Need a Smartphone Solution? Here's Why Frontline Workers Favor Enterprise-Grade Mobile Devices

While an increasing number of businesses are turning to touch mobile computers and tablets for mobile workflows, there's still debate over whether to invest in rugged enterprise-grade hardware or stick with consumer-grade technology.

For workers on the frontline, the choice is clear: These employees often favor enterprise-grade mobile devices over smartphones, particularly when it comes to barcode scanning. 

Unlike smartphones, which are designed for consumers, enterprise-grade devices are built for rugged work — whether that's in a warehouse, grocery store, manufacturing facility or industrial environment. In addition to durability, enterprise-grade devices offer several advantages: from effective scanning software, to an ergonomic design that improves worker comfort and productivity.

Designed for users to operate apps, check texts, take photos and other similar functions, consumer-grade smartphones aren't built for industrial environments — just ask anyone who's cracked their screen on the sidewalk.

While smartphones do offer scanning software, this technology alone doesn’t facilitate a simple — or comfortable — “point-and-scan” experience, especially when scanning hundreds or thousands of barcodes a day.

Business owners must consider the entire system. For instance, the device’s design and how button position supports people’s natural tendencies. Additionally, the barcode scanners must be reliable and efficient to ensure smooth operations. Like in any business endeavor, the hardware and software alone can't solve a problem with process. They must work in unison to be considered a "true solution."

Here, we'll look at four key reasons workers favor enterprise-grade devices — and why you should, too.

The Advantages of Rugged Devices

1. Ruggedization

Rufus Cuff Pro in the swivel mount arm sleeve paired to Rufus Scan2 CR

Devices need to be rugged enough to withstand enterprise-grade work. That means the strength to withstand drops, collisions with heavy equipment, and the elements: liquid, moisture, heat and cold — the list goes on, especially if your employees work outdoors. That's why all Rufus WorkHero Android devices are built for ultimate protection against whatever the warehouse or industrial facility could throw at your workforce.

2. Barcode-Scanning Efficiency

Consumer-grade devices typically only have a camera on the back for photos. When enterprises equip frontline workers with consumer smartphones to scan QR codes or barcodes with a third-party camera app, the experience not only slows down the process, it's also unreliable, especially when accurately tracking inventory in real-time.

The Rufus Cuff ProScan

When compared to the dedicated, integrated barcode scanner on Rufus devices, these back-of-device cameras take large photo files that must be transmitted, taking up substantial amounts of bandwidth and data.

Additionally, enterprise mobile barcode-scanning devices, like those from Rufus, utilize a data wedge that allows for further customization of barcode-reading settings to communicate more efficiently with different barcode symbologies. Most back-of-device cameras aren’t built with the proper software integrations in mind for proper barcode reading, or they require costly software design to custom-build functions.

3. Ergonomically Designed

Rufus Cuff ProScan

Enterprise-grade rugged mobile devices, like the Rufus Cuff ProScan2, are designed with an optional built-in barcode scanner, with scan triggers strategically placed in the optimal position for quick and reliable barcode scanning.

Users often have the Rufus Cuff Pro on their wrist, as a wearable, and pair it to our bluetooth, wearable back-of-hand scanner for even faster barcode scanning speed. There are strong advantages to this system: Workers typically see a 50 percent boost in productivity going from handheld to wearable scanning.

The scan triggers are also ergonomically placed. When using consumer devices, frontline workers have to repeatedly hold the camera at an uncomfortable angle, as it's not designed for true barcode scanning.

4. Cost Effective

Businesses often believe they're saving money by purchasing less expensive, consumer devices. But when frontline workers aren't appropriately equipped, it often ends up costing companies more down the line. For example:

— Operations often end up spending thousands of dollars in repairs, as consumer devices are more prone to damage and breaks.
— Slower scanning speeds increase task time when it comes to barcode scanning, which like repairs, can add up quickly.

— Devices that aren't ergonomically designed decrease worker productivity and job satisfaction.

The Jay Group saved $50,000 a year in IT and device replacement costs by switching to Rufus WorkHero enterprise wearable android barcode scanners. Built-for-purpose, these enterprise-grade devices will save you money (and headaches) in the long run by keeping workers safe, satisfied and more productive.