Ruggedized PDAs

Most companies that contact us about buying mobilitiy software, have not yet selected their handheld PDAs. This is not a problem if the requirements for the mobile application are simple data collection, but when the mobile application requires the use of specialized hardware (i.e. bar code scanning, GPS, imagery, digital photos, RFID) it is important to understand your needs before implementing a software solution. Why? There are hundreds of different handheld computers with hundreds of different add-on features. These add-on features and hardware components have "software" drivers. These "drivers" enable a software application to "communicate" with the hardware component. These drivers are most often publically available, but they still require someone to add them to your mobile software application. So when my PSO (consulting team) reviews a project's requirements, they will look to see if there are any new "software drivers" that need to be added as part of the deliverables.

So how do you know what kind of hardware to purchase? This really depends on the environment where the work will be conducted. Do you need water resistant, or water proof? Do you need a numeric keypad, or full alphanumeric, or can you get by with simple push buttons on the screen? Do you need GPS, bar code or RFID integration? If so, do you need these all of the time, or only on special occasions? Will they be dropped on concrete daily, weekly or monthly? Are you working in mud, dust and sand? Generally the more ruggedized you need the higher the price you will pay.

How will you synchronize the handheld computer? Will you use a simple cradle mount, or do you want to synchronize from the field? Do you have access to a WiFi hotspot, or do you need a GPRS data card? Again, these decisions effect both the cost of the hardware and the hardware components you need.

Another question is what kind of battery life do you need? Do you need an 8 hour charge, or a 16? Do you want to purchase spare batteries, do you want to be able to charge the battery via a car charger or simply purchase an extra heavy duty batttery upfront?

It is worth the extra effort to effectively survey the working environment of your team before you purchase the hardware. This will help you ensure that the handheld computers that you purchase will match your working environment, and that you have purchased the hardware configuration that will provide the optimal return on your investment.