Mobile Computing Solutions for Automotive Manufacturing and a Review on Getac’s New A140 Rugged Tablet!

Production and assembly process: How to take the guesswork out of knowing where your product is!

• Comprehensive Inventory Control: Losing track of your product during the production and assembly process always costs money. Group Mobile sophisticated barcoding technology shows you where your product is at all times. And by simply scanning the product into your system, you can greatly reduce errors. With asset staging and tracking, from the day the equipment is deployed and placed into service, to the day you retire the equipment from operations, Group Mobile iCare™ will keep track of your mobile equipment.

• Fewer Network “Dead Spots”: Maintaining connectivity and monitoring can be your IT department’s worst nightmare, since large production and assembly staging areas often include a maze of semi-compatible devices. Group Mobile can even help you find “dead spots” you never knew existed.

• Just in Time (JIT) Capability: A single minute of lost connectivity could cost your company thousands of dollars in lost productivity, as assembly lines come to a halt. A Group Mobile designed, installed and maintained wireless network helps to secure a constant connection with internal and external suppliers. With Group Mobile technology,
your automotive inventory is always “just in time,” and your customers have what they need, when they need it.

• Access to Critical Data in Real Time: Missing or inaccessible information can cost millions in lost productivity when it slows or stops the assembly process. From raw materials to finished goods, Group Mobile data-gathering and real-time reporting solutions provide instant access to critical data – giving you the information you need to make crucial, time-sensitive decisions.

From automotive manufacturing to final distribution, if you’ve been searching for streamlined solutions for your production and plant assembly operations, call Group Mobile today. Through our consultative approach, you can have peace of mind, knowing your product is safe and your deliveries are on-time.

Getac A140 Fully Rugged Tablet

The new Getac A140 fully rugged tablet has an optional multifunctional hard handle which serves as a kickstand or handle for simple carrying in the field — a host of mounting and carrying options make this tablet a perfect choice to maximize mobile productivity!

The Getac A140 is Getac’s largest and most powerful fully rugged tablet! This A140 rugged tablet operates the Windows 10 operating system and is powered by an Intel Core i5 processor. It can be optionally configured with the Intel Core i7, i5 vPro, or i7 vPro processors. It comes standard with 4GB of memory (expandable to 32GB) and an Opal 2.0 128GB solid state drive, with upgrades to 256GB or 512GB solid state drives available.

The Getac A140 has a vibrant 14” HD display that is sunlight readable and features LumiBond™ touchscreen technology for great viewability in any lighting condition. The Getac A140 tablet features various touch modes, allowing for operation in the rain, with gloves on, and utilizing a hard-tip stylus.

Three USB ports, dual RJ45 LAN jacks, HDMI and an optional serial or VGA give the Getac A140 a rich choice of I/O ports. The Getac A140 has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, and optional dedicated GPS and 4G LTE multi-carrier mobile broadband to keep users connected. Workers can use the optional slim-profile vehicle dock to avoid crowding cab space in your vehicle with tri-pass through ports for connection to high-gain GPS, WWAN and WLAN roof mounted antennas. Additionally, the Getac A140 can be configured to include an RFID reader, a 1D/2D imager barcode reader, and a fingerprint scanner.

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

Need a rugged laptop or tablet fast? Group Mobile offers the Getac F110, S410 and V110 with a QuickShip option, which means, get your tablet or laptop in 48 hours!

 

 

Xplore Rugged Tablets for Utilities & Field Service

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.

Best Semi-Rugged Notebooks of 2016!

 

Do you spend more time outdoors and on the road than at your desk? Are you overwhelmed by the “rugged” jargon in today’s IT world? How do you choose between a fully rugged or semi-rugged notebook computer and what factors play into your decision? Notebook computers have evolved into sleek and powerful devices that can do everything a desktop PC is capable of. In today’s world, more mobile professionals are replacing their large and bulky desktop PC’s with modernized, sleek, and ruggedized notebook computers. The first step in purchasing a rugged notebook is determining your requirements, we don’t want you to pay for something you don’t need, that is where we come in, we will help you by advising a solution to suit your business needs. Keep reading below for valuable inside information into the world of ruggedized notebook computers — plus, our choice for the best semi-rugged notebooks of 2016!

