As any business owner knows, productivity is directly related to a company’s profitability. Cutting out even a single step in the work process not only increases efficiency, it helps lighten an employee’s workload. Knowing how to set up a mobile computer workstation to streamline your daily operations is definitely an advantage. In this article, we’ll outline the basics of these innovative, time-saving solutions, along with the best mobile computers and workstations currently on the market.
What Is a Mobile Computer Workstation?
When we refer to mobile computer workstations, we’re talking about a portable data processing and handling area that complements a mobile computer. Employees use their handheld devices to collect and process various data, while the workstations compile and store these data from multiple mobile computers.
The advantage of having portable mobile computer workstations is that it eliminates the unnecessary step of going to a stationary computer for each individual task. Employees that need something printed or backed-up can do so right where they’re working.
Anyone searching for mobile computer workstations on the internet may have come across several similar terms . To avoid confusion, let’s differentiate between them.
A mobile computer is a handheld PC, resembling a mobile device, but with more industrial-related applications. A mobile workstation, on the other hand, is similar to a notebook computer, but with more powerful processors in order to run CAD, 3D rendering software, or video editing.
Although the terms have similarities, these devices have different uses, and are adapted for different work environments. Mobile computers are best suited for data processing and collection on-the-go, while mobile workstations are for work-from-home or telecommuting scenarios.
Top 5 Mobile Computer Workstations for 2022
Below are some of the top producers of mobile computer workstations in 2022. Although individual products aren’t named as the needs of each business can vary greatly, these manufacturers offer products for an array of industries.
Newcastle Systems
A leader in the powered cart market, Newcastle Systems offer several product lines of multipurpose powered carts to address various industry needs. Newcastle prides itself as an innovator in regards to mobile workstations. With 20 years of experience, they have built a reputation in their field.
Featuring designs that range from the basic workstation to high-end carts with portable batteries, there’s surely a mobile workstation to fit your business. Browse their product list to find which product suits you best.
Definitive Technology
Another company that concentrates mainly on computer workstations, the Definitive Technology Group philosophy centers upon improving efficiency. Their industry solutions give point of task tool availability or a variety of job applications.
Their product listings provides specialty carts for warehousing, medical applications, point-of-sale retail and food service, training, and manufacturing. Each of their various workstations has been designed to adapt to the needs of their particular industry.
Whether you’re a small to medium enterprise looking for a way to increase efficiency, or a large-scale company with multiple warehouses, there’s a Definitive Technology solution to meet your needs.
Ergotron
As the name suggests, Ergotron centers upon ergonomics in the design and development of its workstations. Their offerings promote productivity by providing workers with comfortable ways to go about their jobs.
Ergotron’s product lists include several medical carts and computer carts that can be adapted for use in other applications.
Global Industrial
A company focused upon making industrial management solutions, rather than being workstation-centric, Global Industrial still offer an interesting line of products. They have a large catalog of workstation-related furniture and peripherals for a wide range of business operations.
Global Industrial workstations go from low to mid-tier, usually offering basic amenities without the portable power solutions of other companies. Purchasing various accessories to complement their workstations can readily address this problem, however.
Customers that wish to build their own mobile computer workstations from the ground up will be pleasantly surprised to see their various product offerings.
Techni Mobili
Based on ergonomic home, office, and entertainment products, Techni Mobili provides great choices for small to medium businesses looking for mobile computer workstations. Their product listing is rather limited in comparison to the previous companies on this list, but may still be worth consideration.
The Essential Gadgets for Your Mobile Computer Workstation
When setting-up your mobile computer workstation, there are several gadgets that you may want to include as essential peripherals . Here’s a quick overview of what you might wish to install as accessories.
Battery Chargers and Extra Batteries
The point of creating a mobile computer workstation is to keep operations on site and to reduce downtime in between scanning and storing data. The handheld nature of mobile computers means that they operate using batteries. As a result, running out of power in the middle of a task is quite common.
