Fitting your fleet for mobile communications: doing it right the first time

The environment in which we work is becoming increasingly competitive and companies simply need to get more done in less time. This means taking every opportunity to complete tasks that were previously reserved for a return trip to the office. In this mobile environment successful solutions must be highly adaptable and robust. Ruggedized products are abundant these days making those unavoidable fumbles with our valuable electronic devices a little less worrisome. Hardware that is able to take a good drop or soaking and come back for more is now not only desired but demanded. Ruggedized products are allowing the mobile user to achieve more in less time, increasing productivity and profitability. Let us not forget the software that runs these devices. Finally software companies have designed products that allow users who were traditionally uncomfortable with technology to easily navigate through tasks.

This is all good news since many companies are integrating PDAs, Tablet PCs and Laptops into their mobile workforce at a rapid pace. Durability and ease of use are two of the key features companies look for when choosing the best device for their workers. Once the decision has been made, and the devices purchased, things often go from expecting great things to wondering what went wrong. Sure, the workforce was trained on how to use it, but they have no where to secure it. The location and method in which these mobile devices are being secured is often the last detail that is considered. Mounting hardware is often just as important as the computer hardware that it holds. It is no longer practical to store something in a brief case or on the back seat when it will most likely be needed at many of the daily stops. For safety reasons as well as practical convenience, these devices must be safely secured in an easily accessible location. Battery technology is making amazing progress, but keeping that laptop going all day is not always easy unless the screen brightness is turned down to a level known as “I can barely read it”.

Passive and powered docking stations are ideally suited to keeping the device safe, secure, and powered, or at least power accessible. More importantly is the fact that the electronic device that management spent 6 months researching and invested thousands in, is now within easy reach of the person expected to actually use it. Back seats and floor boards are not the most accessible places while on the road; or even on the side of the road for that matter. The right mounting solution brings truth to that old saying “a place for everything and everything in its place”.

Passive docks, meaning those which support the device but supply no power or port replication, are an inexpensive, practical solution. The objective is simple; keep a Tablet PC or other device secure, at the ready, and off the floor. Custom made for the device they are expected to hold, features buyers should expect would be:
• Molded designs which keep manufacturing and retail cost low
• Large radius corners with no sharp edges to harm people or equipment
• Form fitting and sleek design so as not to add unnecessary bulk
• Quality composite material or light weight metals chosen for durability
• Holders that allow for ease of insertion and removal yet remain secure
• Integrated systems which address shock and vibration issues

Powered docks are the next step up and typically supply both power and port replication. Features like these are a must for Utility Service, Police, Fire and Rescue vehicles. These docks are an integral tool expected to perform flawlessly along with their supported device. A fraction of the amount spent on the electronics themselves, docks are sometimes overlooked or taken for granted. Powered docks, like their passive counterparts, are usually custom designed for the device that they hold. In addition to the items mentioned for passive docks, powered docks worth considering should have:
• Built in cable management systems molded into their design
• Easy to read labeling, also molded, so as not to be rubbed off
• Locking features that are a true deterrent to theft and not easily defeated
• Positive docking engagement with visual queues for the operator
• Integrated screen support if mounting a laptop computer
• Externally fused for ease of replacement and troubleshooting
• Integrated PCB structures keeping internal electronics safe
• Internal ribbing of the dock adding strength without adding weight

Ensuring a far more productive life for the Tablet, PDA, or Laptop, budgeting for the right docking and mounting solution should be part of any technology integration plan. Passive or powered, no matter which you choose, make sure the product comes from a company that cares as much about your success as you do.

Supporting the dock is the next crucial step of the mounting process. The word “office” used to mean a place you go and spend your day behind a desk. In this day and age, it can be at home, in a vehicle, or maybe just the factory floor. The proper mount is what adds the finishing touch and can make all the difference in whether the device really gets used to its potential. The mobile office, which can either be a fleet vehicle or even the family car, is as diverse as the workforce itself. Finding a one size fits all solution may be ideal, but also unlikely. Companies that provide mounting systems have found that the money spent in R&D for custom, vehicle specific products is money well spent. For example, RAM Mounting Systems in Seattle Washington offers custom vehicle mounts for most popular cars, trucks, and SUV’s sold in the US. A considerable investment in time and resources is now paying off as they are among the top mounting solutions providers and recognized globally as a standard in mobile mounting solutions.

Fleets, commercial installers, and consumers alike want things kept simple since they may not always have the tools that are available to a full time mechanic. For mount designers, this means engineering a simple solution so that anyone can install quickly, easily, and be confident it will perform as they expect. What do people expect these days? Quality, durability, versatility, and yes, that all important lifetime warranty. While the warranty is not likely to be used, if a company slaps the “lifetime warranty” tag in its literature, you know that they are confident that their products are practically indestructible. Accidents are going to happen and having a durable product might mean not having to purchase something twice.

A strong mount is great and almost any company can make one. Keeping ergonomics and aesthetics in mind is another matter. While one may not typically consider mounting systems an art form, it has all the needed characteristics. Form, function, and overall appearance play a huge part in whether someone is willing to integrate it into their mobile environment. A subtle finish, smooth lines and curves, all compliment the mounting location instead of detracting from it. Ergonomics, or ease of use, is another key feature. The mobile office should conform to the user, not the other way around. As mentioned earlier, keeping that PDA, Tablet, or Laptop within easy reach creates a much more comfortable mobile office. Twisting and over-reaching does nothing but quicken fatigue and upset our backs over time. In addition to the desire of assuring the comfort of your employees, injured workers only amount to lowered efficiency and loss of profit. Well thought out designs incorporate swing arms, telescoping pedestals, and ball pivots providing almost infinite adjustment, allowing any device to be positioned “just right”. This allows the user to get their device exactly where it is most comfortable for them to use. This will encourage the user to utilize the technology more often and become more familiar with the systems. When not in use, these same features allow the device to be placed in a safe location out of the way of passengers, or more important, out of the air bag deployment zone. Again, it comes back to a well thought out design.

Ultimately what it all boils down to is seeing past the electronic device to where it will be used. Keeping in mind all the places that the workforce goes during the day, and how many of those places require the use of their Tablet, Laptop, or PDA should be considered when choosing a mount. With so many possible mounting solutions, there is no need to take a “one size fits all” approach. Custom tailored solutions are readily available and very affordable. You just have to know where to look. It is now possible to obtain a custom solution at a universal price. Companies like RAM stand out in this regard with an extensive product line providing the freedom to choose what the customer knows is best for them at a price that is unmatched.