New technologies make it possible for people to be more responsive and productive, but historically it has been difficult to find a single mobility solution that fits all operational needs, and that's because there isn't one. No. While consumer mobile devices with secure enclosures work for certain industries, others require dedicated technology that has a specific purpose and can work in any condition. At Samsung, we recently commissioned a study that found that rugged devices like rugged smartphones and tablets are proving to be a popular choice for some industries looking to equip their workers with the best tools to succeed. Among those surveyed, more than half of decision makers said they are implementing robust technology now, and 94% of those who admitted wanting to invest in more rugged devices in the future. These numbers represent an impressive step forward for a robust market that is experiencing a rapid rate of adoption. With rugged devices—smartphones, tablets, and wearables designed to perform in harsh environments and conditions—now combining power and beauty in the most sophisticated package yet, we examine why more and more businesses are turning to the rugged mobility solution.
Reduce risk
Before exploring the benefits of robust technology, it is essential to understand the importance of implementing an enterprise mobility fleet. From the research, it is clear that more than four in ten workers regularly use their personal mobile in a work environment, often more than five hours a day, presenting a number of problems for employers and employees. . When we look at construction, the industry that uses the most personal devices at work (52%), it's not hard to see where the risk is coming from. A construction site is a precarious place for a consumer device, and those using their own smartphone on site are at high risk of damage and ultimately limiting their productivity. That is why toughness remains the main attraction factor for these devices. More than half (58%) of those using rugged technology said its durability was the top benefit, and 84% said their performance improved without having to worry about device breakage. The rugged, modern phone combines the familiarity of a conventional device with the military-grade ruggedness needed to get the job done; They are easy to wear, hard to break. The risks are not limited to a broken screen. By allowing employees to use their own devices, which lack the benefits of enterprise-wide security software, organizations risk opening a gateway for cybercriminals to hack into their network. The financial and reputational implications of a data breach can be devastating and are not worth leaving to chance. This was reflected in our results, as more than half of users feel more secure when equipped with a rugged enterprise device than when using their own.
Cost efficiency
Anyone looking to invest in a fleet of rugged devices is undoubtedly thinking long term. The cost of repairing and maintaining a regular phone on an ad hoc basis may seem small taken in isolation, but in a mobility fleet, the financial expense will undoubtedly increase. Also, while rugged devices were once much more expensive, the price gap between them and consumer devices is narrowing and significantly lowering up-front costs. Of those currently implementing robust technology, 91% say they have already seen long-term cost reduction, with savings on repairs and replacements being the main economic driver. In addition, the labor time saved by not having to wait for a device to be repaired contributed to the financial benefits for nearly half of those surveyed. Among those who do not implement or use robust technology, the financial impacts do not seem as obvious as one might think. Of those surveyed, 73% of non-users said they had never considered the economic benefits of investing in devices built to last.
Perenniality
While many industries are ramping up their digital transformation plans as a result of recent months, with the UK averaging nearly six years, those investing in new technology are likely to do so with the next decade in mind. This means that the hardware they invest in must have the ability to stand the test of time and adapt to developments in technology and innovation. The 5G revolution is underway and will undoubtedly change the way businesses operate in the UK. This new era of connectivity will allow concepts like smart factories and augmented reality to become tangible possibilities in industrial supply chains. Devices will activate this connectivity. As robust technology begins to embed 5G capability in the coming years, we will see a hardware solution that enables enterprises to maximize the lifespan of their mobile fleets and lay the foundation for success in a new era. . This is an ethic that has been reflected in the attitudes of respondents, with almost two-thirds (60%) of respondents believing that robust technology will be imperative for their industry in the next two years and 61% saying that devices More resilient will be a vital part of the 5G revolution.
Perfect sturdy
For companies to reap the full range of benefits discussed above, device manufacturers must use their expertise to create devices that are tailored to the needs of their customers. As hard as they are to break, they should also be easy to use. The rugged devices of 2020 no longer resemble the bulky phones that were initially iconic in the category. Modern devices strike a balance between functionality and affordability. They offer the best protection against the elements while offering a number of innovative features, such as barcode scanning, point-of-sale software and push-to-talk functionality, allowing businesses to invest in one multifunction phone instead of several. specialists. and enable frontline workers to get the job done with the ease and familiarity of a consumer device. By presenting workers with a device that resembles their personal smartphone or tablet, companies minimize the adjustment period that can often be a byproduct of digitization. Employees can immediately feel the benefits of the new devices, maximizing productivity to focus on building our homes, patrolling our streets, and making those crucial deliveries.