Barcode technology has revolutionized modern operations. Since their introduction to commercial use in 1974, barcodes have become part of every kind of workflow – even the most remote ones. In field service, outdoors, in cold warehouses: Many workers have to deal with extreme conditions to keep operations running smoothly, and they need the best equipment to do so.
Mobile devices have become a key tool. Thanks to their wealth of functions, workers can solve many tasks with a single piece of equipment. Mobile barcode scanners, for example, have made barcode workflows more flexible than ever.
However, standard consumer smartphones and tablets can hit their limit in challenging environments. So how can businesses combine the versatility of mobile apps with hardware that’s up to the task? In answer to this question, Samsung has introduced the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro, a rugged smartphone.
Here is what makes a rugged smart device – and what benefits you can expect from using a rugged mobile barcode scanner.
How are smart devices ruggedized?
Rugged devices are specifically designed to withstand harsh conditions in which standard devices would fail. In particular, that means physical shocks (drops and impacts), dust, high moisture levels, and extreme temperatures. Ruggedized smartphones and tablets usually share the following characteristics, which ensure they stay functional even under immense stress:
- Reinforced frames
- Durable screens
- Shock-absorbing materials
- Sealed ports
- Water- and dustproof enclosures
Usually, rugged devices undergo a series of tests performed by third-party laboratories to prove their heightened durability and performance. Two main standards describe these levels of performance: MIL-STD-810H and IP ratings.
The MIL-STD-810H describes a series of tests designed by the U.S. military to assess a device’s tolerance of harsh conditions, including drop testing, extreme temperatures, humidity, and vibration.
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating system was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission and describes how well a device is protected against foreign materials, especially dust (rated on a scale of 0–6) and liquids (typically rated 0–8).
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 6 Pro, for instance, is rated IP68 and has undergone MIL-STD-810H testing.
Key benefits of rugged smart devices
Smart devices are built of materials that make them vulnerable to extreme temperatures and moisture – especially the sensitive electronic components. This is an issue in many applications, especially outdoors. The devices can, for instance, shut down when overheating, and the frame material can break or degrade over time.
Cue rugged devices – which are designed specifically for operations in harsh environments. Let’s examine how the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro resists even extreme conditions.
Physical durability
Due to their sturdy design, rugged devices can withstand more extreme physical impacts – like drops and hits – vibration, and pressure. Special materials protect them against scratches and other wear, prolonging their lifespan compared to standard devices.
Resistance against dust and water
Advanced seals prevent water and dust intrusion in rugged devices. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro is dust-proof and can be submersed for up to 30 minutes in 5 feet of water.
Temperature tolerance
Rugged devices can endure significantly higher and lower temperatures than standard devices without malfunctioning or shutting down. This makes them suitable for operations in extreme weather or demanding warehouse environments.
Additional features
Since they will be operated by workers in gear like gloves, rugged devices often offer programmable buttons that serve as a shortcut to an app or functionality. A common use of those is for push-to-talk instant communication, but they can also launch and control a barcode scanner. The XCover6 Pro has two such programmable buttons.
Anti-microbial screens protect the device user from health hazards, and extra high-quality device cameras enable accurate barcode scanning.
Cost savings
Rugged devices are more expensive up front than standard mobile devices with comparable specs. However, thanks to their longevity and multi-functionality, rugged devices can save businesses costs in the long run by eliminating the need for several dedicated devices. In particular, they are perfect for communication and data capture functionalities, like barcode scanning.
Their improved durability and battery life significantly prolong their lifespan, simplifying maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO). Some rugged devices come with spare parts. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro’s battery is swappable.
Rugged mobile devices as barcode scanners
Ruggedized mobile devices combine the multi-functionality of regular mobile devices with enhanced endurance in extreme conditions. Despite being sturdier, they’re just as portable.
The true advantage of rugged devices is that they can replace several dedicated devices, including expensive laser scanners. While professional laser scanners serve a single purpose at a premium price point, rugged smartphones offer the same scanning capabilities plus full mobile functionality in one durable package. This means workers find them familiar and easy to use – the ideal platform for barcode scanning in any environment.
Besides durability and a fully-featured operating system, rugged devices also offer high-resolution cameras, again a perfect fit with barcode scanner software. Programmable buttons like on the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro facilitate access to such functionality, which is especially handy when workers wear heavy gear or have to move quickly.
Rugged devices operate reliably in harsh conditions – where regular devices would fail. Those same conditions, however, are also hard on barcode tags and labels. To read them, high-quality barcode scanning software has to be just as rugged as the device it runs on.
The Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK is such a solution. It reliably reads all common 1D and 2D barcodes, even in tough conditions. Bad lighting and damaged and far-away barcodes are no problem for the SDK.
If you want to learn more about how our solution helps you weather extreme conditions, contact us at sdk@scanbot.io.