Why do you need an industrial tablet? Smartphones and tablets were once primarily used only for personal applications. However, rapid technological advancements have expanded their usage inside factory floors and other industrial operations. These devices are designed to withstand tough conditions and can significantly optimize performance.
There are many tablets for industrial use, and it’s easy to get confused if you are new to the world of industrial rugged tablet PCs. Fret not; we have you covered.
Let’s unravel the world of tablets so you can pick the best tablet for industrial use. We will walk you through the basics, key features, and more, so after reading the article, you can make an informed decision regarding industrial tablets.
Without further ado, let’s begin with the basics.
What are Industrial Tablets?
A tablet for industrial use is a specialized mobile computing device designed to withstand the challenging conditions of industrial settings while providing the necessary computing power for specific applications.
Unlike conventional consumer tablets, industrial tablets prioritize durability, robustness, and functionality to meet the unique demands of manufacturing, logistics, field services, and other industrial applications.
With an understanding of industrial tablets, let’s delve into their key features
8 Key Features of Industrial Tablets:
1. Rugged Design:
- Reinforced corners and shock-absorbing materials.
- Compliance with military standards for durability.
- Resistant to drops, vibrations, and impacts.
2. IP Rating:
- High Ingress Protection (IP) rating against dust and water.
- Ensures longevity and reliability in harsh environments.
3. Display Quality:
- High-brightness displays for visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Anti-glare coatings to reduce reflections.
- Capacitive or resistive touchscreens, depending on application needs.
4. Processing Power:
- Sufficient processing capabilities to handle industrial applications.
- Compatibility with industry-specific software.
5. Battery Life:
- Long battery life to support continuous operation.
- Hot-swappable batteries for uninterrupted workflow.
6. Connectivity Options:
- USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, or NFC for seamless integration.
- Ability to connect to other industrial equipment.
7. Customization:
- Modular design for adding specific modules or peripherals.
- Customized software to meet unique industrial requirements.
8. Regulatory Compliance:
- Adherence to industry-specific regulations and standards.
- Crucial for sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food production, or hazardous materials handling.
Now that the key features are wrapped up, let’s move to the factors to consider while buying a tablet for industrial use.
Factors to Consider While Purchasing Industrial Tablets:
1. Environment:
- Consider the specific conditions of the industrial environment, including exposure to dust, water, temperature extremes, and potential impacts. This will impact your choice of tablet for industrial use.
2. Use Case:
- Identify the primary applications the tablet will be used for, ensuring compatibility with software and hardware requirements.
3. Durability Requirements:
- Assess the level of durability needed based on the nature of industrial processes and potential hazards.
4. Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure that the industrial tablet complies with industry-specific regulations and safety standards.
5. Connectivity Needs:
- Evaluate the connectivity options based on the integration requirements with other industrial equipment.
6. Battery Life:
- Consider the required duration of continuous operation and opt for tablets with adequate battery life.
7. Customization Options:
- Assess the availability of customization features to tailor the tablet to the unique needs of the industrial application.
8. Total Cost of Ownership:
- Consider the industrial tablet price. Focus not only on the upfront cost but also on the long-term expenses, including maintenance and potential downtime costs.
Next, check out a few of the industrial tablet brands that are ruling the market.
Reputed Brands of Industrial Tablets
In the realm of industrial tablets, several brands have established themselves as leaders, providing robust and reliable devices tailored to the demanding conditions of industrial settings.
These renowned brands combine cutting-edge technology with rugged designs, making their tablets indispensable tools across various industries. Here are five of the most respected brands in the industrial tablet market:
1. Panasonic Toughbook:
Panasonic Toughbook is synonymous with rugged durability and superior performance. Their line of industrial tablets, including the Toughpad series, is designed to withstand the harshest conditions in sectors such as manufacturing, utilities, and public safety.
2. Zebra Technologies:
Zebra Technologies is a global leader in providing solutions for enterprises, and their rugged tablets are no exception. Designed for use in industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare, Zebra’s rugged tablets offer a balance of durability and advanced features.
Zebra tablets often come equipped with specialized functionalities like barcode scanning, RFID technology, and hot-swappable batteries, making them particularly well-suited for applications in supply chain management and field service.
The robust build of Zebra’s tablets ensures that they can thrive in challenging environments, providing seamless connectivity and data capture.
3. Getac:
Getac specializes in rugged computing solutions, and their industrial tablets are trusted by professionals in various sectors, including defense, utilities, and field service. Getac tablets are known for their MIL-STD-810G and IP ratings, ensuring resistance to shocks, vibrations, dust, and water.
What sets Getac apart is its focus on customization. Getac tablets can be configured to meet specific industry needs, including the integration of additional modules and peripherals.
The B360 fully rugged notebook and the A140 fully rugged tablet are examples of Getac’s commitment to delivering high-performance devices that withstand the rigors of industrial use.