There are three generally accepted levels of ruggedization: semi-rugged, fully-rugged, and ultra-rugged. These “rugged” levels describe a product’s ability to survive drops, vibration, dust, immersion, and extreme temperatures. The two most common values cited are from the Ingress Protection (IP) Code, a system for classifying the degrees of sealing protection provided by the enclosures of electrical equipment and MIL-STD-810, a series of testing guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Defense for military and commercial equipment. The first digit of the IP code indicates the degree that persons are protected against contact with moving parts and the degree that equipment is protected against solid foreign bodies intruding into an enclosure. The second digit indicates the degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against the harmful entry of various forms of moisture such as dripping, spraying, and submersion. The higher the two digits, the more rugged the notebook is classified.

What kind of hazards will your notebook PC be subjected to? What is your usage environment for this laptop, will it be used in the rain, dust, snow, or wind?  Will it be mounted in your car and driven on bumpy roads causing extreme vibration? Much depends upon how the rugged notebook is to be used in determining whether to purchase a fully rugged, semi-rugged, or ultra-rugged device. If you need a durable, no-nonsense mobile computer that will last a long time, yet is sleek, powerful and lightweight, we highly suggest a semi-rugged notebook. Semi-rugged notebooks will offer a magnesium case, a shock or gel-mounted hard disk drive, and features such as a spill-proof keyboard. A semi-rugged notebook typically withstands harsh temperatures as well as extreme vibration and will even handle a certain amount of water on the keyboard. With semi-rugged notebooks, you can expect nothing less than resistance to impact, drops, scratches, droplets, spills, and altitude. Below we have listed our best semi-rugged notebooks of 2016.

Panasonic Toughbook 54

The semi-rugged Toughbook 54 notebook is thin and light, yet built with a rugged magnesium allow case with built-in handle for easy portability and durability in the field. The Toughbook 54 semi-rugged notebook sports a  bright, 14-inch display and weighs in under 5 pounds at just 1.2 inches thick. Inside the Toughbook 54 is an Intel Core i5-5300U vPro processor, 4GB to 16GB of RAM, 500GB hard drive (with optional solid-state drive choices), and the ability to add a second solid state drive. The Panasonic Toughbook 54 comes in four different options to meet the vast customer demand, Lite, Prime, Gloved Multi Touch, and Performance models. The Toughbook 54 is a reliable and versatile tool for mobile workers in demanding markets such as video production, insurance, utilities, construction, field service, public safety, and government. Learn more about the Panasonic Toughbook 54…

Getac S410

The Getac S410 is a full-size, full-featured semi-rugged notebook specifically designed
for use in a variety of field applications including field service, public safety, manufacturing, military applications, professional services, and in-vehicle use. The Getac S410 is built tough enough to be used outdoors and on the job, with an integrated handle to carry the device for simple portability in the field.  All of the ports on the semi-rugged Getac S410 have protective covers to guard from dust and rain. The Getac S410 is powered by an Intel Core i3 processor, or optional i5, or i7 processor for great speed and performance when using processor-intensive applications. With such a powerful Intel processor, the Getac S410 boots up in seconds for time-sensitive, high-priority operations. The S410 notebook comes with 4GB DDR3 RAM (expandable to 16GB) and a 500GB shock mounted hard disk drive. The S410 notebook features a 14-inch HD wide-screen, sunlight-readable display, which can be upgraded to 1000 NIT LumiBond display with multi-touch technology. Learn more about the Getac S410…

                                                                               Durabook S15AB

The Durabook S15AB semi-rugged notebook is a must have mobile computing tool for workers in hazardous environments and those taking frequent trips into the field away from the office. The Durabook S15AB rugged notebook features a brilliant 15.6-inch LCD display with full HD resolution, Intel 5th generation Broadwell U series CPU platform, up to 16GB of memory, plus advanced security features. The Durabook S15AB carries an exceptional price point, ideal applications for this rugged notebook S15AB include the automotive industry, government and police, and various field service applications. The Durabook S15AB is powered by an Intel Core i5-5200U 2.2GHz processor, 8GB DDR3 RAM (expandable to 16GB), and a 1TB Hard Disk Drive. Durabook’s S15AB ruggedized notebook conceals two USB 3.0 ports, RJ-45 Ethernet, HDMI, 15-pin VGA and 9-pin serial port. Learn more about the Durabook S15AB…

Save 10% on the Popular and Newly Updated Durabook SA14 Rugged Notebook Computer — Only For the Month of December!

