foundation of durable enterprise-grade devices and 2020’s demand for flexibility, newer mobile devices like Zebra’s rugged handhelds quickly adapted to eliminate repetitive tasks and workflow complexities by leveraging…

  • Android’s user-friendly interface – Unlike Microsoft’s outdated Windows OS, Android offers a familiar user platform that resembles consumer-grade smartphones, drastically accelerating adoption rates for fast and seamless deployment. Zebra’s EC50/55 takes familiarity a step farther with integrated push-to-talk capabilities straight out of the box for instant telephony functions and decreased TCO.
  • Digitized operational visibility – Inventory and asset identification becomes easier when paper-based systems are out of the picture. Automated data capture and intelligent scanning bypass manual data entry for updates and workflow notifications. This equips the workforce with near real-time visibility on stock counts, available personnel, and pending tasks all through one handheld device such as Zebra’s TC52.
  • Fortified data security – Besides beating consumer-grade devices in rugged durability, Zebra’s handheld computers also maximize security with government-grade encryption, two-factor authentication, and 90-day recurring security patches to keep devices up and running for as long as 10 years. Devices like the MC9300 combine design and computing strength to deliver one long-lasting mobility device that fits even in the most demanding environments.

As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon facilitates upgrades through the GO Zebra Trade-In Program. Simply upgrade mobile devices from any manufacturer and get cash back rebates towards your new device.

Modernized mobility can take many shapes. Find yours when you reach out to our modernization experts to see how you can enhance worker performance in your operations today with a new edge of enterprise mobility.

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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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Maximum Mobility Takes The Zebra TC52 Outside the Four Walls

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Your mobile workforce needs to be well equipped to handle the demands of working remotely. They should have rugged devices that can handle the rigors of road work, like bouncing around inside a dusty service vehicle and handling snow, ice, rain, and extreme temperatures. But rugged isn’t the only feature for efficiency. Zebra recently launched a new generation of the TC56 and Avalon Integration took a look. The new Zebra TC52 touch computer takes maximum mobility outside the four walls and far into the field.

Familiar Smartphone Appearance for Maximum Mobility
The Zebra TC52 has a Familiar Appearance for Maximum Mobility

When we first unboxed the TC52, it was obvious that the sleek smartphone styling had been continued into the new version. The comfort, familiarity, and ease of use are important when sending workers into the field with new technology for maximum mobility. Unlike a smartphone though, your workers can enter data on the touchscreen with a gloved finger, in addition to a stylus or finger.

More Secure Android for the Enterprise and Maximum Mobility

The TC52 comes pre-loaded with Zebra’s fortified Android—basically, a powered-up version of the operating system with enterprise-class features. You don’t have the worries of the open platform because Zebra’s Mobility Extensions (Mx) use AES-256 encryption, the high level demanded government use.

Ready for Tough Stuff
The TC52 is Ready For The Tuff Stuff

Zebra designed and built this rugged handheld like its many others, with the ability to hit a hard floor or surface without breaking. All those tumbles off the dashboard or into the snow won’t stop the TC52 from doing its job. The Corning Gorilla Glass protects the display and image window from shattering and scratches.

Robust Connectivity

When your work takes you to remote places, you need technology that can grab a cellular network connection without hesitation. This handheld computer allows for increased data capacity and speeds up to 2 Mbps, as well as supporting the Public Safety LTE network for first responders. The TC52’s technology also supports Visible Light Communication (VLC), Bluetooth 5.0 BLE, and Wi-Fi for maximum mobility. The WorryFree WiFi feature finds the strongest Wi-Fi connection and delivers outstanding roaming performance.

Better Cameras
The TC52 has Better Camera for any environment

For recording data—whether it’s a signature or a video—the TC52’s two cameras are designed to handle every task. The front-facing camera is 5 MP, a great tool for video conferencing. The rear-facing 13 MP camera provides the high-resolution imaging you need for documenting damaged materials and proof of delivery. A field service person can get support from the field by zooming in on a repair challenge and sharing it with the office tech staff.

14-Hour Battery Life
The Zebra TC52 has a 14-Hour Battery Life for Maximum Mobility

Zebra installs the PowerPrecision+ battery in the TC52 mobile computer. Even on a long shift, the device keeps working. If it does run out, you don’t have to power down the handheld, because the Warm Swap feature lets you make the exchange while it’s still running—eliminating the interruption in workflow.

When you’re sending out your mobile workforce with expectations to do their best work with the utmost accuracy and efficiency, give them the tools to do it. Rugged handhelds that are purpose-built, like the Zebra TC52, represent a smart investment with a solid return.

If you’d like to look more closely at this mobile computer, watch this video. Better yet, contact Avalon Integration to arrange a free demo.

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Replace the Consumer Smartphone with the Smarter, Faster, More Rugged Zebra TC52

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Smartphones have come a long way in the past decade. They’ve gotten smaller and then bigger, with improvements in imaging, function, and voice commands. These are all great consumer-centered features. But does that make a smartphone the right choice for a demanding workplace, like a plant, distribution center, or T&L operation? At Avalon Integration, we’ve seen enough of these devices fail when put to an enterprise test. It’s time to replace the consumer smartphone with the smarter, faster, and more rugged Zebra TC52 touch computer.

Contact Avalon Integration to Schedule a demo today!

The Zebra TC52 scanning products on a wall

We recently took the time to look more closely at the Zebra TC52 (click here to see the video).

Watch this video to see more features of the Zebra TC52. Then contact Avalon Integration to schedule a demo. Then contact Avalon Integration today to schedule a demo.

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