4. Dell Latitude Rugged Tablets:
Dell, a globally recognized name in computing, offers a range of rugged tablets under the Latitude Rugged series. These tablets are designed for tough environments, combining Dell’s expertise in technology with the durability features required for industrial applications.
Dell Latitude Rugged Tablets feature bright displays with glove-touch capability, hot-swappable batteries, and robust chassis construction. The flexibility of these tablets makes them suitable for diverse industrial applications, from construction sites to military operations.
5. Honeywell:
Honeywell is a multinational conglomerate known for its diversified range of products, including rugged tablets designed for industrial use. Their tablets, such as the RT10 series, are engineered to withstand harsh conditions in sectors like warehousing, manufacturing, and transportation.
Applications of Tablets for Industrial Use
Industrial tablets have become integral tools across a spectrum of industries, revolutionizing the way businesses operate in challenging environments. The robust design, specialized features, and adaptability of these devices make them suitable for a wide range of applications.
Here, we explore some key applications of industrial tablets that highlight their versatility and impact on various sectors.
1. Manufacturing and Production:
In manufacturing plants, industrial tablets streamline production processes. They facilitate real-time monitoring of machinery, inventory management, and quality control. Workers can access and update production schedules, view schematics, and track product specifications directly from the shop floor, improving overall efficiency.
2. Logistics and Supply Chain Management:
Industrial tablets play a crucial role in logistics and supply chain management. From warehouse operations to transportation management, these devices enhance inventory visibility, order tracking, and delivery coordination. Barcode scanning and RFID technology integrated into industrial tablets contribute to accurate and efficient inventory management.
3. Field Services:
Field service technicians benefit significantly from industrial tablets. They can access service manuals, diagnostic tools, and customer information on-site, allowing for quick issue resolution. The rugged design ensures durability in outdoor conditions, and connectivity options enable real-time communication with the central system.
4. Utilities and Energy:
In the utilities and energy sectors, industrial tablets are utilized for the maintenance, monitoring, and inspection of equipment. They enable engineers to assess the performance of complex systems, troubleshoot issues, and implement preventive maintenance measures. The devices’ durability is crucial in outdoor environments such as power plants and oil rigs.
5. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals:
A tablet for industrial use finds applications in healthcare and pharmaceutical settings where stringent regulations and cleanliness are paramount. They are used for patient data management, inventory control, and monitoring of critical equipment. The rugged design ensures that these tablets can be effectively utilized in sterile environments.
6. Construction and Engineering:
In construction sites and engineering projects, industrial tablets are used for project management, blueprint viewing, and communication. They facilitate collaboration among teams, allowing real-time updates and quick decision-making. The devices are resistant to dust and debris commonly found in construction environments.
7. Agriculture:
The agricultural sector benefits from industrial tablets for precision farming and crop management. Tablets assist in monitoring weather conditions, tracking crop growth, and managing irrigation systems. Farmers can access data on soil quality and make informed decisions to optimize yield.
8. Mining and Exploration:
In the mining industry, industrial tablets are used for exploration, monitoring, and safety management. They provide real-time data on geological conditions, equipment status, and worker locations. The rugged design ensures reliability in the challenging and often hazardous environments of mining operations.
Finally, as you understand the applications, let’s resolve the commonly asked questions about a tablet for industrial use.
FAQs – Tablet for Industrial Use
Why is a tablet for industrial use necessary?
A tablet for industrial use is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of industrial environments while providing the necessary computing power for specific applications. These tablets are built to be rugged, durable, and capable of seamless integration into industrial processes.
What are industrial tablets used for?
Industrial tablets have various domain-specific applications, like being used in manufacturing and engineering projects for gathering real-time updates and data on onsite projects. There are other tablets for industrial use, like rugged tablets.
What are rugged tablets used for?
Rugged tablets are made keeping in mind the extreme weather conditions with advanced IP rating systems. They are used in field service, maintenance, order tracking, delivery, and virtual collaboration amongst teams.
Which tablet is most durable?
There are many tablets that offer unmatched durability. Some of the prominent brands include Panasonic, Blackview Active 8 Pro, Lenovo Chromebook 10e tablet, and Oukitel.
What is the biggest advantage of a tablet?
Customization is the biggest advantage of a tablet. A tablet for industrial use can be tailored to meet the specific needs of an industrial application. This might include the addition of modules, peripherals, or custom software, enhancing the tablet’s versatility and functionality.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tablet for industrial use is a critical decision that directly impacts the efficiency and productivity of industrial processes. By considering factors such as build quality, durability, display features, processing power, and connectivity options, you can ensure that the selected industrial rugged tablet for PC aligns with the unique demands of your industrial environment.
Do you want to stay informed about the latest advancements in rugged tablet technology? Get in touch with Qodenext to make a well-informed decision that positively impacts your industrial operations.
Also read: Top 10 Emerging Trends in Industrial Automation in 2023.
