Here’s Why You Need Enterprise Mobile Computers

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Adoption of mobile technology continues to accelerate across the healthcare sector, with more and more organizations choosing to equip as many caregivers and staff as possible with mobile devices. Two goals are driving this transformation. First, of course, is the desire to ensure the right patient receives the right care at the right time by connecting caregivers to the data and resources they need in real time. Second, mobile solutions can help healthcare organizations streamline workflows to save both time and money.

But what about the devices they’re choosing to do the job? Can consumer-grade smartphones really match the performance and ROI of enterprise-class mobile computers over the long haul?

The short answer is no, healthcare providers should not expect consumer-grade devices to deliver the performance and value they need. Instead, most providers should focus their mobile solutions on enterprise-class devices that are purpose-built for healthcare applications.

So, what’s the difference between consumer and enterprise devices? Let’s take a brief look at three factors.

1. Enterprise-class devices have a much longer service life.

We’re all familiar with the frequent upgrade cycles of consumer smartphones, eagerly anticipating the newest and greatest model every 12 to 18 months. And that’s no accident: consumer-grade devices are designed for short lifecycles and rapid obsolescence to drive a never-ending cycle of upgrades. But that’s a terrible fit for any device that’s used in a business environment. You can’t base your ROI expectations on mobile computers that will be obsolete in two years.

Enterprise-class devices like the mobile computers made by Zebra are designed to remain in service much longer. They use the Android operating system, with the promise of regular updates and uninterrupted support for 10 years or longer. So, instead of replacing devices every few years, you can keep pace with the latest technology through simple upgrades that are much easier to incorporate into your existing workflows.

2. Enterprise-class devices are engineered for durability.

Increased durability and reduced downtime are probably the most immediate things that healthcare organizations will benefit from when they base their mobility solutions on enterprise-class devices. That’s simply because enterprise-class devices are designed for full-shift usage in workplace environments.

For instance, Zebra’s TC52-HC Mobile Computer packs all the mobile computing, clinical collaboration, and data capture features caregivers need into a device that is designed to withstand frequent exposure to common disinfectants and is tested for drop and tumble performance, and rated for use in practically any environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures and humidity.

3. Enterprise-class devices are easier to manage.

One of the big red flags of choosing consumer-grade devices for your business is that eventually you’re going to be faced with the challenge of managing security patches, OS updates, and applications across a patchwork of different models. You’ll also have to figure out how to standardize everything from Wi-Fi configuration and update settings to display and sound defaults. That’s a time-consuming task when you’re talking about consumer devices that are designed for easy personalization rather than consistency across business uses.

Enterprise-class mobile computers from Zebra are much easier to integrate into a mobile device management system, which will greatly reduce your IT workloads. You’ll have a standardized approach to security and updates, and your IT team will easily be able to integrate every enterprise device into a mobile device management system that streamlines device configuration, OS updates, and installation of your business applications.

Don’t Compromise on Your Mobility Solutions

You have a range of mobile device options but its critical to choose carefully if you want to minimize disruptions and maximize ROI from your technology investments. Consumer-grade devices may offer relatively low acquisition costs, but they risk sabotaging your investment in mobility solutions over the long run.

SK&T has decades of experience designing, deploying and supporting mobility solutions. Contact us today to learn more about Zebra’s industry-leading lineup of enterprise mobile computers for healthcare applications.

When to upgrade mobile computers…5 Signs it’s Time to Upgrade Your Mobile Computers

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Outdated mobile computers being replaced by newer devices from Zebra Technologies and Honeywell.

Technology evolves at a remarkable rate, with an endless stream of new features that enhance performance, ease-of-use, and reliability. This holds true for everything from barcode scanners and desktop printers to mobile computers and tablets.

If you’ve been relying on the same mobile computers for many years, it’s natural to wonder if an upgrade might make sense. So, here’s a quick look at five reasons to upgrade your mobile computers.

1. When it’s broken.
Let’s start with an easy one: Being stuck in a break/fix cycle is an obvious indicator that you should upgrading your mobile computers. It’s impossible to plan workflows around disabled mobile devices, and the downtime and lost productivity alone are probably impacting your bottom line. So, when the ongoing cost to repair and support devices that are nearing their end of service begins to add up and unreliability impacts operations, it’s time to upgrade.

2. End of Windows CE support.
This is another easy one: Microsoft ended support for most Windows Embedded handheld devices in 2018. And, while its tempting to try to wring the last ounce of productivity out of obsolete devices, it’s the equivalent of flying blind, because these devices won’t receive any further bug fixes or security updates. That poses a real threat to the security of your networks and data. Don’t run unnecessary security risks: upgrading to new Android mobile computers will protect your systems for many years.