Group Mobile is offering a special 10% savings on the new Durabook SA14 rugged notebook. This offer is valid through December 31, 2016, and can be availed by using the promotional code SA1410 during checkout at GroupMobile.com. 

The recently updated Durabook SA14 rugged notebook delivers a built-tough rugged design for even the most demanding work environments, delivering increased productivity and accelerated return on investment for public safety, government, and field service professionals.

The Durabook SA14 rugged laptop computer offers users their choice of Intel’s 6th generation Skylake turbo processor, suitable for any mobile application requiring efficiency and reliability. Pushing the graphics and visual experience to new heights, the Durabook SA14 rugged laptop is equipped with a 14.0” HD LCD display and a new HD Graphics 520 package designed specifically for Intel Skylake processors giving the SA14 rugged notebook enhanced visual computing, faster frame times, lower energy usage, and superior image quality. 

The Durabook SA14 now ships with Windows 10 operating system, optional 2nd LAN, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 4.2, and an optional GPS module with built-in antenna. The Durabook SA14 rugged laptop can sustain up to 12 hours, fulfilling field service professionals need for longer battery life.

The SA14 rugged computer will operate in environments that commercial notebooks cannot survive plus, is purpose-built with advanced layers of security including Computrace ready, Smartcard reader, TPM2.0, and Kensington lock. A broad range of accessories include an optional office and vehicle dock, allowing mobile workers a seamless transition from office to vehicle.

Learn more and order the Durabook SA14 rugged notebook here…

Take Advantage of Huge Discounts on Trimble Outdoor Rugged Computers – Exclusive to Group Mobile Customers!

Group Mobile is offering an exclusive discount on the Trimble Juno T41 rugged handheld, Kenai rugged Windows tablet, and Nomad 900 series outdoor rugged handheld computers!

   

Trimble Kenai Outdoor
Rugged Tablet 

$500 Off

For a limited time, Group Mobile is offering $500 off the Trimble Kenai outdoor rugged tablet. The Kenai Windows 10 tablet is purpose-built for mobile workers who need to utilize large forms and color-coded information such as technical illustrations, and is rugged enough to last for years of use, even in harsh conditions. The Kenai rugged tablet has a sunlight readable screen, great for direct sunlight viewing such as high resolution maps and graphics that can be difficult to read in the field. The Kenai tablet can be used with a stylus, finger, and glove, ideal for any industry with outdoor field use. To take advantage of this special discounted offer visit: https://groupmobile.com/trimble-kenai.html.

Trimble Nomad 900 Series  

$500 Off

While supplies last, Group Mobile is offering $500 off the Trimble Nomad 900 series rugged handheld computers. The Trimble Nomad 900 outdoor rugged handheld makes it easy to collect, save and transmit data with its many built-in capabilities. Compute accurate location with the integrated GPS receiver for navigation applications, quickly track assets with the integrated laser barcode scanner, capture 5-megapixel color images with the integrated digital camera, and geotag the images with the GPS location, or record QVGA video. In addition, users can take advantage of the Trimble Nomad 900 series CompactFlash and Secure Digital slots to add more devices, such as SD/SDHC memory and RFID. To take advantage of this special discounted offer visit:

https://groupmobile.com/nomad-900.html.

Trimble Juno T41

Up to $700 off MSRP

Group Mobile is offering variations of discounts on the Juno T41 rugged handheld computer.

