Xplore Rugged Tablets for Utilities & Field Service

Xplore rugged tablets can help you achieve these goals with solutions that expedite both planned and unplanned utility fieldwork.

Inherent in the job title “Utility and Field Service Worker,” is the necessity of being out in “the field.” The utility field is not a field of pretty little plants made for frolicking about with flowers in your ear — It’s a field that requires ruggedness and efficiency.

This is an industry that needs workers who are equipped with the right rugged computing device.

Xplore Rugged Mobile Computing for Utility Field Service Workers

The goal of any computing device is to help increase productivity, protect financial investments, and provide employees with necessary information when needed.

To accomplish these goals in the utility industry, you need a device that helps field workers and technicians prevent errors in data, avoid delays in work order completion, and resolve customer satisfaction issues. Xplore rugged tablets can help you achieve these goals with solutions that expedite both planned and unplanned utility fieldwork. Xplore rugged tablets provide everything you need to get the right utility field technician at the right location, with the right tools, right now.

If field workers have standard tablets out in the field or tablets that don’t meet industry standards for field utility workers, they are going to break down and incur durability problems. You don’t want a scenario that involves a complete standstill in a field worker’s ability to make repairs and upgrades or complete various work orders, downtime such as this can be very costly.

Your Devices Need Durability

Your mobile computing devices need to be as rugged as the field workers using them. You have a bottom line that needs protected, and this means protecting financial investments. The majority of gas, water, and electric utility work happens outside the office, amid extreme working conditions. Can your mobile device handle extremes in temperature? Can it handle dust, debris, sunlight and humidity? What’s going to happen when it dangles from the side of a field worker and clangs against a sewer pipe or telephone pole?

Can it handle these conditions? If not, you’re going to have problems, big problems, problems you won’t have with an Xplore rugged tablet purpose-built for utility and field service workers.

Xplore Rugged Mobile Computing for Gas Utility Field Service

Gas pipeline inspections, gas leak repairs, and scheduled maintenance tasks often involve workers in extreme environments. These environments require a rugged mobile computer, a device lightweight enough that can go anywhere a field service technician goes, one that will deliver the same critical workflows as a desktop or rugged laptop with the I/O ports field service workers need.

Xplore rugged tablets for gas utility workers accomplish tasks associated with asset life-cycle management, customer service, infrastructure inspections, inventory management, maintenance and repair scheduling, safety audits and compliance reporting, and work orders.

Xplore Rugged Mobile Computing for Electric Utility Field Service

An exceptional rugged device needs to do more than simply stay in tact if it bangs against a utility pole. Xplore rugged devices deliver immediate asset intelligence to dispatchers, infrastructure assessment teams, and repair crews. This contributes to efficient and coordinated field efforts and leads to fewer trucks in the field, faster incident response times, and lower costs associated with work order recalls and power outage recovery.

With the right Xplore Rugged device, for example, electric utility field service technicians and plant managers identify and resolve outages, complete inspections, and repair damaged and aging infrastructure without even returning to the office.

Xplore Rugged Mobile Computing for Water Utility Field Service

Xplore Rugged computers provide solutions involving asset life-cycle management, customer service, GIS mapping, infrastructure inspections, inventory management, maintenance and repair scheduling, safety audits and compliance reporting, and work orders.

Xplore Rugged technology helps manage and mobilize water utility work projects, getting people and equipment from the office or the vehicle to where they need to be, helping manage work flow–and water flow.

Solving Your Rugged Mobile Technology Needs

When it comes to Xplore Rugged tablets and rugged accessories for utility field service workers and technicians, you need devices as tough as the job being completed.

When it comes to Xplore mobile computers in field service and utilities, Group Mobile  knows exactly what you need. Group Mobile specializes in providing a perfectly customized mobile solution for every customer.

Can’t decide between a laptop and a tablet? Get both with a 2-in-1 Hybrid Laptop!

Two-in-one devices are a hybrid of a laptop and a tablet, for those who need the computing power of a laptop, yet the light weight and flexibility of a tablet.

