According to recent research conducted by Venture Development Corp, mobile device failure frequently is a result of organisations deploying devices that are not suitable or rugged enough for the environments in which they are used.
These failures in direct store delivery/route accounting applications, where replacement units are not readily available, can result in as much as R800 in lost revenue per hour. To help keep mobile workers on the road, Intermec Technologies Corp recently introduced the company`s most rugged mobile computer, the CK60, designed specifically for the physically demanding requirements of the DSD (direct store delivery) market.
ProScan Systems, a premier distributor of barcode, data collection, RFID, wireless networking and mobile technologies, introduced the Intermec CK60 to the southern African market during January 2006. ProScan is the sole value-added distributor for Intermec Technologies in southern Africa.
The Intermec CK60 is constructed with a magnesium top cover, rubber bumpers on each corner to cushion against drops, and a case that is sealed against water and dust to IP64 standards. The CK 60 is designed for fast input and retrieval of information with a QVGA touch-screen display, enabling it to run both text-based applications and graphical interfaces, and a large, easy-to-use keypad that allows one- and two-handed input of large amounts of data.
To avoid loss of data, the Windows CE 5.0-based CK60 has onboard, non-volatile memory, called Persistent Storage, which preserves applications and databases, even if the battery becomes depleted. The mobile computer also has an SDIO card slot that enables the use of removable storage cards providing more memory for large databases.
"The Intermec CK60 takes advantage of the advanced networking and communications technologies in Windows CE 5.0, which dramatically increases data-processing speeds and provides mobile professionals with reliable access to information on the road," said Jane Gilson, director for the Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft Corp. "We`re pleased to see Intermec basing a new era of rugged mobile computers on Windows CE."
The CK60 uses Intermec`s SmartSystemTM, the ADC industry`s most comprehensive system for complete device management. With SmartSystem, installation, routine maintenance and application software updates, security adjustments and device settings can be performed automatically and managed remotely, dramatically reducing field downtime and increasing efficiency.
"Mobile workers require devices that won`t quit on them, no matter what the working conditions," said ProScan`s Managing Director, Andrew Fosbrook. "With its rugged construction, long battery life, and Persistent Storage, the CK60 keeps route drivers productive for their entire shift while protecting the valuable data they collect."
A variety of connectivity methods are integrated into the CK60, including high-speed Ethernet, USB and RS232 serial connections as well as Bluetooth wireless personal area communications.
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ProScan Systems is a leading distributor of a wide range of barcoding, data collection, RFID, wireless networking, GSM/GPRS communication and mobile technologies for a wide range of industries in southern Africa, including retail, fast moving consumer goods, transport and logistics, and manufacturing.
ProScan has the expertise and resources to deliver the best systems to a wide range of industries through its extensive accredited national network of channel partners.
ProScan markets and supports a complete line of data collection hardware, including retail and industrial barcode scanners, RFID products, barcode printers, wireless local area networks, mobile computers and GSM/GPRS data communications.
ProScan`s sister company, ProScan Media Products, specialises in local production and supply of original equipment manufacture barcode self-adhesive labels and thermal transfer ribbons at its head office in Jet Park, Johannesburg.
The ProScan group has regional offices in Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
Intermec
Intermec Technologies Corp, a UNOVA Inc (NYSE:UNA) company, develops, manufactures and integrates technologies that identify, track and manage supply chain assets. Core technologies include mobile computing systems, bar code printers, label media and Intellitag RFID. The company`s products and services are used by customers in many industries worldwide to improve the productivity, quality and responsiveness of business operations.
For more information, visit www.intermec.com.
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