iGrade, an independent supplier and developer of customised mobile and Web-based applications, has selected the Gotive wireless enterprise computer (WEC) solution from barcoding and mobile solutions specialist Harmonic as its preferred handheld solution.
Hansie du Plessis, a director at iGrade, says iGrade had been searching for the right mobile product to supply its clients. The company wanted something mobile and rugged, and after a word-of mouth referral and extensive testing of the recommended device, opted for the Gotive.
"We conducted extensive laboratory tests on several products and eventually chose the Gotive because of two critical factors: the inclusion of a modular slot that allows us to connect infrared devices, and the ability to run .Net applications better than the competing devices. With this functionality, the Gotive makes the deployment of applications easier and falls in line with our .Net strategy. I firmly believe that the Gotive is the best solution available on the market today," he says.
He points out that while all the handheld devices tested use the Windows CE mobile operating platform, the Gotive was better suited to iGrade`s .Net based applications, which include the common language runtime, .Net smart device extensions and .Net mobile solutions.
"Additional motivating factors for us to have selected the Gotive are that it offers a better screen size, colour display and is very robust compared to similar, competitive models. In addition, the mobility of the docking station is perfectly suited for our applications, as it allows the unit to be charged while in transit," he adds.
iGrade has provided a range of features on the Gotive for use in field inspection applications, specifically by Gauteng Liquor Board representatives who are using 25 Gotive WECs.
Du Plessis reveals that the handheld devices are being used as barcode readers, and as tracking and metering devices using the GSM connectivity. This, he says, allows the Liquor Board to maintain control over stock levels and ensure that liquor stores are selling their wares legally.
"The Gotive WEC can be wireless LAN-enabled by simply adding an 802.11b adapter to the expansion slot. This makes the Liquor Board representatives` jobs a great deal easier, ensuring they remain connected at all times and are able to provide reliable data for reporting and stock tracking purposes to their back-end systems," he says.
Du Plessis says the Gotive is also being considered for other applications in various industries, most notably the airline business.
"Using this handheld device, we will be able to provide real-time applications to our e-commerce solution, thereby providing the airline company, in this case, with a wireless and paperless ticketing system. Passengers merely need to have their ID numbers scanned at check-in. The numbers are then cross-referenced to a back-end system that verifies the booking and allows the passenger entry to the aircraft, simply and easily," he explains.
Barry Baetu, managing director at Harmonic, says the Gotive is the ideal mobile solution for use in field applications where conditions are less than ideal for delicate computer equipment and where mobile users need to collect and manage information at the point of activity.
The Gotive combines all the wireless functionality required into one rugged unit to provide a unique solution for virtually any mobile application.
"FMCG, retail and process industries have found the diverse functionality of this device indispensable in their quest to improve the efficiency of operations. Better control leads to reduced stock losses, better replenishment cycles and, ultimately, better customer service," he says.
The device includes a laser scan engine enabling mobile workers to capture barcode data, while its GPS capability tracks vehicles, navigates drivers, localises point of activity and helps to secure online proof of delivery.
"The Gotive WEC is designed to take advantage of emerging location-based services applications, giving organisations better control over their mobile workers. The Gotive also features integrated Dual Band GSM/GPRS capabilities to provide voice communication, SMS and real-time secure data transmission," he concludes.
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