Can’t decide between a rugged laptop or a rugged tablet? Get both with a 2-in-1! By now we all know that a two-in-one isn’t new. They have been around for a while, around 2013, and many companies are adopting them as their new standard and for good reason. Simply put, a 2-in-1 is a touch-optimized convertible-hybrid laptop or detachable-hybrid tablet with both a touch screen and a physical rugged keyboard, preferably rugged.

Whether it’s flipping around into presentation mode to turn a quick discussion into a quick showcase or going from laptop to tablet mode for quick video viewing, 2-in-1s are at their best in situations that you didn’t foresee, especially when out in the field.

Choosing between the regular laptops and the modern 2-in-1 types are very subjective and it completely depends on what industry you work in whether it be public safety, utilities, field service, warehousing or other. Two-in-one devices are a hybrid of a laptop and a tablet, for those who need the computing power of a laptop, yet the light weight and flexibility of a tablet. Here are a few of the main benefits of these versatile devices:

Lightweight

Often weighing in at only a few pounds, these devices allow you to complete the job without carrying around a heavy computer all day. For those with mobile jobs that require substantial travel by foot, or call for access to computing when away from a vehicle or computer stand, the ability to hold a device in one hand without straining your muscles is a huge energy-saver.

Rugged

Rugged two-in-one devices are purpose-built with flexibility and a long lifespan in mind. Manufacturers understand the need for hardy devices that can withstand substantial abuse throughout its working life, so there are many options for two-in-one devices that meet rugged certifications such as IP65, and MIl-STD-810G. All the devices mentioned here and many others we offer are fully rugged – meaning they are tested to military and industrial standards for ruggedness. This means you don’t have to worry about travel, the elements, or just tough working conditions taking the life out of your device. For mobile workers in rugged environments who need electronic access on a daily basis, this kind of reliability in harsh conditions is not optional, but necessary.

Mobile

For those workers traveling long distances in rugged environments, or spend most of their day inside of a vehicle, the ability to easily pack and transport electronic devices is extremely important. Many two-in-one devices retain all the mobility of a tablet, coming in astonishingly compact sizes. One example is the Getac V110, with a thickness of barely 1.3 inches. Devices like these are easily slipped into a pack or briefcase, while retaining all the computing power of a traditional laptop. And don’t worry about tossing it around – the Getac V110 and many other thin two-in-one devices are still fully rugged.

 Flexible

The beauty of two-in-ones is that they can function as both a laptop and a tablet — many have unique features that highlight this benefit. This notebook is lightweight and very versatile, allowing you to attach and detach the keyboard with only one hand. Detachable notebooks are an excellent choice for mobile computing, allowing workers to access a lightweight touch screen while on the go, all the while, still having access to a full keyboard when needed.

It’s easy to see why two-in-one devices are a popular choice for mobile workers in rugged environments, as these devices have all the benefits of a traditional computer or tablet but with the added bonus of a flexible form factor, rugged, fully mobile, and lightweight. To learn more about two-in-one devices, or for assistance in picking the best device for your needs, feel free to contact us. See our full list of featured rugged convertible two-in-one devices.

Group Mobile Launches New Website Dedicated to Getac Rugged Mobile Devices, In Stock and Ready to Ship in 48 Hours!

48 hour QuickShip is unmatched and innovative in the rugged computer industry as rugged devices typically have a 6-8-week lead time from order to delivery.

Need a custom Getac rugged device shipped in 48 hours? Group Mobile has launched a new microsite dedicated to Getac rugged devices and accessories. Getac’s business includes rugged notebooks, rugged tablets and rugged handheld and mobile video system devices for military, police, fire, insurance, utility and field-service customers. The ShopGetac.com microsite will provide Getac customers with a faster and more flexible way to shop for Getac rugged devices and accessories online. Customers can order select configurations of the Getac S410 rugged laptop, F110 rugged tablet and V110 rugged convertible to have shipped in 48 hours – this is unmatched and innovative in the rugged computer industry as rugged devices typically have a 6-8-week lead time from order to delivery.

Three Getac devices are in stock and ready to ship in 48 hours, the Getac V110 convertible laptop, F110 rugged tablet and S410 semi-rugged laptop. These rugged computers are three of the manufactured by Getac with the most popular custom features on the market.

