It is crucial for businesses to select the right phone for their staff, especially ones that meet their technical needs as certain equipment is impractical in particular fields of work. The longevity, price, security and functionalities of cellular devices are prominent points to consider in order to get the best deal. There are two types of devices you may consider: a consumer or a rugged mobile phone. Both have underlying similarities and differences that are beneficial to explore before finalising a purchase.
Durability
The greatest damage to cellular devices arises at construction sites, warehouses, healthcare, manufacturing and other high intensity working environments. The main issue is the use of consumer phones that are unfit to operate and survive under demanding work conditions. The rugged mobile phone, however, is designed to meet enhanced standards of durability to prevent damage that costs businesses the productivity of their workforce, potential information loss as well as the financial loss that is commonly experienced when a regular smartphone is used in unfit conditions. This alone makes it a suitable option for workers whose phones may be exposed to shocks, drops, scrapes and spills.
MOST DURABLE: RUGGED
Battery Life
It is essential for frontline customers who operate in mobile environments to have a device they can rely on throughout their working day to remain productive and on task. Although consumer phones have improved their battery life over the past few years, it is still unrivalled to the longevity that the rugged mobile phone offers. Additionally, if the battery of the rugged phone were to get damaged, the user will be able to replace it without any hassle. This cannot be said for a consumer mobile, as they are dependent on charging in a shorter time bracket. Although both phones are now on par in terms of price, owning a consumer phone will mean further costs in the future as the battery is irreplaceable and therefore may require a professional replacement service.
BEST BATTERY: RUGGED
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. Consumer mobiles are practical as they fit comfortably in hands and pockets but require skin contact in order to be navigated. With the safety needs of workplaces in mind, rugged mobile 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.
BEST TOUCH SENSITIVITY: RUGGED
Security
The security provided within a device is a key attribute for business customers, especially in industries like healthcare where sensitive data like patient records need to be regularly accessed and updated. Personal data stored on a work device is at risk of breach if the right security is not enabled. Consumer phones have a long history of data breaches that have impacted businesses and their customers across the world. Unlike consumer phones, rugged mobiles contain superior security features that can lockdown applications, so the user is the only individual permitted to access the data. In addition, in the event of loss or theft, the rugged mobile phone offers a device management system enabling administrators to disable any phone and therefore revoke access to the device and the data stored on it.
BEST SECURITY: RUGGED
Both consumer and rugged devices have qualities that make them suited for work purposes. However, the rugged mobile phone is the most suitable device for those who are working day to day in challenging environments that require a phone to match ambitious standards without facing instant damage.
At Daisy Communications, we offer a range of Samsung Rugged devices that are built with the needs and working environments of frontline workers in mind.
