The warehouse business is no longer about employees spending hours on end taking inventory on paper or preparing shipments, shipping labels, and data by hand. The modern warehouse relies on an integrated computer system that affords many employees access to mobile technology while they work with handheld computer systems. Industrial-grade Zebra mobile computers are handheld devices that put the power of technology in the hands of employees so they can pick, pack, transport, and ship on the go with all the data support they need right there. Here are a few features to look for in good industrial-grade mobile computers for your warehouse.
Solid Construction
Make no mistake, mobile computers are put through the ringer. They will definitely be occasionally dropped, bumped against pallet racking, and even exposed to moisture. Therefore, these things have to be built tough to cater to the rugged warehouse environment. Look for mobile computers that:
- Have been tested to withstand drops from tall heights
- Are sealed against moisture and dust
- Can withstand high weight pressure without crumpling
The tougher and more protected the mobile systems you pick are, the more likely they will stand up to the warehouse environment for years to come.
Ergonomic Design
In a modern warehouse setting, the mobile computer system becomes almost like an extra appendage for employees because they will always need it to perform various tasks. Therefore, these machines should be ergonomic in design and easy to carry. Look for lighter weight versions that have an ergonomically designed handle that the average hand can support without putting strain on the user's wrist or elbow. Make sure the button layout on the control panel is large enough that it won't be a struggle for users to reach them all. The better the overall shape conforms to the average user's hands and fingers, the less likely it will be that the devices get cumbersome to carry.
Reliable Connectivity
Warehouse facilities can be massive in size, which means your employees could have their mobile devices several feet or yards away from the transmission source at any given time throughout the work day. You need to ensure the mobile computers you provide have an outstanding connectivity ability, so users don't lose their connections in spots in the warehouse that are out of the way. The best mobiles will have embedded dual-band connectors for wifi or radio transmission that will connect to the source easily and provide consistent performance connection.
