We get asked all of the time about justifying the cost of a rugged mobile computer over a non-rugged or a consumer-grade device. Depending on the product, there can be a large cost differences between the two product types. There are three points that we like to make when justifying the cost difference:

1)      Ruggedized mobile computing devices like the Motorola MC55 is designed to resist damage from drops, humidity, misuse and other environmental issues. Consumer- graded devices are not designed this way and after-market cases only provide minimal protection. To put it simply, you drop it….you break it.

2)      Battery life is a very important factor for mobile computing. Ruggedized devices are intended to work for a full eight hour shift with options available to extend this time. This does not just include voice communications – it also includes data transmissions, scanning, image capture and all of the other functions needed for a mobile worker. The battery life for consumer graded devices will die out after only a few hours if used in this way.

3)      The costs for IT to support consumer-graded devices are nearly three times as high due to the increased failure these products. We ask a very simple question…do you want your valuable IT personnel to spend their time on IT projects or troubleshooting broken smartphones? 

For detailed information about the total cost of ownership for mobile computing, view Venture Development Corporation’s white paper. For more information about the value of ruggedized mobile computers, contact a RACO product specialist or visit www.racoindustries.com.

We here at RACO Industries are celebrating a special anniversary this week: the 35th anniversary of the first bar code scanning.  On June 26th, 1974, at a Marsh Supermarket in Troy, Ohio, a pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit gum was the first item ever scanned in a commercial environment and inventory management has never been the same.  Recently, I had a chance to sit down and talk with Steve Overmyer, Marsh’s original project coordinator that helped the store’s transition from manual check-out stations to electronic scanning.

Check out this impressive product…..a full color, ink jet label printer reliable enough for everyday use and affordable for almost every type of business.  The SecurColor  TM-C3400 printer is Epson’s first color printer designed for on-demand printing of  labels and tags. It can even print color -coded patient wristbands making it ideal for healthcare organizations.