Zebra Technologies, Author at Tech Wire Asia https://techwireasia.com/author/zebra-technologies/ Where technology and business intersect Tue, 02 Apr 2024 04:46:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.4 Zebra Technologies’ TC22 and TC27: An affordable enterprise mobile solution for businesses of every size and industry https://techwireasia.com/04/2024/affordable-enterprise-mobile-solutions-zebra-technologies/ Tue, 02 Apr 2024 04:46:22 +0000 https://techwireasia.com/?p=238552 Discover the impact of Zebra Technologies' affordable TC22 and TC27 mobile computers on SMB productivity.

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Mobile computing plays an essential part in most businesses, regardless of size, connecting workers with data and voice. Workplace devices enable fast, on-the-spot decisions, as employees can access critical information promptly, respond to queries and engage in projects regardless of their physical location.

As a result of this convenience, coupled with the sophistication of today’s smartphones and the transition to home-working, many workers now opt to use their personal devices for work. Indeed, a Gartner survey* taken during the pandemic found that 55 per cent of employees used a personally owned smartphone or laptop to perform their duties.

However, employees will use their consumer-grade products for both work and personal use, making them more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. They also rarely meet the same security standards as bespoke workplace devices, creating a risk of non-compliance with cybersecurity policy. Furthermore, consumer mobiles tend to fall short of the requirements necessary for intensive use in a professional setting, and do not come with enterprise-level support when technical problems arise.

Zebra Technologies now offers a solution with its TC22 and TC27 mobile computers, which combine affordability with top-tier features that enhance productivity and workflow efficiency. Unlike typical consumer-grade smartphones, the TC22 and TC27 are purpose-built and drop tested, ensuring durability that lasts for years whether used inside the warehouse or at the mercy of the harshest outdoor elements. They come with liquid and dust resistance to IP68 and IP65 standards, and the display screen and scanner exit window are made from Corning Gorilla Glass for high durability.

Both the TC22 and TC27 are equipped with Wi-Fi 6/6E** connectivity, with the latter boasting 5G, ensuring constant, lightning-fast data transfer and superior voice quality in different working environments. The devices run on a Qualcomm 5430 2.1GHz processor that delivers twice the performance of its predecessors, meaning seamless multitasking across applications and fast response times.

Source: Zebra Technologies

Designed for usability, the TC22 and TC27 have advanced six-inch FHD+ displays that reduce the need for constant scrolling and can be used in bright sunlight. The ergonomic design, nearly 10 per cent thinner than previous models, runs on Android, guaranteeing access to the latest features and updates as well as a familiar interface, with future upgrades to Android 16 supported.

The devices also integrate enterprise-class scanning options that can read high rise shelfing in the warehouse, first-time-every-time barcode capture and support for contactless transactions and cards stored in Apple or Google wallets; features that are quickly becoming essential for merchants. Moreover, users get a built-in advantage at no-cost with Zebra’s Mobility DNA Professional suite, that provides security updates, lifecycle management and analytics that maximise user productivity and protection from cyber threats.

Source: Zebra Technologies

Both devices offer flexible battery choices to match various work patterns. The standard 3800 mAh battery suits full-shift power needs, while the optional extended 5200 mAh battery caters to multi-shift demands. The removable batteries ensures uninterrupted operations without downtime for charging.

Beyond their core features, the TC22 and TC27 offer purpose-built accessories such as single and multi-slot cradles for various charging options, snap-on trigger handles for quicker scanning and wearable arm mounts for hands-free operation. These accessories are tailored to different work environments, from retail to field service.

Zebra has provided mobile computing solutions for all businesses and budgets for the last 50 years. Unlike consumer smartphones, the TC22 and TC27 are designed specifically for workplace use with powerful business features at an affordable price. They are rugged and durable, working to boost worker productivity. To learn more about what the TC22 and TC27 can do for your business, visit the Zebra product site or contact one of the expert team today.

*Source: https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2021-04-26-gartner-survey-finds-1-in-5-workers-consider-themselves-digital-technology-experts-since-covid-19

**Mobility DNA Enterprise License is required for Wi-Fi 6E

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Choosing a tablet for seamless site work: Boost productivity everywhere in the business with Zebra’s ET60 and ET65 solutions https://techwireasia.com/02/2024/best-rugged-multifunctional-tablet-zebra-technologies/ Tue, 20 Feb 2024 05:04:26 +0000 https://techwireasia.com/?p=237994 Discover Zebra's ET60 and ET65 tablets - rugged, adaptable solutions for varied work needs.