3. Your devices are holding back your operations.
This is pretty general advice that usually falls into the “you’ll know it when you see it” category. Maybe battery performance can’t keep up with the demands of a full shift. Maybe you can’t get the accessories you need to support new workflows. Perhaps your existing mobile computers are just too slooooow. There are a lot of potential symptoms, but if you suspect your devices are hurting productivity or limiting your options, it might be time to consider an upgrade.

4. You’ve been using consumer-grade devices.
Congratulations, you’ve dodged a bullet. There’s a big difference between consumer-grade devices that are designed to be obsolete in 18 to 24 months and enterprise mobile computers that are engineered to deliver up to a decade of reliable service. So, quit running unnecessary risks and upgrade to enterprise mobile computers that are more durable, more reliable, and have a much longer service life than consumer products. Your IT department will thank you because enterprise devices are much easier to manage and support. Your CFO will thank you, too, because enterprise mobile computers will generate a much better ROI over the long run.

5. You need better security in your devices.
When you consider network and data security, you should think beyond the data that resides on mobile devices and consider every mobile computer as a possible tool for hackers. An old, outmoded device is much less likely to be capable of fending off a modern-day attack and vulnerabilities could allow it to be used as a gateway to breach your network and servers. Upgrading to new mobile computers will bring your security tools inline with the latest standards and get your devices into a regular cycle of updates that will do a much better job of protecting your data and systems.

SK&T partners with Zebra Technologies to bring you mobile computers that enable your staff to increase efficiency and raise their performance. Contact us today to learn more about Zebra’s lineup of enterprise mobile computers.

How to Boost User Adoption to Ensure Success When You Deploy New Technology Solutions

Committing to a transformation of major business processes is a big step. The initial needs assessments and preliminary system designs alone will require time and resources. The up-front costs of new hardware and software are primary concerns, as are the overhead resources needed to deploy and integrate new tools. And you’ll likely be adopting some new workflows to capture the benefits of your technology investments, so that’s another aspect to plan for. Add it up, and you’re probably making a significant investment in time, money and resources.

So, your new systems and tools better work as well as (or better) than expected if you’re going to achieve the ROI you’re aiming for. That puts a premium on training and user adoption: You can’t expect maximum benefits from new tools if users are slow to adopt them or if the training needed to put them into use is ineffective.

Fear that it will be difficult to convince users to adopt new tools is a common concern for IT departments, but there are some strategies that will help you simplify training, accelerate user adoption, and quickly achieve positive ROI when you put new tools in place.

Choose Hardware That’s Actually Designed for Rapid Adoption

The most obvious step to take to encourage use of new technology is to start with tools that are engineered for ease of deployment, ease of use, and ease of management. One of the key reasons we recommend Zebra barcode scanners, printers, mobile computers, and rugged tablets is that they utilize intelligent designs that are proven to ease user adoption.

For example, the more familiar the operating system, the faster users will get to know the capabilities of the new devices. If users aren’t comfortable with the way a device works, they won’t get the full benefit of what it can do. Zebra’s innovative enterprise mobile computers rely on the Android operating system. Since Android is the world’s most popular OS, it’s already familiar to most of your workforce, which means Zebra’s mobile computers require less training on the basics, and users are easily be able to access the functions they need.

Choose the Right Training Partner

If even one person fails to adopt the new technology because they don’t understand how to use it, it’s going to disrupt your workflows and make it hard to receive full ROI from your investment. That means you need a training plan that will guarantee every impacted worker knows how to use the new solution.

Even businesses that have a dedicated training staff struggle to develop and execute effective training programs when new technology is introduced. That’s simply because in-house trainers didn’t build the solution and they usually don’t have a deep level of expertise with the tools. This is when it makes sense to rely on external training resources, including your technology partner and the OEM. Bringing solution experts like SK&T or Zebra into the training equation will instantly skew the odds of a successful rollout in your favor.

The beauty of this approach is that nobody has deeper product knowledge than an OEM like Zebra, and they have a learning services team that specializes in a “train the trainer” approach that gives you a proven framework of training tools and support.

Involve Employees at the Start

Selling workers on the value of a new technology solution usually begins long before the hardware is selected. Nothing improves your chances for widespread and rapid adoption than giving employees a sense of ownership in the solution. It’s critical to involve employees in the process right from the start. Let them help define the solution by asking them to detail the problems they’re having with existing tools. Then make sure they’re involved in pilot programs so they can provide valuable feedback on early training efforts.

It’s also critical to communicate expectations throughout the entire process, from initial assessments right through rollout of the new tools. The key is to help employees understand why you’re making changes and how those changes align with their goals and interests. Demonstrate how new technology will make workers’ jobs easier or show them how they’ll acquire valuable skills, and it will be much easier to get them to buy-in.

SK&T and Zebra can show you how to increase adoption of innovative technology solutions that can make a big impact on your bottom line. Contact SK&T to learn more.