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Rugged mobile computing – consumer products are an “expensive false economy”
The spectre of stringent cuts in government spending has focused public sector investment on projects that improve efficiencies and deliver savings. Mobile computing places intelligence at the fingertips of first responders, enhances mission-critical operations, and improves safety. But consumer products represent an expensive false economy when it comes to meeting the demands of public safety agencies, writes Vincent Kennedy, UK and Ireland Sales Director.
Today, there is growing recognition that mobile computing can deliver against critical drivers: the need to be more efficient, enhance productivity, and cut costs. Mobile computing – using a hand-held or portable device when in transit – places critical information, services, and support at the immediate disposal of first responders and field personnel, connecting them with a wide range of mission-critical applications and back-office systems, as well as colleagues, control and dispatch personnel, and other agencies.
But as budgets come under increased pressure, public safety organisations can no longer afford to invest in the lowest price option – ie the smart phones and PDAs intended for use in consumer markets. Although offered by service providers at minimal or “zero” cost, this low cost of entry is swamped by the total cost of ownership (TCO) over the lifetime of the deployment. Research among over 6,000 IT decision makers and 2,500 mobile workers in Europe and the US, has shown that the mean failure rate for consumer/durable handhelds is 66% over a typical five-year period, while over 80% fail within the first three years. Aside from the initial hardware cost, there are five overheads to consider:
- Software – upfront fees, licence, and customisation
- Development – application design, integration and staging
- Training of users – up front and ongoing
- Operations – maintenance, technical support, upgrades and application management
- Downtime – hardware replacement, servicing, and lost manpower and productivity as a result of device failures
Designed for purpose
Rugged mobile computers are designed for purpose, as opposed to products designed for consumers that have been customised for professional use. Rugged mobile computers can be certified for use in hazardous environments, include design features tailored to operate 24/7, and in uniquely challenging environments. Such devices also ship with the option of an extensive range of accessories and customisable applications, including dispatch, telematics, advanced messaging, and data capture capabilities. This provides scope to enhance ROI (return on investment) from initial spend through overall lifecycle.
The business case becomes even stronger taking into account the managed services option now offered by most vendors of professional mobile computing platforms. The downward pressure on budgets has seen customers, particularly in the public sector, press for more innovative ways to purchase and maintain their mobile fleet. The industry has responded through the design of managed service contracts, which can cover the complete installation, maintenance and management of devices, with the cost of services typically spread over a three- or five-year period.
To significantly extend the boundaries of mobile computing for professional use, Motorola has introduced the MC65 Enterprise Digital Assistant (EDA). Combining instant voice and data communications with advanced desktop features and GPS (global positioning system), the MC65 is one of the toughest and most flexible mobile computers on the market today.
Flexible connectivity and operations
Featuring both 3.5G GSM HSPA and CDMA EVDO Rev A software-configurable cellular radios, Motorola’s MC65 is able to connect to virtually any wireless carrier, allowing users to select the network that will provide the best coverage. For public safety agencies and government agencies with an international remit, this means a single device can be deployed and re-deployed on virtually any network, anywhere in the world, which not only makes purchasing and device management easy, but maximises ROI.
In addition, the MC65 sets out to be a real workforce multiplier — turning paperwork and repeat visits into more tasks completed per day. Its desktop-like performance provides instant access to applications and information resources, and it has the ability to capture, process and transmit just about any type of data on the move, quickly and easily. By combining robust GPS, scanning and camera functions, it provides users with the ability to instantly capture 1D and 2D barcodes, documents, photos, videos, and signatures, add comments, embed a geostamp, and transmit this information back to base.
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This provides controllers/supervisors with all the information they need to make quick decisions and react to situations. For example, a police officer can capture a document, complete with legible fine print and a signature, keeping all forms related to a code enforcement case in hand. If circumstances call for monitoring or surveillance of an ongoing incident, or a visual record of a given situation, the MC65 is able to record and transmit live video.
Most importantly, The MC65 features a customisable user interface that can be configured for use with specialist systems and secure information networks, such as those designed for the emergency services, public safety and other government organisations. While complex devices can leave users struggling to find and access onboard features instead of focusing on the task at hand, the MC65 incorporates the Motorola Enterprise User Interface (MEUI), allowing users to access everything they need to do their job. With a simple tap or two on the keypad, users can access everything from business applications, data capture, and conference call functions, to email and text messages.
Controlling cost of ownership
Designed for superior reliability in the field, the Motorola MC65 is tested for toughness and is resilient to impact from drops, exposure to heat, cold, dust, and moisture. It has passed Motorola’s own stringent drop and tumble tests, and meets environmental sealing, military standard (MIL-STD) and IEC specifications. Structural stability is assured by means of the patented “unibody” housing, plus a special internal component that provides extra protection for sensitive electronics. There’s even a patented spring-loaded accessory interface that prevents damage if the MC65 is dropped while attached to a peripheral, such as a magnetic stripe reader (MSR).
This attention to detail is further complemented in the MC65’s audio performance. Background noise can wreak havoc with phone conversations out in the field. The MC65’s “Dual-Microphone Noise Cancellation” technology makes sure that the only voice anyone you contact will hear is yours. Motorola’s leading-edge noise reduction and echo cancellation technology uses one microphone to capture the speaker’s voice and a second to identify and eliminate distracting background noise, including wind, crowds, vehicles, or other conversations in the area.
Maximising battery life between charges is also essential, and even more so as the capabilities of modern mobile computers are extended. As a new class of device, the MC65 is able to sense its environment and take action to conserve battery power, provide consistent screen visibility, and adjust ringer settings. For example, its integrated accelerometer reacts to motion, or the lack of motion. As users travel from inside buildings to bright sunlight, the display automatically adjusts to save power, ensuring the screen is readable at all times. And when users enter a noisy or quiet area, ringer volume and vibration mode are automatically adjusted. It can also power down to sleep mode when placed face down or remaining untouched for a pre-defined period of time. Furthermore, full access to accelerometer data enables custom applications to be created, for example, to identify a potential man down, so improving the safety of officers in the field.
And to protect your investment long term, Motorola offers its Comprehensive Coverage support program to keep your MC65 devices operating at peak performance. This program sets the standard for post-deployment support by including normal wear and tear, as well as coverage for internal and external components damaged through accidental breakage — significantly reducing your unforeseen repair expenses. This comprehensive service also covers all the items that ship “in the box” at no additional charge, including the stylus, screen protector, hand strap, and battery door.