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Fragmented digital environments are common when it comes to site work. Companies tend to introduce new technologies on a case-by-case basis, increasing complexity and managing multiple platforms becomes costly and time-consuming. Furthermore, it does not help that most devices are location-bound and cannot be adapted to work in different work environments, whether that be the office, factory floor or forklift. They may also lack the durability required for jobs involving extreme temperatures, vibrations and water exposure.

Zebra Technologies

Source: Zebra Technologies

A logical solution involves replacing disparate, legacy devices with a single, multipurpose digital solution capable of adapting to different work environments and tasks. This approach simplifies IT infrastructure, reduces expense and enhances productivity. Choosing a specialist provider with significant industrial experience also helps ensure a reliable solution for long-term satisfaction in diverse use cases.

Zebra Technologies‘ recently launched the ET60 and ET65 Android rugged enterprise tablets with ten-inch displays designed to address these challenges. The most versatile in the industry, they can be used primarily as tablets, fitted on a vehicle dock or converted into a laptop for intensive data entry by snapping on an optional fiction hinge keyboard. The models’ adaptability ensures they transition between all work environments, eliminating the need for multiple digital solutions and the headaches of a fragmented hardware environment.

The ET60 and ET65 are purpose-built for challenging working conditions and have been extensively stress-tested for drops onto hard surfaces that exceed MIL-STD-810H, liquid and dust resistance to IP66 standard and extreme temperatures. Both the display screen and scanner exit window are made from Corning Gorilla Glass for high durability, and the display screen is rated at 1000 nits to be clear even in bright sunlight.

In addition to excelling in varied environmental conditions, the ET60 and ET65 go beyond conventional capabilities. The devices come equipped with front and rear cameras that can capture diverse data types like barcodes, registration plates and Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) via Zebra’s proprietary OCR Wedge to improve workforce efficiency and accuracy. The 16MP camera is ideal for occasional barcode scanning, but users can also use the integrated SE55 scan engine with IntelliFocus™ technology to capture barcodes as far as 12.2 metres away. With removable batteries allowing for full-shift or multi-shift use, hot-swap battery mode and no-battery configurations when in-vehicle, the ET60/ET65 ensures uninterrupted operations wherever it is stationed.

To support the cold chain environment, Zebra has a purpose-built ET60 Freezer model that can be mounted on a patent-pending rugged vehicle dock. This model thrives in sub-zero environments through its heated touch panel that reduces condensation, heated pogo pins to avoid loss of connection, securely covered ports that increase its longevity and adjustable warehouse keyboard for gloved operations.

Zebra Technologies

Source: Zebra Technologies

Another issue with retaining fragmented, legacy devices is their lack of ongoing support. This creates vulnerabilities and hampers the devices’ ability to adapt to evolving technological landscapes. However, Zebra’s ET60 and ET65 provide a long lifecycle with four years availability for sale and up to eight years of service and support. The tablets ship with Zebra’s Mobility DNA, a suite of complimentary software that helps optimise, integrate, manage, secure and deploy devices. Optional LifeGuard™ for Android provides regular operating system and security patches, offering greater protection against security threats – there was a hack on Australian assets every six minutes[1] in the first half of 2023 – reducing risk and extending the device’s lifespan.

ET60 and ET65 are powered by fast Qualcomm 6490 octa-core 2.7 GHz processors designed to support the fastest networks, plus the AI and machine learning apps of tomorrow. The devices are compatible with the latest wireless networks, Wi-Fi 6/6E and come with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for maximum IIoT connectivity. The ET65 model also adds 5G connectivity for public and private networks and improved outdoor performance.

The ET60 and ET65 tablets have been purpose-built to cater to diverse work environments, from warehouses, ports and yards to manufacturing plant floors, working outdoors and in freezer units. They offer multiple uses in one device, reliability, security and longevity. To learn more about the ET60 and ET65, visit the Zebra product site or contact one of the expert team today.

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Tablets for every industry: How Zebra Technologies is meeting business needs https://techwireasia.com/03/2023/zebra-technologies-tablets-for-every-industry/ Tue, 28 Mar 2023 06:46:04 +0000 https://techwireasia.com/?p=227355 While tablets are indispensable, different industries require specific features such as ruggedness, security, portability, etc., which Zebra Technologies provides.

