Mobile Computing Thought Leadership

31. Android In The Rugged Enterprise 5/21/2018

    Mobility platforms in the enterprise space are currently undergoing a major transition for a number of reasons. For example, Microsoft has announced end of support dates within only a couple of years for mobile computer operating systems such as Windows CE, WM, Embedded Hand Held and Windows 10 IoT. Once these dates are reached, existing devices with these operating systems will not receive patches/security updates from Microsoft and extended support for existing devices will be left to the manufacturers. As a result, manufacturers are forced to release product with operating systems that will be supported long term.

32. 5 Ways To Tell If Your “Rugged” Tablet, Laptop, Or Handheld Is A Knock-Off 4/2/2018

    Xplore has been in the rugged mobility business for more than 20 years. In fact, we’re the only manufacturer that has exclusively designed and delivered rugged tablet-based mobility solutions for global industry for more than two decades. So, we know rugged. It isn’t something we “also” do like many other device manufacturers that also build and sell an extensive lineup of non-rugged or desktop computers, or even vacuum cleaners or air conditioners. 

33. Mobile Workers Take Note Of Tablets’ Handwriting Skills 4/2/2018

    Did you know that cursive has been dropped from the Common Core Curriculum Standards shared by all U.S. states? Yet handwriting is still the fastest way to write in this digital – or should I say mobile computing – age. And, despite being the most efficient way to capture data in long or short form, cursive has been replaced by typing – at least in mandatory school lessons. Sure, kids still have to be able to print. But for those of us old enough to remember the hours spent in front of lined paper perfecting our up and down strokes, there’s a reason cursive was etched in our brains and pens were glued to our hands for our most important assignments. Even for those tedious, data-heavy 10+ page reports.

34. The State Of Field Services 2018 3/21/2018

    Traditional hardware manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are all struggling with profitable revenue growth. The historic business model that was based on “Make, Sell, Ship + Attached Service” has either collapsed or is showing signs of duress. So, who can OEM’s count on to play a key role in the transformation that needs to take place? Field services.  

35. Tips For Taking Field Service Technicians Live With Mobile Systems 3/19/2018

    The ability of a field service organization (FSO) to meet its business objectives is based on exceeding customer expectations by providing fast response and resolution, if not predictive failure and scheduled maintenance. These results depend on daily or “live” usage of the mobile technician system, or field service software. 

36. Wish Your Field Techs Had More “Wrench Time”? Give them Better Mobile Tech Tools 3/16/2018

    Did you know that nearly half of the field service technicians claim “paperwork and administrative tasks” are the worst part of their day? Or that, despite the “digitalization” of field service sector, technicians still waste an unacceptable amount of time looking for information to do their jobs? These revelations,uncovered in a study conducted by The Service Council,clearly indicate that it’s not enough to digitize some forms if you’re striving for greater technician productivity and workflow efficiency.

37. 5 Ways To Tell If Your “Rugged” Tablet, Laptop Or Handheld Is A Knock-Off 2/26/2018

    On the surface, an IP65, IP67 or IP68-rated device may seem to provide sufficient protection against your commonly-encountered hazards: dust and water. However,deeming a tablet, laptop or handheld PC that will be used in professional environments as “rugged” using a single spec is not just risky, but irresponsible.

38. Why You Shouldn’t Risk Using Consumer Apps For Work Communication 2/13/2018

    For most workers today, instant messaging or chat is a must-have to power real-time communication and collaboration. But conducting work communications over consumer apps is a risky undertaking. From security to central administration, there are many reasons you shouldn’t risk using consumer apps for work communication.

39. Integrated Communication Apps: Get Employees On The Same Page 2/13/2018

    The collaboration and communication tech markets are inextricably linked—at least in terms of how business users expect them to operate. It’s the vendors that tend to be miles apart, which can cause pain for users. I covered the distinction between communication and collaboration in a previous blog with this key takeaway; you can collaborate all day long but unless you communicate in real-time, productivity takes a hit and things can very quickly start to break down. That’s why it’s so important for these two functions to be connected through technologies like integrated communication apps.

40. Is The Business Market Finally Folding On Laptops? 2/9/2018

    In a world where hybrids are in high demand and mashups are clearly not happening by mistake, one might be inclined to stop gambling on “pure form” technologies such as laptops, desktops and tablets. After all, there are a slew of industry analyst statistics indicating a trend towards more flexible computing platforms.