To the regular user, a consumer tablet is a great tool for entertainment, communication, learning and convenience. However, the average consumer doesn’t have to worry about the same durability specifications that a commercial user requires. If you are considering integrating a mobile tablet into your operations with the goal of streamlining processes and procedures, it is important to be fully aware of the total cost of ownership and differences between a consumer tablet and one built specifically for rugged environments.
1. Durability and long-term support
One of the key differences between a tablet from a big-box store and the tablets designed for use in the field is the amount of wear-and-tear they can be expected to withstand.
A standard tablet used on a construction site or in a warehouse will undoubtedly encounter countless hazards that could compromise the performance of the device: dust, debris, moisture, drops to rough surfaces, and temperature variation, to name a few. Making the investment in a tablet that is designed for the conditions in which it will be used saves time and money. It also ensures operations won’t stall due to device failure.
A rugged tablet (Tactile represents a number of manufacturers) is custom-designed for rugged industries, built to withstand six-foot drops to a concrete floor, and sealed to IP65 to protect against spills. That kind of reliability just doesn’t exist for consumer models.
2. Variation of functionality
Today, many rugged tablets come enterprise-ready, equipped with full Windows operating systems. Across enterprise, rapid processing, reliable communications, and robust system memory are essential. Tactile’s ultra-rugged tablets are built to ensure you never miss a beat, even in the most extreme temperatures or environmental conditions.
3. Rugged design
Consumer tablets offer few options for customisation. In industrial applications, however, flexibility is a must when it comes to peripherals, I/O ports, and mounting options. Tactile’s tablets offer custom-designed vehicle docks with quick-release functionality, multiple I/O ports including serial, micro USB, micro SD, audio, and standard USB, along with integrated 1D/2D bar code scanners and optional RFID readers.
4. Total cost of ownership
The sticker price of a consumer tablet may initially seem lower than the price of a rugged tablet, but when comparing tablets, consider the true cost, or total cost of ownership (TCO). When a device fails, mobile workers lose 50 to 80 minutes of productivity on average. This is significant when you take into account that productivity loss represents roughly 20% of a tablet’s TCO.
When a tablet is not built for industrial environments, the risk for damage also increases, and thus so does the cost over the long term. In fact, TCO declines as the ruggedness factor of a tablet increases. According to research by Venture Development Corporation, the TCO for rugged mobile devices over three to five years is 15% lower than non-rugged devices.
Bottom line
When considering whether to purchase a consumer tablet or rugged tablet for your work site, consider these risks and rewards. Saving on the initial investment is most likely not worth the replacement cost, functionality compromise and productivity loss related to not having the proper tablet in place for the job.
By selecting a tool that fits the form and function workers need to complete their work correctly, rugged tablets are a significant asset in keeping demanding work environments connected and efficient.