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Tablets have become vital in many industries, serving as versatile tools that can aid productivity and enhance the overall efficiency of various operations. However, it is important to recognise that different verticals have distinct needs and requirements that call for specific types of tablets.

The importance of choosing the right tablet for your industry

In the transportation and logistics industry, for instance, rugged and durable tablets are necessary to withstand the humps and bumps that drivers and delivery personnel often encounter. These tablets should have features such as waterproofing, shock resistance, and long battery life. Additionally, they should have GPS capabilities and software that can help with route optimisation and real-time tracking of deliveries.

On the other hand, in the warehouse industry, tablets should be  ingress protection (IP) rated to withstand dust and water. They should also have barcode scanners as options and be able to connect to Wi-Fi networks for accurate inventory management. These tablets should be able to withstand accidental drops and have long battery life since workers may spend hours on their feet without the opportunity to charge their devices.

In retail, tablets can be used to serve as mobile or on-demand hybrid point-of-sale (POS) systems, instantly creating an on-demand complete POS anywhere in the store for queue busting to improve customer satisfaction. These tablets should have large, responsive touch screens to provide an intuitive, user-friendly experience. They should also be lightweight and portable to allow easy store mobility.

In the healthcare industry, tablets should be designed with hygiene in mind. They should be easy to clean and disinfect since they are often used in medical settings where infection control is critical. These tablets should also have dedicated scanners to scan 1D/2D barcodes in practically any condition to ensure positive patient identification. An added advantage would be to have a programmable button that can be used to activate an app or first responder in the event of a medical emergency.

In the government sector, tablets should prioritise security features to protect sensitive information. Government workers may handle classified documents and data, so the tablets they use must have strong encryption capabilities, password protection, and other security features that prevent unauthorised access.

Zebra Technologies: Tough is Easy. Tailored is Critical.

It is important for businesses to recognise the needs of their industry and choose tablets that cater to those needs. Investing in the right type of tablet can help improve productivity, increase efficiency, and reduce errors.

Numerous rugged tablets are available, but to achieve something exceptional, you require a tablet that is robust and intelligent. Zebra Technologies aims to surpass toughness and empower users to redefine success on their terms. Their tagline, “Tough is Easy. Tailored is Critical” reinforces their commitment to providing the right tablet for every business need.

Reimagine your workday with a purpose-built tablet tailored to your needs. The rugged performance of the tablet is beyond industry standards, whether Windows or Android, and is fully configurable, secure, simple to deploy, and adapts to your work style.

Let’s discuss the two key models from Zebra Technologies that can help fulfil your customers’ needs – ET4X series and L10 series.

The ET4X series(ET40 and ET45 Enterprise Tablets) are perfect for increasing efficiency in various industries. The ET40 come equipped with  Wi-Fi 6 wireless connectivity for those working indoors. With the  secure push-to-talk (PTT Express), workers can initiate an instant broadcast PTT call, and call recipients can respond either to the entire group – or only to the original caller via the private response key to allow for easy collaboration.

Zebra Technologies

Zebra’s ET40-HC Tablet and ET40 – 8inch Rugged Android Tablet

For those working on the road, the ET45’s 5G and Wi-Fi 6 technology provide the fastest and most reliable wireless connections. Integrated barcode scanning, high-resolution camera, and easy-to-use operating system make pickups and deliveries seamless. Available in 8inch or 10inch, dispatch can see the location of all drivers, reducing mileage and fuel costs. Add in the optional Workforce Connect Push-To-Talk (PTT) Pro two-way radio and secure text messaging, the drivers are always accessible, leading to more efficient and collaborative teamwork.

Lastly, the L10 Rugged Tablets are designed for use in extreme environments and are tested to meet military standards to ensure reliable performance in a variety of harsh environments. With familiar Android or Windows OS, and available in different form factors for different use cases, making it easy to operate. L10 offers comprehensive ports, and if that isn’t enough, there’s the optional RS232 serial port to suit the various end-user requirements.