Having a battery charger or extra batteries at your mobile computer workstation eliminates the need to rummage around whenever the need arises.
Printers
Especially useful for warehousing tasks, being able to print labels or inventory lists on-site increases your efficiency considerably. The development of wireless printers has made it possible to set up printing devices on a mobile computer workstation without having to fiddle with power cords and cable connections.
Mounting Solutions
The sign of an efficient employee is the ability to multi-task. Mounting solutions like brackets and braces helps users keep an eye on their mobile computers or monitors while keeping their hands free for other tasks.
An efficient mounting bracket allows an employee to quickly pick up their handheld computer when needed, but keep it secured whenever it isn’t being currently used.
Storage
Mobile workstation storage not only refers to places where your devices can be kept securely, but also to drawers where documents can be stored. The mobile nature of this workstation increases the susceptibly of files and papers getting scattered or misplaced. Proper storage is the best way to prevent such accidents from happening.
Adjustable Lighting
Proper lighting helps when viewing documents and files in badly lit environments. Warehouse workers in particular may experience this more often than not. Most mobile computers feature backlights and bright screens, but their other documents don’t. Adjustable lighting solutions built into the mobile computer workstation are always a welcome addition.
The Best 5 Mobile Computers in the Industry
Ultimately, the efficiency of your mobile computer workstation will rely on the mobile computers that you use with them. Here’s a list of the best mobile computers currently available.
Honeywell CT60
A leader in creating industrial solutions to meet the modern market, Honeywell strives to offer products for a wide variety of applications. The Honeywell CT60 lives up to that philosophy with its rugged construction and ability to adapt to various operations.
The Honeywell CT60 is compatible with Android 9 to Android 11, enabling it to connect with a lot of other Android capable devices. Future Android 12 and 13 feasibility is also available. It has a 2.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core processor. In addition, there is 4GB DDR RAM memory and 32GB of flash memory which allows it to run a whole gamut of computer programs.
With operating temperatures ranging from -4°F to 122°F, it’s perfect for warehousing data processing, especially for items that require controlled temperatures. The Honeywell CT60 can withstand rough handling, and is great for busy warehouses or out in the field. It also boasts a an IP65 and IP68 rating in ruggedness.
Sonim RS60
A provider of ultra-rugged mobile devices for heavily physical work environments, Sonim supplies industrial communication and connectivity tools for a wide range of fields. The Sonim RS60 is an example of the reliability and durability of its mobile computer products.
The RS60 has an Android 10 compatible operating system, along with a 2.2 GHz Qualcomm MSM8953 Pro, Octa-core processor. Installing software should be rather simple. The RS60 has 4GB of DDR ram and 45GB of user memory available, so there should be plenty of space for all the applications you’ll need.
With operating temperatures ranging from -4°F to 131°F, the Sonim RS60 will run perfectly well whether it’s inside a cold storage unit or outside under the sun. And with an IP67 rating, the RS60 is both waterproof and able to withstand being submerged in water.
Sonim RS80
Another outstanding Sonim product, the Sonim RS80 is a tablet version of the RS60, offering a wider screen and tactile function buttons.
Similar to the RS60, the Sonim RS80 has a 2.2 GHz Qualcomm MSM8953 Pro, Octa-core processor but with 64GB of user memory along with 4GB DDR Ram. It shares RS60’s Android 10 compatibility giving it the same ease of use when it comes to various software.
It operates in temperatures ranging between -4°F to 131°F and is also waterproof and capable of surviving being submerged in water, with its IP67 ruggedness rating.
The main difference of the Sonim RS80 and the RS60 is the wider screen and the number of tactile function buttons. The RS80’s tablet form is better suited for use where you need to view larger amounts of data at one time. The larger screen and more tactile buttons also help in instances of low visibility.
Zebra TC5X Series
Boasting over 50 years of industry experience, Zebra solutions have used their business know-how in the creation of Mobile Computers. They are known to be some of the best on the market. The Zebra TC5X Series is the company’s current top of the line brand when it comes to handheld computing tools.