Getac F110 QuickShip Models

The F110’s compact design is less than 1 inch thick and just more than 12 x 8 inches in size. At 3 pounds, this rugged tablet is among the lightest large-screen, fully rugged tablets ever built. The Getac F110 meets MIL-STD-810G and IP65 standards for durability and protection against dirt, dust, water, motion, vibration, temperature and other factors that would quickly damage a MIL-STD-810G .

Getac V110 QuickShip Models

The Getac V110 is a compact and lightweight convertible that quickly transforms from 11.6 inch display notebook to tablet computer. The V110 is among the thinnest and lightest fully rugged convertibles ever built. It is less than 12 x 9 inches in size, a mere 1.3 inches thick and weighs just over 4 pounds.

Getac S410 QuickShip Models

The Getac S410 is a semi-rugged notebook designed to withstand the rigorous daily routine of today’s mobile professionals, including public safety officers, insurance adjustors, engineers and field service professionals. The Getac S410 semi-rugged notebook offers the highest levels of performance, flexibility, security, and durability in a form factor that is extremely thin and light.

Visit ShopGetac.com to learn more about the Getac rugged tablets Group Mobile offers.

How to Guarantee Your Agency Will Have In-Vehicle Connectivity and Ensure Success for Mission Critical Applications

A multi-network concept refers to any setup that provides the vehicle with more than one network connection, meaning, there can be a mix of technologies onboard ranging from cellular and Wi-Fi to LMR, satellite, or new formats as they come online, such as the FirstNet network for public safety.

Technology in the squad car is advancing every day which means staying on top of the best IT advances can be a huge challenge for any department.  Video surveillance, license plate recognition (ALPR), electronic ticketing systems and the latest vehicle dispatching and tracking technologies enable officers to safely cover more area, and coordinate with other officers and agencies. Today’s police officers, paramedics, firefighters, utility workers, transit operators, and other public safety workers rely on advanced mobile applications, such as automatic vehicle location, traffic signal prioritization, computer aided dispatch, route and schedule management, and fare payment systems that increase productivity and improve safety.

The main point of access for these applications is often from the vehicle, because it’s equipped with onboard wireless connectivity and transmits and receives data on a nearly continual basis. In-vehicle connectivity has become customary, with first responders and field service personnel driving cars, vans, and trucks equipped with a network connection that provides convenient access to voice, text, and video data.  However, if the vehicle has only one onboard connection, the setup involves a certain amount of risk. Any issues with network coverage, bandwidth, or usage can mean delayed communications or, worse yet, no communications at all. Losing the onboard connection can have extreme consequences, and can even mean the difference between life and death. How do you reduce this risk?  By adding at least one more onboard network connection you can greatly reduce this risk. An alternative connection – to a secondary cellular network or some other format, such as Wi-Fi or satellite – creates a layer of insurance. When the primary connection isn’t up to the task, the alternate connection can be brought online to keep communications intact. Having two or more available connections onboard the vehicle, or “multi-networking”, protects against worst-case scenarios, and increases resilience for emergency response and other in-field services.

So, what is involved in a multi-network concept? A multi-network concept refers to any setup that provides the vehicle with more than one network connection, meaning, there can be a mix of technologies onboard ranging from cellular and Wi-Fi to LMR, satellite, or new formats as they come online, such as the FirstNet network for public safety. A multi-network router installed in the vehicle is used to manage the switches from network to network. So, when are these typical network changeovers? Changeovers usually happen at three points of operation: When leaving the depot and transitioning from Wi-Fi to cellular, when returning to the depot and transitioning back from cellular to Wi-Fi, and while the vehicle is in motion, with the router switching from one network to another to optimize in-field connectivity.

With the right multi-network solution in place, changeovers from one network to another can happen automatically without any kind of manual intervention, and the necessary security protocols are maintained without interrupting the flow of work, even when there’s a VPN (Virtual Private Network) involved. Furthermore, the selection criteria for each network connection can be customized, based on things such as vehicle location, vehicle speed, or the type of data being transmitted. The overall result is more efficient network usage, more effective field services and lower operating costs. Law enforcement and other organizations are now using more video, and at a higher resolution. The video is typically stored in the vehicle and then transmitted to the backend system at periodic intervals. The mobile router can be configured to use a dedicated link to send video, so the data-intensive video transmissions don’t disrupt or slow down the other services in use. Alternatively, the router can be configured to send video transmissions when the vehicle returns to its home base, using the depot’s faster, more secure Wi-Fi connection to transfer video. Now, how to choose the right mobile router for your workforce to ensure connectivity in the field.