As businesses continue to evolve and grow, so do their technology needs. That’s why its L10ax Windows is designed to meet the demands of the modern business landscape. With support for 5G and Wi-Fi 6E, one of the key benefits is its faster wireless speeds and lower latencies, which helps to deliver information effectively. This means businesses can enjoy a seamless and uninterrupted wireless experience, even in high-traffic areas. At the same time, the optional extended battery life of up to 25 hours makes it possible to work multiple shifts without interruptions.

Are you looking for the right tablet to suit your organisation’s needs? Take part in this interactive survey to see Zebra Technologies tablet recommendations that best suit your organization’s needs. For a limited time only, receive a $20 voucher (terms & conditions apply) when you submit your survey results to Zebra Technologies.

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Rugged Tablets vs Consumer Grade Devices: Choosing the right device for your business https://techwireasia.com/02/2023/rugged-vs-consumer-business-device-choice-2/ Thu, 23 Feb 2023 22:41:18 +0000 https://techwireasia.com/?p=226361 Choosing between a tablet or smartphone for your business involves considering factors such as intended use, industry requirements, and after-sales support.

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The debate around choosing rugged tablets or consumer-grade devices as the primary device for your business has been ongoing for years. With the introduction of new technology and new features in both devices, it is vital to take a step back and consider the various factors that come into play when making a decision.

What does “purpose-built” mean?

When choosing a device for your business, you may come across the term “purpose-built.” It refers to devices designed specifically for business use to meet enterprise customers’ specific needs. A purpose-built device is typically optimized for performance, security, and reliability and is made with enterprise-grade components. Purpose-built devices differ from consumer-grade devices, which are designed for personal use and may not have the same performance, security, nor reliability level as enterprise-grade devices.

So why choose a rugged tablet over a consumer-grade device for your business? Rugged tablets are designed to withstand harsh or demanding environments, thanks to their hardened specifications. These features include drop specification, which refers to the height a device can be dropped onto a hard surface without sustaining damage. Another feature is tumble specification, which are conducted using a specification-defined test device that rotates while the device is inside causing the device to free-fall drop, tumble, bump and scrape similar to clothes in a dryer while still functioning properly. Rugged tablets even meet military standards (MIL-STD) for durability, which include the abilities to withstand temperature extremes, vibration, shock, and more.

Rugged tablets provides more versatile than consumer-grade devices, with a larger screen that’s better for productivity and multi-tasking, plus a larger removeable battery better suited for longer mobile working hours and hot swappable to ensure no down time. These features make rugged tablets a better choice for businesses that require a durable and reliable device for their workforce.

enterprise-grade tablets

Source: Zebra Technologies

Verticals that can utilise tablets

With a tablet’s larger screen in the transportation and logistics industry, drivers can use a device to view delivery instructions, access maps, and complete forms easily. Workers can use the tablet in a warehouse setting to manage inventory, scan barcodes, and track shipments.

Retail associates, delivery drivers, and others understand the importance of mobile technology in their work and can utilise handheld portable computers with built-in scanners. A study by Zebra Technologies found that 85% of retail associates worldwide feel they could provide a better customer experience with such devices. These enterprise-grade tablets are more suitable for job requirements than consumer-grade tablets.

Tablets are not limited to just retail and logistics industries; they can also be used by government agencies, such as border control and emergency services, for mobile data collection and communication. Retailers can use tablets for customer engagement, displaying product information and conducting transactions. Healthcare professionals can use tablets for electronic medical records, telemedicine, and patient monitoring.

enterprise-grade tablets

Source: Zebra Technologies

Different tablets tailored to different industry needs

When choosing a tablet for your business, the most crucial factor is finding one that is purpose-built for your specific industry’s needs. For example, a tablet used in a warehouse setting may require durability for handling, long battery life for extended shifts, and a barcode scanner for inventory management. The tablet’s operating system is also a critical consideration.  Windows tablets are often used in these settings to offer compatibility with a wide range of enterprise applications.

A tablet used by a healthcare professional may require features such as a medical-grade certification for sanitary use, a large and clear screen for displaying medical information, and secure storage for sensitive patient data. Android tablets are commonly used in the healthcare industry due to their flexibility and customizable nature. These requirements reflect the specific demands of each industry and underscore the importance of choosing a purpose-built tablet with the appropriate operating system, ruggedisation and peripherals for the intended use.

enterprise-grade tablets

Source: Zebra Technologies

Why good after-sales support and regular security patches are important

Having good after-sales support is crucial when it comes to enterprise-grade devices. This support can help you resolve any issues or problems with your device and ensure that it remains secure and reliable. Regular security patches are essential to keep your device safe, particularly for enterprise-grade devices that are used for business operations involving sensitive information. This can help prevent potential data breaches and maintain the security of your device.

