This slide presentation covers what you should know and ask when selecting a handheld data collection device. There are a number of options, from consumer grade to rugged devices. While rugged devices cost more, they also have built in features such as barcode scanners and are more suited for field data collection. The topic is presented from BizSpeed's 9 years experience delivering PDA and handheld data collection software

1. Handheld Data Collection How To Select A Device

2. BizSpeed Introduction Experience delivering mobile applications for over 10 years as of 2009 Handheld data collection software for: Proof of Delivery Pickup Inspections Field service Asset tracking Inventory

3. Consumer or rugged? The first question…

4. Consumer Devices Purchased from wireless carriers directly (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc.) Usually free when buying 20 or more Designed as phones first Examples AT&T Tilt2 Blackberry

5. Rugged Devices Purchased from Resellers specialized in devices Avg price approx. $2000/ea (or more) Designed for field data collection Rugged – can be dropped on concrete, in puddles, etc. Built-in barcode scanners Intermec CN3

6. Do You Need Rugged? Many people will steer you to rugged based on TCO. A better indicator is whether you need barcode scanning. Good quality Bluetooth barcode scanners are $500+. If scanning is a more than an occasional part of the job, then having ONE integrated device vs. two (mobile and scanner) is recommended.

7. Why No External Scanner? Requires Bluetooth pairing – if field techs switch devices, they have to re-pair. Two devices means they have to use 2 hands (one for the scanner, one for their mobile)….not safe on a ladder! One more piece of equipment to keep track of

8. Importance of Device Selection Rugged devices are a significant investment Devices are not upgradeable – you have to specify features at the time of purchase. For example, you cannot add a cellular radio after you purchase a device, or GPS, or barcode scanner, etc.

9. Key questions What mobile software will you run? Barcode scanner – 1D or 2D? Signature capture? GPS – tracking and navigation? Camera – resolution, flash? Cellular data – carrier, coverage and speed 2.5/3G? Ruggedness rating – drops, snow, rain? Vehicle mount –charging in the field? Battery – high capacity for longer charges? WiFi – a/b/g or batch? Printing – connect via Bluetooth or serial? Device management - software updates and security? Keyboard size - numeric only, large keys for big hands? Phone use – used a cell phone or just mobile data collection?

10. Can I user consumer devices? Maybe. It depends on…. Do you need barcode scanning? Will data be entered in the field in rugged conditions – ex. Fuel delivery in the snow, meter installations in the mud, surveys outside? Will the mobile phone be used a lot? Do you need signature capture for Proof of Delivery?

11. Typical rugged devices

12. Typical Devices Intermec CN3 Rugged – 6’ drop spec 3G radio (e.g. Verizon) 1D or 2D barcode scanner Numeric or alpha keypad Does NOT have a camera GPS Windows Mobile OS Street price with cradle and accessories ~$2500

13. Typical Devices Motorola MC55 Rugged – 4’ drop spec 2.5G radio AT&T or T-Mobile 1D or 2D barcode scanner Numeric or alpha keypad Optional camera GPS Windows Mobile OS Street price with cradle and accessories ~$1750

14. Typical Devices Motorola MC9000 Rugged – 6’ drop spec (most rugged) 3G radio 1D or 2D barcode scanner Numeric or alpha keypad GPS Many options (like vehicle cradle with serial port) Windows Mobile OS Street price with cradle and accessories ~$2500+

15. Typical Devices Zebra RW420 thermal printer Rugged Connects via Bluetooth 4” thermal printer Requires mobile software that supports Zebra or mobile printer driver Street price with accessories ~ $900

16. What else should I ask?

17. Other questions… What mobile software will I use? How will I update applications in the field – devices in a warehouse are easier than ones spread across trucks. Can I remotely control the device for support? Do I need a spare pool? Can I lock the device so only specific apps can be used? Can I see the device GPS history? Where is it? Do I need one device per person or per role/truck? Should I get a spare battery? Will it last a whole shift? Do I need a vehicle cradle?

18. More Info How to choose between Motorola devices at http://www.bizspeed.com/2009/08/how-to-choose-between-a-motorola-mc55-and-mc75-handheld/ Submit a comment/question at http://www.bizspeed.com/about/contact/