The operating costs and in-field effectiveness of a multi-network platform are heavily influenced by the ability of the router to manage seamless network changeovers and protect data. The router’s switching speed, security features, and programmability all affect how well the solution performs, and how much it costs to manage. It’s important to consider all these factors when evaluating the various options available for mobile multi-networking.

Transitioning to a multi-network environment is a serious undertaking. To maximize your return on investment and fully realize the benefit to your organization we recommend three things to look for in a multi-network mobile router:

  1. Switching speeds that are fast enough to support seamless connectivity.
  2. The ability to provide continuous security without impacting performance.
  3. A policy engine that can be configured for intelligent switching and customized operation.

Choosing a mobile router that meets all three criteria lets you create a multi-networking environment that not only enhances efficiency but also adds value. Group Mobile works closely with Sierra Wireless to offer the world a comprehensive offering of hardware, software, and services for connected devices and machine-to-machine communications. Together, Group Mobile and Sierra Wireless provide innovative, reliable and high performing solutions.

Group Mobile’s team of industry experts can assist you in selecting, designing and implementing a multi-network environment for mission-critical fleets, request a free personalized quote.

Panasonic Toughbook 33, a Lightweight Detachable Notebook — Designed for Tough Work in the Field!

The Toughbook 33 laptop provides six flexible usage modes and offers two keyboards to choose from to accommodate the unique needs of different mobile professionals.

The Panasonic Toughbook 33, the fully-rugged 2-in-1 detachable laptop featuring a brilliant display, ideal for workers in the field. Inspired by workers in tough environments, the Toughbook 33 2-in-1 detachable laptop delivers rugged mobility with an abundance of customizable options for police, fire, ambulance, field service, and enterprise.  The Toughbook 33 is a lightweight detachable notebook with an extensive variety of integrated options, as well as a choice of two keyboards. The Panasonic Toughbook 33 can be tailored to meet the unique requirements of a diverse customer base. The CF-33 includes a USB 3.0, microSD, HDMI, Ethernet, audio and nano-SIM ports, the tablet also has an optional serial socket, allowing operators to connect older devices like stop lights to run diagnostics or configuration programs.

The fully-rugged Toughbook 33 features a 7th Generation Intel Core i5 vPro processor, 256GB solid state drive, 8GB RAM and a choice of Windows 10 Pro or Windows® 10 Pro with Windows 7 Professional 64-bit downgrade. The Toughbook 33 is purpose-built to meet MIL-STD-461F for electromagnetic interference and MIL-STD-810G for drop, shock, vibration, explosive atmosphere, temperature, humidity, and rain and sand. The Toughbook 33 has an IP-sealing rating of IP65 to protect against dust and liquids.

The Toughbook 33 2-in-1 laptop is built for maximum mobility with two twin hot-swappable batteries that provide 10 hours of life. In addition, the optional Long-Life Battery configuration doubles battery life to 20 hours for the most demanding mobile professionals. The Toughbook 33 laptop provides six flexible usage modes and offers two keyboards to choose from to accommodate the unique needs of different mobile professionals.

As for vehicle installations, the Toughbook 33 two-in-one device is available with two different vehicle docks for new deployments. The first is a tablet vehicle dock. The second is a 2-in-1 vehicle dock which utilizes the Premium Keyboard and can be mounted either in laptop (clamshell) or convertible mode.

Contact one of Group Mobile’s trusted technology advisors to get a personalized quote today.

 

Take Your Office Anywhere — Juniper Mesa 2 Rugged Tablet

Snap a photo, record field notes, view maps or images, or capture a GNSS location, and then quickly analyze the data you just collected using the Mesa 2 rugged tablet!