Choosing the right device for your business is a crucial decision, and purpose-built tablets, like those offered by Zebra, are designed specifically for business use and are optimised for performance, security, and reliability.

Zebra rugged tablets offer customisable features such as keyboards, additional extended capacity hot-swappable batteries, and integrated scanners to fit the specific demands of your working day. Choose from Windows 10 or Android operating systems and stay connected from virtually anywhere.

Ready to find the perfect tablet for your business? Take the survey from Zebra to determine which tablet would best suit your organisation’s needs.

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Is your retail workforce ready for the future of shopping? https://techwireasia.com/08/2022/omnichannel-retailers-retail-workforce-sales-ai-artificial-intelligence-saas-machine-learning/ Wed, 17 Aug 2022 05:55:37 +0000 https://techwireasia.com/?p=220766 Industry commentators note changing perceptions of payments spreading from B2C spaces to B2B. Omnichannel gaining traction, with fraud prevention measures ensuring safer and smoother transaction experiences.

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As global spending habits change, retailers have a laundry list of things that need fixing. The transition to digital channels means that traditional stores need to embrace omnichannel. Post-pandemic hiring dilemmas, supply chain holdups, and limited shelf space mean that retail pros really have their work cut out for them – staying professional, profitable, and productive in the so-called ‘new normal’.

Not only have shoppers moved online, but even when they do go to the store, retail buyers now make more purposeful visits, expecting to buy more items per visit and making fewer ‘store runs’ than they might have before.

Take US shoppers, for instance. Shipstation reports that more than half of online shoppers are now less likely to shop with physical retailers who lack the contactless fulfillment options that they have grown accustomed to, such as buy online pick up in store (BOPIS) or curbside pickups. And as RIS’s 31st Annual Retail Technology Study illustrates, many of these changes are here to stay: over a third of retailers already offer curbside pickup (33%) and instore pickup or return (40%), and 70% say they will implement both in the next two years.

retailers

That retailers are embracing digital innovations to accelerate their business transformations should come as little surprise. After all, the same study reported that more than half of retailers saw revenue increases in 2021 on the back of record sales highs of US$6.59 trillion, a 53% rise over a decade. And yet despite that, retail employment is still down, with at least 158,000 fewer retail workers in the industry than before February 2020.

At the same time, online-acclimatised customers can be said to be more demanding than ever, expecting fast service and speedy fulfillment. With such shifting market dynamics, retailers are discovering that technology is a priority, with 60% saying in the RIS study that they were upping their innovation spending.

Specifically, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning has been capturing sellers’ attention for its potential to accelerate efficiencies in multiple aspects of the business. In fact, global retail spending on AI exceeded US$2 billion in 2018, indicating the heightened expectations of the technology before the pandemic – and AI expenditure is only predicted to grow substantially in the years ahead.

 

retailers

Retailers are actively complementing various aspects of their stores with the multifaceted, intelligent capabilities of AI including optimising their staff scheduling, streamlining task execution and monitoring, and empowering sales associates to communicate better in-store. Some retailers have already cottoned on to the capabilities of AI to evaluate sales data, including historical data, to better determine what items should be stocked more, optimising pricing using simulated scenarios, and which promotions work best in different outlets.

Implementing different systems for different applications can be costly and as burdensome as the cost to replace the shortfall in skilled labour. This is where Zebra Technologies’ SaaS suite, Reflexis,  helps retailers address a range of issues including empowering frontliners, streamlining labour and communication, and easing execution workflows.

Zebra’s Reflexis hosts real-time task management, store operations, and workforce management solutions all in one AI-powered platform – allowing retailers to simplify workflows for retail locations, yet optimise both labour and inventory to streamline work execution (as well as workforce expenditure) to be more efficient.

retailers

Reflexis harnesses AI to coordinate in-store activities across the organization, using a straightforward and easy-to-grasp interface – improving the in-store experience for both the user and the customer, but also improving retail associate engagement and retention rates, parlaying that into an increased focus on driving sales and profitability.

