In fast-paced environments, every second counts and your enterprise devices like rugged handhelds and tablets are essential tools for day-to-day operations such as order picking, managing inventory & tracking shipments. However, devices can quickly wear out, leading to costly downtime and lost productivity. That’s why it’s crucial to optimise them to ensure peak performance and reliability.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best practices for getting more from your enterprise devices. We’ll discuss strategies for choosing the right accessories, smart battery technology, utilising analytics to monitor device performance, ensuring secure storage, and keeping on-top-of software updates and patches.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear roadmap for optimising your devices for use in demanding settings, boosting your productivity, and streamlining your operations. So, if you’re ready to take your warehouse to the next level, let’s dive in!
When it comes to mobile devices, accessories are often an afterthought. Choosing the right accessories can make a world of difference in how effectively and efficiently you can use your device. This is particularly true in challenging settings, where devices are subjected to rough handling, exposure to dust and moisture, and extreme temperatures.
Investing in the right accessories can help protect your devices from damage, extend their lifespan, and improve the user experience. For example, a rugged case can provide an easier way to carry and protect your device from drops and impacts, while a screen protector can guard against scratches and smudges.
In addition to protection and comfort, accessories can also enhance the functionality of your device. For example, a Zebra connect cradle can turn your device into a powerful desktop replacement. By enabling your Zebra mobile device to double as a desktop workstation, you can increase your return on investment and simplify infrastructure requirements.
To keep up with the ever-growing demand, devices are often in use for multiple shifts throughout the day. Swappable batteries allow you to quickly replace a depleted battery with a fully charged one, without having to shut down your device or wait for it to charge. This can save valuable time and keep your operations running smoothly. Swappable batteries also extend the lifespan of your device, as you can replace a worn-out battery without having to replace the entire device.
Replacement batteries aren’t just about convenience and cost savings. They can also be equipped with BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) tracking technology, which allows you to monitor the location and status of your batteries in real-time. This is particularly useful in a warehouse or third-party logistics (3PL) setting, where batteries can easily get misplaced or stolen. With BLE tracking, you can quickly locate missing batteries, ensure that they’re being used properly, and replace them when they’re running low on power. This data can help you optimise your battery deployment, identify potential issues before they become major problems, and ensure that your devices are always powered up and ready to go.
When you’re managing an estate of enterprise devices, it can be challenging to keep track of their condition and performance. That’s where analytics comes in. By using analytics tools, you can monitor the health of your devices and detect potential issues before they become major problems.
Analytics can provide you with valuable insight into how your devices are being used, how they’re performing, and where improvements can be made. For example, you can track battery usage and identify devices that are running low on power or monitor app usage and identify devices that are experiencing performance issues. You can also track the location of your devices, which can be particularly useful in a large warehouse or distribution centre.
By analysing this data, you can make informed decisions about device maintenance and repairs, allocate resources more effectively, and ensure that your devices are always in peak condition. You can also use this data to optimise your device deployment, identify areas where additional devices may be needed, or identify workflows that could be improved.
Of course, the key is to use analytics tools that are specifically designed for enterprise devices. Tools such as Zebra Visibility IQ can provide you with real-time data, customisable alerts, and easy-to-read reports. By using analytics in this way, you can gain a deeper understanding of your devices, streamline your operations, and increase productivity.
Keeping enterprise devices secure is essential in a warehouse setting. Not only do you need to protect them from theft, but you also need to ensure that they’re stored in a way that minimises damage and maximises their lifespan. That’s where secure storage solutions come in and Zebra Intelligent Cabinets are one of the best options on the market.
Zebra Intelligent Cabinets are designed specifically for enterprise devices and offer a range of features that make them ideal for use in a warehouse or 3PL setting. For example, they offer secure, lockable storage compartments that can be customised to fit a wide range of devices, from mobile computers to barcode scanners. The compartments are also equipped with charging ports, so your devices can be charged while they’re being stored.
Zebra Intelligent Cabinets also offer advanced security features, such as access controls and real-time monitoring. This means that only authorised users can access the cabinets, and any attempts at unauthorised access are immediately flagged.
Keeping your enterprise devices up to date with the latest software is essential for maintaining their security, reliability, and performance. However, managing software updates can be a challenge, especially if you have a large fleet of devices spread across multiple locations. That’s where Mobile Device Management (MDM) comes in.
MDM is a software solution that allows you to manage and control your enterprise devices remotely. With MDM, you can automate the software update process, ensuring that all your devices are running the latest version of their operating system and applications. This can save you time and reduce the risk of human error, as you don’t have to manually update each device individually.
But MDM isn’t just about software updates. It also allows you to manage a wide range of device settings and configurations, such as Wi-Fi, VPN, email, and security policies. This means that you can ensure that your devices are configured properly and adhere to your organisation’s security standards, no matter where they’re located.
MDM also provides you with valuable real-time visibility into your device fleet, allowing you to monitor device usage, performance, and health. This can help you identify potential issues before they become major problems and take proactive steps to resolve them. MDM also allows you to remotely wipe data from lost or stolen devices, ensuring that sensitive information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
By using MDM to automate software updates and manage device settings, you can ensure that your devices are always up-to-date and configured properly, while also gaining valuable insights into their usage and health.
At Pen Mobile, we understand the importance of keeping your devices in peak condition. That’s why we offer a range of services and solutions to help you optimise their performance and ensure that your operations run smoothly.
Whether you need help choosing the right accessories, implementing analytics tools, installing secure storage solutions, or managing software updates through MDM, our team of experts are here to help. Plus, we offer ongoing support and maintenance services, so you can rest assured that your devices are always ready to perform at their maximum potential.
If you’re looking to get the most out of your enterprise devices and take your operations to the next level. Contact us today to learn more.