Choosing the Correct Mobile Device for Your Inspection Software

Choosing the correct hardware for your inspection software is vital in order to perform rigorous and effective inspections. As inspection software is adjusted to match the requirements of the business, consideration of the mobile device must be given in order to complement the inspection software and allow inspectors to optimise their time spent performing inspections.

Organisations should understand and consider the ramifications of their choice of mobile device. To weigh which mobile device is most beneficial, a cost analysis is a useful tool to determine whether a device will benefit a business and allow comparisons to alternatives. When deciding which mobile device will be most appropriate for your business, there are many factors that need to be considered:

• Consumer vs Enterprise - whether the device needs to be made for industrial use for both functionality and cost savings
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) - the total costs related to a mobile device over the expected life of the device
• Rugged vs Non-Rugged - whether hardware is suitable for use in a range of environments
• Company Policies - the company's preference and previous experience with similar hardware and electronics
• Screen Size - the optimal size for correct software use
• Industry-grade Wi-Fi - whether the device needs constant internet connectivity
• Ease of Use - the ability for employees to navigate different hardware functions effectively
• Accessories - whether the hardware can include additional features for specific requirements

Consumer vs Enterprise Devices

There are numerous reasons for your business to consider opting for commercial or enterprise-grade devices, including durability, security, maintenance support, and hardware features - all of which can benefit a business through time and cost savings.

• Increased IT time securing data on employee devices
• Reduced time training staff individually to suit their mobile software
• Consumer goods are often fragile and have a short product life cycle

For many businesses, commercial or enterprise-grade mobile devices are needed to effectively conduct inspections through specific features that consumer goods aren't equipped with, such as:

• NFC (Near Field Communication) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
• Extended battery life and ability to swap batteries
• Intrinsically Safe certifications (Zone 1 or Zone 2)
• Durability, including IP (Ingress Protection) sealing
• Ability to include accessories such as car mounts, lanyards, and holsters
• Dedicated barcode scanning, as opposed to camera-based scanning on consumer devices

Company Policy and Device Familiarity

Companies often have a culture and preference for operating systems and opt to use a certain brand and operating system to better synchronise company and employee workflows. When a new mobile device is introduced into the company, time must be invested in training employees on how to use the device and recommended workflows. It must be acknowledged that employees may have existing experience and knowledge of certain hardware, which allows them to begin inspections in the field more quickly.

Device Capabilities to Consider

Mobile devices differ greatly in their specifications and capabilities. Inspectors must consider what is needed for an effective inspection and how different features can optimise their work. Device factors to consider include:

• Touch Screen - ability to draw and make notes on screen, including with gloves or in harsh conditions
• Speech to Text - ability to create and store notes verbally
• Camera Capability - zoom and high-resolution imagery
• Screen Size - how large the screen needs to be to best host the software
• Device Size - the convenience and mobility of working with the device
• Storage - ability to store large files and data banks

Rugged vs Non-Rugged Devices

Inspections are often performed in the field and exposed to numerous elements that may damage or break a device. Consumer devices that are robust such as smartphones and tablets are simply not made for harsh environments. Industrial-grade mobile devices allow inspectors a more durable option; alternatively, rugged cases can be used to protect consumer devices, though users need to be aware of overheating risks.

Inspectors opting for a rugged device may benefit from the following:

1. Cost Saving - A protected device lasts longer. Research from Venture Development Corporation and Total Cost of Ownership studies reported annual savings of up to 17% in field professional applications and 32% in supply chain applications for rugged hardware deployments.
2. Access to Harsh Environments - Rugged devices allow use in environments where unprotected devices are not recommended, such as cold warehouses or open-pit mine sites.
3. Increased Productivity - Equipping employees with durable hardware allows them to focus on tasks and inspections. Unprotected hardware is prone to damage and breakage, which can disrupt or halt workflows.

Making the Right Selection

For many businesses, consumer products may seem like the correct solution due to their accessibility and established awareness of the product. However, these products can ultimately provide businesses with a range of obstacles and problems. If businesses wish to continue using these devices due to company policy, rugged cases can be applied to strengthen them and make them compatible in industrial environments.

In conclusion, businesses must firstly identify the means of use for their inspections, determine clear expectations for device life, and consider what factors need to be catered for. The correct choice of mobile device will have a huge influence on inspector productivity, reduced rates of device failure, and a high percentage of maintenance covered by warranty.

The size and scale of inspections at hand plays a real role when choosing hardware. A small business inspecting inventory may find a consumer smartphone sufficient, while a large organisation with a fleet of inspectors working in harsh environments will need dedicated rugged devices with transferable batteries.