Reflexis reduces costs and complexity, as a unified, cloud-hosted platform to replace costly, disparate systems. Zebra’s solution provides 360-degree visibility over the operation, and utilises AI to maximise spend by aligning labour to meet customer demand in a targeted fashion, helping achieve sales and profitability targets.

Each Reflexis module is robust on its own, but function seamlessly together to simplify store operations, maximize labour, and measure progress. Find out what Reflexis can do for your workforce and your retail location, get in touch with Zebra today.

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Beyond the IT Department’s Idea of MDM: Focus on Dedicated Operations Technology https://techwireasia.com/06/2022/business-focus-mobile-endpoint-management-scanners-barcode-warehouse-wms-best-review/ Thu, 16 Jun 2022 02:41:44 +0000 https://techwireasia.com/?p=219082 Ask any technology expert about MDM (mobile device management), and they will tell you it’s most commonly found in businesses that need to track their users’ smartphones, tablets and laptops. Like many technical terms, MDM is a broad definition that today can also encompass desktop computers in users’ homes (when employees work from home, for... Read more »

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Ask any technology expert about MDM (mobile device management), and they will tell you it’s most commonly found in businesses that need to track their users’ smartphones, tablets and laptops. Like many technical terms, MDM is a broad definition that today can also encompass desktop computers in users’ homes (when employees work from home, for example) and specialist devices used in retail and warehousing environments.

The broad sweep of devices covered by many MDM platforms is also the most significant failing for certain enterprise use cases. In large warehouses, medical organizations or retail settings, MDM solutions often started their evolution as management and cybersecurity systems for the IT Helpdesk, covering smartphones and laptops. When we think of device management, we immediately (and rightly) assume the person in the administrator’s chair is an IT professional.

In many settings, the need for specialist knowledge of mobile device oversight platforms is apparent, yet MDM doesn’t fulfil a complete brief. To take a single example of the mismatch, today cellphones’ batteries are not replaceable so MDM will not monitor the battery life of, for instance, barcode scanners and charging points. It’s capabilities like these that just aren’t built into the platform.

MDM

Furthermore, the practical insights that operational decision-makers need are missing from the IT-centric MDM platform. When devices on the warehouse or engineering facility floor are not functioning at their optimal, it negatively affects the business. There are no predictive insights available about device health (most MDM platforms equate “malware-free” with “healthy”), so there are significant dangers around device failure completely stopping an employee’s workflow. In automated systems of production, a single point of failure can mean a complete halt to operations.

Device printers, batteries and overall operational integrity are critical metrics in many industries on devices used for long hours for almost every aspect of a day’s work. It’s imperative, therefore, that keeping handheld devices safe onsite is just the starting point: information feeds need to correspond with the business’s strategic needs and be 100% relevant to maintaining focus on efficiency and workflow.

It’s also vital that information gets presented in ways that show the correct information in real-time, clearly and with a minimum of specialist technology knowledge assumed. The presentation “layer” of traditional MDM platforms is unsuited to a solution designed to be used outside the IT department. Outside of IT, the presentation of key information is much more likely to need to reach a broad audience. Thankfully, specialist platforms in the MDM space present data in a top-down manner, where key insights are surfaced, yet with the capability for operators to “dill down” through informational layers to create a complete picture.

In retail, medical and logistics enterprises, proactive action has to be taken before problems with mobile devices occur. That ability stands on real-time and historical data being available to administrators and managers who oversee overall production. The same data will show where resources are tight and where there is spare capacity, plus where there are opportunities for cost savings and greater efficiency.

MDM

Designed from the ground up not as an IT management and cybersecurity tool but as a management platform for use in business-critical settings, the Zebra VisibilityIQ Foresight platform is today’s standard by which others are judged. The back end software hosted in the cloud provides historical and real-time data on which proper decision-making can be based. It presents data feeds from many thousands of devices in aggregated, clearly-laid out displays containing all the required information for busy operators and decision-makers.

The software platform leverages the latest in AI algorithmic processing to quickly show where resources are required and how existent devices and peripherals are functioning across distributed sites. The platform generates actionable insights from historical data and shows newly-emerging trends in real-time.

Zebra VisibilityIQ Foresight works alongside existing MDM solutions or can be dropped into place as a system refresh, integrating with other enterprise management systems as part of a coherent and business-focussed IT stack. Strategising can only occur based on interconnected technologies and point products designed for specific use-cases. Foresight grants retail, medical and warehousing operational managers the information they need every day, turning technology to the business’s gain.