With a 2.4 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 660 octa-core processor and 4GB of Ram, it one of the fastest mobile computer models in this list. With user memory ranging from 32GB to 64GB Flash depending on the model, it’s able to run a variety of applications. On the down side, it is limited to the Android 11 framework.
Operating at temperatures between -4°F to 122°F, the Zebra TC5X series is well adapted to various industrial environments. With an IP rating of between IP65 and IP68, it can withstand water jets and accidental submersion beyond one meter, depending on the model.
Datalogic Skorpio X5
Specializing in factory automation and data automatic data capture, Datalogic is a global company that provides a great deal of mobile computing solutions for various industries. The Datalogic Skorpio X5 is their latest entry into the mobile computer market.
With a 2.2 GHz Qualcomm® SDA660 System-on-Chip and Ram ranging from 3GB to 4GB depending on the model, it has a remarkably fast performance. With user memory ranging from 32GB to 64GB, it’s able to store quite a number of applications for use during operations.
The Skorpio X5 is rated at IP65, making it able to withstand jets of water, though unlike the other devices on this list, it may not fare well to getting submerged. Operating temperatures have also not been indicated, but it should operate well in normal warehouse conditions.
What sets the Skorpio X5 apart from the other mobile computers on this list is its external keyboard input. This frees up the 4.3-inch screen to display more information, and can operate under a variety of lighting conditions. The Skorpio X5 uses the Android 10 framework, and is compatible with a number of Android devices.
How to Make a Compact Mobile Computer Workstation
- Anticipate the needs of employees
The purpose of creating a mobile computer workstation is to give the employees the ability to perform all the tasks they need on-site. This is accomplished by providing all the tools they might require.
That being said, not all work assignments involve every gadget available. If an employee only needs to take inventory, having them bring a printer along is unnecessary. The same goes for battery packs for tasks that only require short periods of time. Learn to anticipate the needs of your employees and adjust the peripherals of your workstation appropriately.
- Keep the workplace in mind
The size of your workstations should be adapted to the workplace. If your warehouse has narrow corridors, then the workstation should not only be able to fit, it should be able to easily maneuver along them. Many workstations are modular and allow the user to place various peripherals in different configurations.
- Workstations can be used by multiple employees
A mobile computer workstation set up with a central data storage device like a PC or laptop can accommodate multiple mobile computers. This is especially handy when taking inventory, with several workers assigned to a particular area of the warehouse. You can adjust the number of gadgets you need depending on the number of workers that will use the workstation.
Warehouse Mobile Computer Workstation Tips
- Keep operating temperatures in mind
Most mobile computers have been built to withstand a wide range of temperatures, but your peripherals and accessories may not. Batteries and battery packs could run out quicker during the cold. In addition, printers may stop functioning when it gets too hot or humid. Take note of the proper operating temperatures of all the items in your workstation to ensure maximum efficiency.
- Ensure adequate Wi-Fi coverage
If your mobile workstation PC or laptop needs to be logged onto a local network, make sure that there’s adequate Wi-Fi coverage in your workplace. Having to move your workstation to somewhere with a proper signal in order to operate negates the point of having a mobile workstation.
- Battery packs will need recharging during off-time
Make sure that batteries and battery packs are properly charged during off-time, whether they’ve been recently used or not. Replacing a used battery with another empty one is an inconvenience that can easily be avoided by keeping your batteries topped off.
Talk to a Mobile Computer Expert
Setting up a mobile computer workstation can be a daunting investment, especially with the number of options available. Finding the proper gadgets, accessories, and peripherals tailor-made to your particular business is a very important task.
Here at Energy Electronics, our team of experts with years of experience in mobile computing are always at the ready to provide you with valuable recommendations. If you need personal solutions to any of your business problems, then our staff is qualified to help.
In addition, we offer bulk rates for our mobile computer workstation products and gadgets, giving you the best devices at affordable prices,
For a free quote on any device for your mobile workstation within one business hour, fill out the form below:
