Rugged devices are designed, inside and out, for complete reliability in environments that most mobile devices can’t handle.
The construction industry, like most industries, has been revolutionised by mobile technology. It has improved communication, decision-making, tracking and managing of resources including materials, people and workflows. However, the construction industry’s requirements for mobile devices are vastly different than most consumers’ needs and wants.
Whether you’re a construction business owner or a worker, you need mobile devices that are durable, secure and rugged and that offer software applications for use in the field.
Below are 5 reasons why construction businesses and workers can benefit from switching over to rugged mobile phones:
#1: An unintentional extended dip in a puddle of mud, pool, pond or other body of water won’t kill a truly waterproof phone
Waterproofing is important for businesses and workers that operate anywhere around water, and especially in construction. Waterproof, durable devices also prevent needing to spend extra money on expensive, aftermarket cases (that often make the phones more difficult to use and charge).
Not all types of waterproofing are equal, however. Water-resistant phones that are coated with hydrophobic sprays may ensure the device survives a dunk in water, but true waterproof phones will ensure that no water — carrying dirt, cement or other materials — can enter the phone to begin with. Water-resistant phones aren’t able to prevent the ingress of water or other liquids into the device.
Rugged phones take a different approach to waterproofing than most water-resistant phones, such as using waterproof gaskets, air-permeable membranes over the speakers and even rubber-coated screws as an integral part of the construction. In addition, features such as Glove & Wet Touch Operation mean your device not only survives water exposure, but that it still works when wet, keeping you productive and connected at all times.
#2: Drops, dirt, shock, dust and extreme environments are no sweat for a rugged device
For most construction workers simply having protection from a cracked screen or water damage isn’t close to enough. For those who work in the field, often in hazardous conditions and require use of their mobile devices to drive workflows, they need phones that can stand up to rigorous, often dynamic environments.
Rugged devices that are waterproof and meet Military Standard 810G for protection against shock and vibration, as well as exposure to extreme environmental conditions such as heavy dust, high altitudes, solar radiation, heavy salt and fog, and extreme humidity, are imperative for use on many jobsites.
Moreover, non-rugged devices require an external case to protect the shell and screen from damage, but they are still fragile inside at the component level, and are not built to withstand abuse. Rugged devices are designed, inside and out, down to the circuit board, for complete reliability in environments that most mobile devices can’t handle.
#3: Rugged devices can reduce the Total Cost of Ownership
While the cost of consumer devices may initially seem lower than that of rugged mobile devices, standard comparisons can be deceiving. The longer lifespan of rugged devices, alone with the fact that parts can frequently be replaced or upgraded, often makes the total cost of ownership lower. And that is before considering that consumer devices are more easily broken (and thus more likely to need replacement), which often necessitates the keeping of multiple spare devices, adding to the original cost of purchase.
#4: Rugged devices don’t compromise on mobile security features
For construction companies with networks, data security isn’t confined to the office. Sensitive, proprietary information needs to be protected all the way to the jobsite. With more data living on the cloud than ever before, a high level of security is imperative for rugged devices. A hack into a single device can expose huge amounts of a company’s and its employees’ sensitive data. Rugged devices that include extensive security features to ensure construction businesses have a secure means of communicating, creating mobile workflows, and sending important information to and from the cloud from anywhere, are critical.
#5: Touch sensitivity
The health and safety of workers in intensive roles is undoubtedly a top priority for employers. Wearing protective gear such as gloves is an essential layer of security. Nevertheless, it can be an obstacle when trying to use a work phone due to the lack of touch sensitivity. With the safety needs of workplaces in mind, rugged phones are designed to be more sensitive and responsive than ever to touch, enabling workers to use their device without removing their gloves. Not only does this benefit convenience, but it is also a remarkable step forward in smartphone technology.
Introducing the Galaxy XCover Pro
The features inherent in Samsung’s Galaxy XCover Pro can serve as a kind of template, illustrating six key points to look for when choosing a smartphone with your active, frontline employees in mind. With built-in security, long battery life and push-to-talk capability, the Galaxy XCover Pro is more than just a sturdy workhorse. Here’s why:
Rugged specs: Rugged devices should meet technical standards for durability, including MIL-STD-810G and IP68 certification. Developed by the Department of Defense, MIL-STD defines the survivability of devices under the harshest conditions. To test the durability of the Galaxy XCover Pro, researchers dropped it from a height of 5-ft. 26 times and submerged it for 30 minutes in 5-ft. of water. With Corning Gorilla Glass 5, the 6.3-in. edge-to-edge display is field-tough without sacrificing screen real estate or beauty.
Push-to-talk (PTT): The Galaxy XCover Pro integrates with Microsoft Teams and other PTT solutions. Businesses can use the two programmable buttons to simplify high-priority communications and tasks, so workers can be more collaborative and productive in all environments.
Battery life: On the factory floor or in the field, battery life is a perennial “most important” factor for business users of mobile devices. The Galaxy XCover Pro features a fast-charging 4050mAh battery that delivers 14 hours of continuous use. If the job still isn’t done, you can simply swap out your battery to keep on going. A heavy-duty pogo pin connector provides rock solid connections for charging and peripherals.
Security: Every smartphone deployed in a business setting needs built-in security to protect your data. The built-in Samsung Knox platform provides strong hardware-based security and can combine with Knox Manage or Knox Configure to give enterprise administrators maximum control over device management and security. Plus, the Galaxy XCover Pro’s built-in fingerprint authentication keeps unauthorized users from accessing the phone.
Powerful capabilities: A rugged phone should have top-shelf amenities, and the XCover Pro comes fully loaded. In addition to front and rear cameras that allow for easy photo and video capture in the field, the phone offers near-field communications (NFC) for wireless data transfer, internet of things (IoT) integrations and contactless payments.
Glove-ready: The Galaxy XCover Pro’s enhanced touch capabilities let workers use the phone in virtually all conditions, even in the rain with gloves on.
For mobile devices in the workplace, the rugged smartphone represents a step forward. Field workers and employees in other heavy-use industries know the value of having a phone you can drop or douse. Now, they’re asking for more: a smartphone with the same high-grade features as the top consumer devices, plus workplace extras that support productivity in the field.
Get in touch with us to find out more about our rugged phones for business.
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