• Free External Battery Pack, a $275 value, when you purchase a Juno T41 Enhanced GPS model handheld.
• Free Office Docking Station, a $295 value, when you purchase a Juno T41 Barcode Scanner model. 
• “Starter Bundle” a $999 value. Included in this Juno T41 starter bundle is a stylus and tether, extended cap deluxe carrying case, extended battery pack, and a sample tag pack. *limited supplies available

The Trimble Juno T41 handheld computer offers a model for almost any workflow, in any kind of working condition. With options for best-in-class 1D/2D barcode imager or UHF RFID technology; 4G voice and data; and Enhanced GPS for quick satellite connection and work in heavy canopy situations, the Juno T41 is the right handheld for professionals who need a true productivity enhancer in the field. 

To take advantage of these exclusive offers on the Trimble Juno T41 handheld computer, call toll free 866-RUGGED8 (1-866-784-4338), or request a quote at: 

https://groupmobile.com/request-quote.

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!

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…

Juniper Mesa 2 Rugged Tablet and Archer 2 Field PC – Extreme Data Capture with Rugged Dependability

Juniper Mesa 2 Rugged Tablet

The Juniper Systems Mesa 2 rugged tablet brings powerful functionality to your mobile data collection. Running Windows 10 operating system, the Mesa 2 has a wide range of data collection software and applications to choose from. 

This rugged Mesa 2 comes standard with a Quad-core Intel Atom Z3745 processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB flash storage. The Mesa 2 rugged tablet features a large, 7-inch, extra-bright display for easily viewing maps or images in landscape or portrait orientation.  

The Mesa 2 has an impressive IP68 rating, and is designed to exceed MIL-STD-810G for water, humidity, sand and dust, vibration, altitude, shock, and temperature. The Mesa 2 rugged tablet is ideal for agriculture, field service, natural resources, industrial, public works, military, oil & gas, utilities, public safety, construction, and more.

Learn more and purchase the Juniper Mesa 2 Rugged Tablet here…

Juniper Archer 2 Field PC

The Juniper Archer 2 is designed for the demanding field applications, this rugged handheld merges modern technology with uncompromising durability. 

The Archer 2 Field PC is powered by the Microsoft Windows Embedded Handheld operating system. The Archer 2 features a 4.3″ 480 x 800 pixel display with Juniper’s IllumiView display technology that is even readable in glaring sunlight users can integrate enhanced GPS, photo and video capture, built-in 1D/2D barcode scanner, and cell modem. 

The Archer 2 also has serial and USB ports for additional connectivity. With a rechargeable, lightweight Li-Ion battery pack, the Archer 2 is sure to last through the most rigorous usage. It operates for an incredible 20 hours per charge, and only takes a quick 4-6 hours to fully charge. 

Learn more and purchase the Juniper Archer 2 Field PC here…

Introducing the Field Service Solution Bundle Featuring the Getac F110 Rugged Tablet!

Group Mobile’s Field Service Solution bundle is designed to be as versatile as the workers who rely on it. This mobile computing bundle is ideal for field service and other mobile professionals that need a rugged tablet and the essential accessories for working indoors, outdoors, in a vehicle, and in other challenging work environments. The Field Service Solution offers both savings and convenience by bundling everything you need to stay powered up and connected at a reduced price. The bundle includes: Getac F110 rugged tablet computer, shoulder strap, hand strap with bracket, spare battery, and a vehicle adapter/charger.

The Getac F110 included in this bundle is a large-screen rugged tablet that packs superior performance and a large 11.6 inch display in a compact design. The Getac F110 tablet 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 commercial-grade tablet. The Getac F110 has built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and optional 4G LTE mobile broadband. The Getac F110 rugged tablet also has a 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty!

The F110 Shoulder Strap in this bundle attaches to the Getac F110 rugged tablet so the user can carry it from their neck or shoulder. The shoulder strap requires a bracket with hand strap, which is also included in this bundle.

The F110 Spare Hot-Swappable Battery is included so the user always has a spare charged. Dual hot-swappable batteries allow for endless power by simply “swapping” in a fresh battery without needing to shut down applications or the operating system.

Lastly, this mobile computing bundle includes a 12-16 VDC Vehicle Adapter/Charger to charge the Getac F110 rugged tablet in the vehicle, between job sites, or while on the road. Simply plug it into the vehicle cigarette adapter to charge.

Learn more about the Getac F110 Field Service Solution bundle…