Snap a photo, record field notes, view maps or images, or capture a GNSS location, and then quickly analyze the data you just collected using the Mesa 2 rugged tablet! Running Windows 10 or Android, the sleek Mesa 2 brings potent functionality to your mobile data collection, featuring a large, 7-inch, extra-bright display for easily viewing in the sun,  all-day battery power lasting up to 15 hours, and last but definitely not least, the unmatched ruggedness that can stand up to even the harshest environments. The rugged Mesa 2 tablet comes standard with a Quad-core Intel Atom Z3745 processor, 4GB LPDDR3 RAM, and 64GB flash storage. The Juniper Mesa 2 rugged tablet offers a complete data collection solution to markets in agriculture, natural resources, industrial, geomatics, public works, military, oil and gas, utilities, public safety, and construction.

windows-10-graphic-2

Operating System Options

The Mesa 2 provides either the Windows solution or Android. Android is available for workers seeking mobile versatility, while Windows 10 provides users with powerful functionality in the field—making the use of a desktop computer an option. Having a full Windows operating system also means a wide range of data collection software and apps to choose from, making it easy to find a solution that fits each individual requirement.

Ruggedness

The Mesa 2 rugged tablet has an impressive IP68 rating, and is designed to exceed MIL-STD-810G for water, humidity, sand and dust, vibration, altitude, shock, and temperature — this tablet is nice looking but make no mistake, it’s tough as nails.

Battery Power

If battery life ends, work ends — the Mesa 2’s battery lasts a full 8–10 hours on one charge to easily get you through a whole work day and beyond. If more battery power is needed, opt for an additional internal battery that provides an extra 4–5 hours of runtime, plus hot-swap capability for easily changing batteries during those extra-long days in the field.

Contact one of Group Mobile’s trusted technology advisors to get a personalized quote today.

Check Out the Newly Redesigned Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 — Improved Performance, Communication, and Long Battery Life!

The enhanced Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 rugged tablet features a more powerful Skylake processor, longer battery life, and ships standard with Microsoft Windows 10 Pro platform for improved communications, providing and even more powerful tool for mobile professionals in public sector, utilities, food services, enterprise, and field service environments. 
The newly updated Toughpad FZ-G1 features integrated HD Graphics 520 GPU for improved graphics performance with the ability to document photos in the field with superior clarity, and support graphic intensive applications. What about the improved battery life for workers in the field? The Toughpad FZ-G1 rugged tablet has almost doubled the standard battery operating life, now capable of operating 14 hours, with the optional long life battery pack delivering 28 hours of working activity. 

Another new update on the Toughpad FZ-G1 is the improved connectivity, the FZ-G1 has WiFi, Ethernet, twin USB ports, legacy serial port, Bluetooth 4.1, and an optional LTE mobile broadband module. Users can take advantage of Microsoft’s touch-enabled operating system with the capacitive 10-finger multi-touch display, and waterproof digitizer pen. To learn more and order the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 visit here… 

Labor Day 2016: Honoring the Great American Mobile Workers!

Do you know the history of Labor Day in the United States?

We all know about Labor Day. After all, who wouldn’t want to be informed about an extra day off work? Just because we know that the day is a rest from our labor doesn’t mean we know the true history behind Labor Day. Here’s a quick overview of why we celebrate Labor Day. 

Labor Day got its start in the late 1800’s, when union leaders in New York City decided that they wanted to host a massive festival for workers across the city. Because Labor Day was not yet a national holiday, in order to attend those laborers would have to give up a day’s wages. Early in the first Labor Day celebration—which was held on September 5th, 1882—few people turned out. Over the course of the day, more and more people joined the festivities and by the day’s end the rally boasted 10,000 people!

News of this celebration of hard-working Americans and all our labor force has contributed to the nation spread, and in 1887 Oregon became the first state to declare Labor Day an official holiday. It took just under a decade for the festivities to gain traction across the country, and in 1896 President Grover Cleveland declared the first Monday in September as an official national holiday to celebrate American laborers.

This year on Labor Day, Group Mobile is honoring mobile workers! The world’s mobile worker population will reach 1.3 billion in 2016, representing 37.2% of the total workforce. Mobile workers, virtual workers, freelancers, independent contractors, and other terms have been used to describe those of us who more or less works anytime, anywhere. And this type of work is becoming a new norm around the world, so the growth of mobile workers is likely to continue. Such workers often work from multiple locations, and use at least three devices. Mobile workers carry their work in their pockets or carrying case, powered by a multitude of applications. Group Mobile would like to invite mobile workers to visit out new website, here you will find a large selection of hardware perfectly suited for mobile industries!