To learn more about Zebra VisibilityIQ Foresight and how it can help you transform your data gathering and presentation for mobile devices, reach out to a specialist advisor near you today.

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The path to a connected frontline workforce https://techwireasia.com/04/2022/the-path-to-a-connected-frontline-workforce/ Wed, 27 Apr 2022 08:18:54 +0000 https://techwireasia.com/?p=217962 Zebra Workforce ConnectTM: A complete unified platform that consolidates critical workflows into one fully connected device

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Our world is getting more collaborative, integrated, and connected. With every passing technological advancement, tasks are getting more automated, workflows more streamlined, and remote communication more accessible—generations of work, from the Industrial Revolution to Industry 4.0, experience bursts of innovation. From the steam engine accelerating the supply chain in the 18th century to high-speed internet and automation changing the face of the industry today, work has always been about adapting to the new.

Leveraging the latest technologies has always meant higher operational efficiencies and better agility for business owners and decision-makers. It’s where value is found and where savings and productivity boosts can hide. Business cohesiveness needs to extend to processes and people who enact them, day in and day out.

In 2022, having a connected workplace, where disparate employees work at home or in offices  can have access to all assets, products, and business services means centralizing as much as possible into one device. Such a device houses all components necessary for organizations to stay organized, implement change, and manage their services to customers and employees.

What can a connected workforce do for your business?

A connected worker and a more connected workforce aren’t the futures that we’re aiming toward; it’s what proactive, successful business owners are embracing right now. A Harvard Business Review report revealed that 86% of organizations believe their frontline workers need better technology-enabled insights to make good decisions at work.

Consider this: Over 80% of the current global workforce is deskless (no designated workspace). They occupy industries ranging from healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and hospitality to construction. These frontline workers amount to 2.7 billion deskless employees worldwide and failing to engage them only leads to gaps in collaboration, low motivation, and operational inefficiencies. Businesses must ensure that workers  stay connected.

Connected Workforce

Equipping the frontline workforce with the right technology

The frontline worker has traditionally been underserved by technology. Although these workers have consistently been essential to our society, they somehow fall out of focus when it comes to the investment priorities of organizations.

The pandemic was a catalyst for spurring rapid digital transformation for information workers, and data suggests we’re at a similar inflection point for the frontline workforce. Choosing the right communication tool to support these at-the-coalface employees only strengthens workplace efficiencies.

A complete unified platform that consolidates critical workflows into one fully connected device is a solution by Zebra Workforce ConnectTM. It’s where communication and information flow freely, and the gaps between teams, workflows, and data sharing are narrowed by keeping all things “work” on one powerful hand-held tool.

An ideal, unified digital workplace solution can transform a business by empowering its frontline workers. All required apps and platforms a business needs are hosted, closing the communication gaps between staff, consolidating key workflows, and keeping mission-critical data streams available.

Today, many frontline workers use multiple devices to reach and understand data and communicate with other parties throughout the day. Breakages and unreliable information result in ‘comms disconnects,’ costing businesses time and money. Points where this is primarily a problem include employees switching devices to get the job done.

A solution like Zebra Workforce Connect offers a convenient way to carry all workers’ voice and data communications capabilities into one easy-to-use and easy-to-manage device. With Zebra Technologies’ mobile computers, workers can access business applications and information. The devices also work like a global walkie-talkie that enables push-to-talk calls with other co-workers  over any WiFi or cellular network.

Zebra’s mobile computers with Workforce Connect can also be used as a mobile desk phone that allows workers to take and make Private Branch Exchange (PBX) calls anywhere in your facility. The platform enables workers to exchange secure text messages with other users anywhere.

When it comes to the retail industry, Workforce Connect empowers retail associates by shifting their work from transactional tasks to higher-value  collaborations that  elevates the customer  experience through access to real-time information. In the healthcare sector, caregivers can increase patient safety leading to better outcomes with instant access to assistance and medical records. And in the world of manufacturing, transportation & logistics, Workforce Connect can enhance workflows and location visibility across the warehouse and in the field, leading to improved productivity levels.

It’s time to close the information and communication gaps, and usher in a new era of transformation. Learn more about how Zebra Workforce Connect can help you make an impact where it counts.

The post The path to a connected frontline workforce appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

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