The number of frontline mobile workers has hit hyper-drive in recent years, especially driven primarily by transportation/logistics investments and e-commerce influenced retail needs. Another factor has been labor shortages in warehousing, retail, delivery drivers and healthcare. To attract and retain workers, organizations are focusing a larger share of their IT/digital budgets to equip them with rugged mobile devices that can withstand tough environments and improve their productivity. According to VDC Report, the rugged handheld market grew by 3.1% in 2020 and followed that up with an explosive 34.7% growth in 2021 to exceed $3.6B. The expectation is that it will reach $4.1B by 2024.
Challenges in the Mobile Work Environment and the Importance of High Durability
Mobile work environments can be unpredictable and challenging. From extreme temperature fluctuations to exposure to water, dust, and rough handling, mobile devices often operate in less-than-ideal conditions. In such scenarios, the reliability and durability of these devices become critical factors that can affect productivity.
Non rugged devices may fail or get damaged in such environments, leading to disruptions in operations and reduced productivity. High durability and protection levels are vital for mobile devices to maintain stable operational capabilities and prevent work interruptions due to malfunctions. Rugged mobile devices are more durable and create greater value for users within their lifespan.
Based on the findings of the VDC Enterprise Mobility Decision Maker Survey, it is evident that quality, reliability, and durability stand out as the foremost selection criteria when it comes to mobile device choices. These factors are closely intertwined with the specific workflows they cater to, particularly in sectors such as Field Service, Public Safety, Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics, Retail, and Warehousing.
Challenging Environmental Conditions and Corresponding Industrial Standards
Exposure to solids (such as dust and other particles) and liquids (including water and other liquids) pose various risks to mobile devices. Solids can infiltrate the device, causing internal damage, reduced performance, and sensor interference over time. Liquids, on the other hand, can lead to short circuits, corrosion, display damage, battery issues, malfunctioning components, and data loss.
Industrial Standards
The IP Code, also known as the Ingress Protection or International Protection Code, is a standardized rating system that classifies and rates the degree of protection provided by an electrical device, including mobile devices. The first number represents protection against solids and the second number represents protection against liquids. For example, an IP67-rated mobile device has a rating of 6 (the highest level) for protection against solid objects (dust-tight) and a rating of 7 (the highest level is 9) for protection against liquids (immersion up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes).
Drop & Vibration
Drops and vibrations pose significant harm to mobile devices in business use, often resulting in physical damage, internal component displacement, data corruption, and reduced lifespan. In industries like construction, field service, warehousing, and logistics, these occurrences are frequent due to rugged work environments and heavy equipment use. Construction sites involve drops from heights and constant vibrations, while field service technicians encounter drops during inspections and experience vibrations while traveling.
Industrial Standards
The industrial standards for drops and vibrations are commonly referenced in the MIL-STD-810G standard, which is a series of test methods and guidelines developed by the U.S. Department of Defense to evaluate the environmental ruggedness of equipment. Within MIL-STD-810G, there are specific test procedures and criteria related to drops (Test Method 516.7) and vibrations (Test Method 514.7). These standards are widely adopted in various industries, including military, aerospace, and ruggedized consumer, and industrial device manufacturing, to ensure that products can withstand the rigors of different environmental and operational conditions. Compliance with MIL-STD-810G drop and vibration standards is a key indicator of a device's durability and reliability in challenging settings.
Extreme temperatures can cause mobile devices to expand or contract, leading to thermal stress and potential damage, impacting field workers in high heat environments or cold storage facilities. Cold chain logistics often involve operating in temperatures as low as minus 30°C. Extreme cold can cause the screen of ordinary device to freeze or become unresponsive, leading to delays in data input and retrieval. Battery shutdown is also a common issue. High humidity levels can lead to moisture infiltration, causing corrosion and electrical damage, particularly in outdoor or humid climates.
Industrial Standards
Manufacturers subject their devices to environmental testing, following standards like MIL-STD-810 , to ensure durability and resilience in challenging conditions, reducing the risk of harm and operational disruptions.
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