Featuring the Getac RX10 and RX10H Rugged Tablets Delivering Outstanding Performance for Field Service and Healthcare Industries!

Rugged tablets with outstanding performance!

These two rugged tablets are equipped with a variety of features perfect for field service demands as well as the healthcare industry. Getac’s RX10 and RX10H tablets incorporate some of the most advanced features and specifications needed to tackle the toughest tasks in the harshest environments. Both tablets are thin and lightweight in design, portable with an integrated handle and overcome tough military standards, MIL-STD 810G and IP65 certified. The RX10 and RX10H were engineered to protect the tablet against four foot drops, shocks, spills, vibration, dust and liquid. The agility and responsiveness of the RX10 and RX10H will impress and rise to any rugged occasion! 

Getac RX10

RX10
Engineered with field 
service workers in mind!

The rugged Getac RX10 is a sleek and lightweight rugged tablet with innovative accessories made for incomparable efficiency and unbeatable productivity in a multitude of field service environments. Field service professionals are faced with ever-changing data capture requirements on a day-to-day basis, and with Getac’s exclusive LumiBond 2.0 technology, users get a brighter, tougher display with vivid colors and higher contrast for easy readability, even in direct sunlight. 
The RX10 incorporates the highly efficient Intel Core 5-MY10c processor with 4-8GB of RAM LPDDR3 and storage of 128GB or 256GBSSD. Battery power is of the utmost importance while in the field, the RX10 is powered by a smart battery Li-Ion 2160mAh with 8 hours of battery life and features a hot-swappable LifeSupport battery for extended power. The Getac RX10 provides a variety of security and connectivity features essential for protecting and sharing confidential information. Its multifactor authentication includes password protection, RFID, fingerprint reader and a smartcard reader. The equipment interface includes USB 3.0 / 2.0, Micro HDMI port, headphone and microphone combo jack. On the back of the rugged RX10 is an 8MP camera and there is a connector for Snapback accessories. Learn more about the Getac RX10 rugged tablet…
                                                         

                                           Getac RX10H


Helping to deliver exceptional healthcare service!

The new Getac RX10H tablet helps medical professionals gather patient information and expedite
administrative paperwork all from a single device, supporting the delivery of exceptional and efficient health care services. The RX10H’s thin, ergonomic design and no-slip grip make it comfortable to carry through an entire work shift. The broad, contoured handle hangs easily from any hook —and the body is built to withstand continuous sanitation for long lasting durability. The RX10H runs on the Intel Core M-5Y10c processor, comes standard with 4GB RAM, and can easily operate in temperatures ranging from -5.8 degrees to 131 degrees Fahrenheit. The RX10H’s exterior is made with an antimicrobial material that resists the growth of harmful contaminants, making it safe for the healthcare industry to meet specific regulations. The RX10H display offers glove-sensitive multi-touch functionality with greater readability and sensitivity without compromising durability. Getac’s proprietary technology also enhances screen sensitivity in wet environments while using a stylus, digitizer or even gloves, an essential feature for health care professionals. The device offers powerful security protection for keeping patient records safe. Its multi-factor authentication includes password protection, RFID reader, fingerprint reader and smart card reader. In addition, TPM 2.0 and Absolute DDS further enhance security to protect private health information. Learn more about the Getac RX10H rugged healthcare tablet…

In Case You Missed the Webinar "Rugged or Risky" — We Have You Covered with the Link to View!


In case you missed this informative webinar, Darin White, president of Group Mobile*, and Bob Ashenbrenner, President of Durable Mobility Technologies, LLC, will explain what “solution provider” really means to you and the success of your mobile workforce.

During this 45-minute coffee break webinar, the first in Xplore’s new “Rugged or Risky” monthly series, Darin and Bob will detail the advantages that you, the mobile tech buyer/end-user, actually gain by partnering with a “solution provider” versus relying on individual hardware, software, and accessories providers to piece together your mobility system.

View the webinar here…